Hollywood has been using private homes instead of studios to shoot films for a long time. This has created a great opportunity for many homeowners to make extra cash by renting out their house or apartment to film crews.
Leaving your well-kept home to a 50-strong film crew is a scary thought for many people. But if you are okay with that and want to make some money (and give your property the “cool” factor), here is what you need to know to cash in.
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How It Works
Film and TV production companies use real locations instead of building a set for many reasons, mainly because it is cheaper to pay a homeowner $10,000-$50,000 than to spend a few hundred thousand dollars building a set.
To get your home on the radar of production companies, you can register your home with agencies and film location scouts specializing in location scouting for movies and TV shows. You can also use your local film commission (more on both options later).
You have to fill out an application and provide pictures of your property. Some agencies may even send their people to check out your property.
If your house is chosen, the company will normally pay for your hotel stay while the filming goes on. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the film or show.
If you don’t want to rent your house out for long periods, you can list your home just for photo shoots, where the crew will be there for just a few hours, and you are normally paid a few thousand dollars.
How Much Can You Make if Your House is Used as a Movie Set?
The short and quick answer is between $1000 and $5000 per day.
From the research I have done, it seems like the standard rate in the industry is your monthly mortgage payment per day. So, if your mortgage payment is $1500 a month, you’ll get about the same for each day the crew uses your house.
Not bad, if you ask me!
That said, the exact amount you can make depends on a few factors, such as your location, the size of your property, the interior and exterior of your house, and the shooting duration. These factors dictate how much you can make for letting production companies use your house to shoot movies and TV shows.
For those interested, here are a few examples of people who got top dollars for having their house used as a movie location, according to the NY Daily News:
- Elliott Joseph: Got paid $50,000 to $100,000, plus a screen credit for renting out his home as the shooting location for the movie “Rent.”
- Allison Du Val: Got paid $5,000 a day for renting out her home as the shooting location for the TV show “Gossip Girl.”
How to Register Your House for a Film Location?
As mentioned, there are a few ways to do this.
1. Get your property listed with your state film commission
You can list your property with your state’s film commission.
State film commissions are there to connect filmmakers and producers with local people. Their main concern is to facilitate the shooting of the project and publicize it, while at the same time ensuring some of the local businesses and people are incorporated into the whole process.
Find your local film commission by searching on Google for “your state” followed by “Film Commission.” You can also check out sites like the Directors Guild of America.
2. Get your property listed with agencies/location scouts
Here are a few well-known agencies you can register your home or property with:
If you live in Georgia, you can register your property with The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office.
If you live in England (mainly London & nearby areas), register your property with Shoot Factory.
If you live in Canada, register your property with Digital Library and CreativeBC.
Note: Some agencies are location-specific, but you can still register your property because, for the right movie, they will choose the right property, no matter the location.
Your Turn
Would you rent out your house, apartment, or any other type of property to be used as a film location?
I would love to also hear from those of you who have had your house used as a movie or TV show set.
Does the home have to be fully furnished and decorated? My home is in a great location in Bowie, MD and would be a great site for a film or for a business office for a small business.
It depends on what they want. Every set is different. Bets way to find out is to apply.
I am interested in using my home as a movie set. It is two years old on a two acre lot. Great location for an outside and inside shoot!
i would love to use my house in a set fully furnished in the country side on a acre of land 2 bed one story
Can a 14 years old boy or a girl join your movie shoot
Antoinette, we (MoneyPantry) don’t make movies. If you are serious about becoming an actress, there are many resources online that can steer you in the right direction. And if you are the one that is 14 years old, please make sure your parents are involved so you can stay safe.