Income from hiring out property for film location work

[pipdawg]

I live on a farm with a 28 acre wood. Has anyone any experience of hiring out their outdoor premises for film location work? Did it go well? Was it done through an agency? .....and how much income did it generate?

[joko]

there are loads of sites you can register with for this.
its usually pretty good money but it depends onthe company howmuch.
the main issues for you is upheaval and inconvenience, and general wear and tear... although breakages would be paid for,you get general grubbiness,and minor chips in paintwork etc - most pro crew are very careful and aware its somebodies home, but crews can consist of 100s ofpeopleand loads of equipment etc.
so you may need tohave carpets cleaned - but thecompanymay cover that cost too-you must ensure it is noted in the deal, as lower budget may consider it part of the fee.
it isnot glamourous and you wont get to hangoutwith the celebs... they will probably allow you a hello,butyou willbe expected to largely leave them it -ifpossible you would be best staying elsewhere,asthey will pretty much take over the place often late intothe night an very earlymornings.
lockupor remove any valuables etc
they may move all your stuff about, needto paint walls, put up shelves etc - but it will be put back as it was after

itcan give you a nice extra bonus, but unlikelyto be very regular - and you wouldnt want it to be
try it and see...whether its for you depends on how you feel about your home being overtaken andliving tosomeone elses schedule for minimum of a week for ashortfilm or 3-6 months for a feature.
goodluck

[pipdawg]

Hi Joko - thanks for your comprehensive answer. I suppose it's best just to give it a go and take it from there. My idea was to actually use the acres of woodland that surrounds my house. Best to get in touch with an agency, I think.
Thanks again

[smurfchops]

I use Locationworks, they are very good, outside work is best due to damage although they like to have the option of using inside as well, even if its just for the loo so expect the crew to take over a fair portion of your house, they will pay up to £1000 per day if you are lucky. If you go to work get someone to stay at the house for you in case they need anything. Make sure the agency put their fee on top of your fee. Expect the crew to be there from around 7-8am until 7-8pm, its a long day but very very interesting. You have to take loads of photos and they will put them on their website. I have never heard from any of the other location companies I have registered with over the years. Let us know how you get on.

[smurfchops]

Pipdawg just realised you live abroad ... if so you won't be able to use Locationworks. I think I'm having a Senior Moment day ....

[JonnyBoy12]

My advice to you is to think of the highest figure you think you can get away with and then double it. They have deep pockets and will not think twice to get on your land.

One word of warning though. Make sure you stay with them to see that they do not drill into things. A friend of mine had them over to her house and all the electricians starting drilling into her walls. Do not let them out of your sight and let them know who is boss.

Hope this helps.

[pipdawg]

Hi Smurf Chops - thanks for the advice - I'm a TV extra myself so I've seen this sort of work from a different angle - extras work isn't that well paid though. I guess it would be very interesting having it all going on on my doorstep, predominantly outside

... and you didn't have a senior moment - I live in the UK - Mexico City was a temporary thing.

[pipdawg]

locationworks website looks very promising

[pipdawg]

Thanks, Jonny Boy - I love your optimism about the fee

[JonnyBoy12]

Sorry to hear that film extra work is not that well paid though think it would be quite easy. Can you recommend an agency for me to register with as thinking of doing that sort of thing myself?

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Friend of mine just rented her house to one of the soaps who paid her £750 a day and used her house for 3/4 months (not every day). They rearranged her kitchen and redecorated it which was not to her taste but suited the show. Once they had finished they decorated it again and replaced units to her choice. Was a lot of bother as she let them in in the morning and then went to her parents for the day but there would not be that problem if it was an outside space.

[pipdawg]

I'm currently with 'Seven' from Stafford. I've heard amazing things about 'Gadbury' in Manchester. I've been paid from £6.50 per hour to £9 an hour but travel expenses are not paid. You get well fed though, you meet loads of like-minded people and it's generally a lot of fun. Two drawbacks - you have to get up REALLY early (before 4am in one case to be on set by 6.30am) and there is an awful lot of hanging around. My son has been know to take his A level work with him so he's technically getting paid for studying. I've worked alongside many stars - Charles Dance, Rupert Graves, Gina McKee, Gabriel Byrne, Brendan Coyle, Lesley Sharp, Stephen Tomkinson and many more, but you never get the chance to talk to them because they have a job to do. Work is not that abundant with any agency - it's a paid hobby, not a career.

[pipdawg]

Hello Bakers Dozen - thanks for your reply. i think for £750 per day, I could put up with a lot of convenience. Is this what your friend thought? Most importantly, would she do it again?

[pipdawg]

* 'inconvenience'

[joko]

many film crews most certainly do not have deeppockets... so dont be going in demanding huge sums... they will just go elsewhere

they have to stick to abudget- even bbc productions have a limit

also take pic of EVERYTHING beforehand, so you demonstarte any damages - they will too though, so people cant 'invent' claims,as sometimeshappens

[pipdawg]

wise words, joko