HOW TO SET FILM + PHOTOGRAPHY RATES FOR YOUR PROPERTY

There is no universal rate for renting a property to a film or photography production.

A location fee depends on the property, type of production, crew size, hours, areas being used and how much disruption the shoot creates.

The goal is to charge a fair rate that reflects both the value of the property and the impact of having a production there.

WHAT DETERMINES A LOCATION FEE?

When setting your rate, consider:

  • Type of production

  • Crew + talent size

  • Number of hours

  • Interior vs. exterior filming

  • Amount of equipment

  • Parking requirements

  • Furniture movement

  • Prep + wrap requirements

  • Overnight use

  • Exclusivity or business interruption

  • Property size + uniqueness

  • How production-friendly the property is

A 10-person editorial shoot should not necessarily pay the same rate as a 60-person commercial production occupying the property for 14 hours.

DIFFERENT PRODUCTIONS HAVE DIFFERENT BUDGETS

The type of project can significantly affect what a production can afford.

You may receive inquiries for:

  • Commercial advertising

  • Still photography

  • Television

  • Feature films

  • Music videos

  • Editorial shoots

  • Branded content

  • Interviews

  • Corporate productions

  • Independent projects

A major advertising campaign will generally have a different location budget than a small editorial or independent production.

You can decide whether you want one standard rate or different rates based on production type and size.

HOURLY VS. DAY RATES

For professional productions, a day rate with defined hours is often easier to manage than a simple hourly rate.

For example, your agreement might establish a rate for a specific number of production hours and then charge overtime if the crew remains beyond that window.

Smaller photo or content shoots may make sense as hourly rentals with a minimum booking period.

Whatever structure you choose, clearly define when the clock starts and stops.

DON'T FORGET PREP + WRAP

Shoot day isn't always the only time production needs your property.

A production may request access for:

Prep — furniture movement, set dressing, pre-lighting or equipment delivery.

Wrap — removing equipment, restoring furniture and returning the property to its original condition.

Prep and wrap should be discussed separately from the shoot fee rather than automatically included for free.

ESTABLISH AN OVERTIME RATE

Productions sometimes run late.

Your agreement should establish an overtime rate before the shoot begins so there isn't a negotiation happening at hour 13 while a crew is still inside your property.

Clearly define:

  • Included hours

  • When overtime begins

  • Hourly overtime rate

  • Whether the rate increases after a certain point

CONSIDER THE IMPACT ON YOUR PROPERTY

A higher-impact production may justify a higher fee.

Consider whether the production will:

  • Move significant furniture

  • Bring large equipment inside

  • Use multiple floors

  • Place lights outside

  • Occupy the driveway

  • Require extensive parking

  • Use the property overnight

  • Bring a large crew

  • Prevent normal business operations

  • Require you or staff to remain on-site

For a commercial property, also consider lost revenue or disruption to normal operations.

PROPERTY TYPE MATTERS

Rates can vary considerably between:

  • Private homes

  • Luxury residences

  • Farms + estates

  • Restaurants + bars

  • Retail spaces

  • Hotels

  • Offices

  • Warehouses

  • Event venues

  • Schools + universities

  • Large commercial campuses

A unique property that is difficult to replicate may command a higher rate than a space with many comparable alternatives.

ASK FOR THE PRODUCTION DETAILS FIRST

Before quoting a rate, ask:

  • What is the project?

  • Who is the client?

  • What are the dates?

  • How many hours?

  • What is the estimated crew + talent count?

  • Which areas will be used?

  • Is it still photography, motion or both?

  • Is prep or wrap required?

  • Will furniture be moved?

  • What production vehicles are expected?

  • Are there any special requests?

You don't need to provide a rate the moment someone asks whether your property is available.

Understand the scope first, then quote appropriately.

BUILD A SIMPLE RATE STRUCTURE

Rather than inventing a new number for every inquiry, consider creating a basic internal rate structure.

For example:

Small Shoot
Limited crew, minimal equipment + limited impact.

Standard Production
Commercial photo or motion production with a larger crew and normal production support.

Large Production
Large crew, significant equipment, substantial property use or greater disruption.

Then establish separate policies for:

  • Prep

  • Wrap

  • Overtime

  • Additional shoot days

  • Overnight use

  • Cleaning

  • Site representatives

  • Parking or additional property use

Your rates can still be adjusted based on the specific project.

SHOULD YOUR RATES BE PUBLIC?

You don't necessarily need to publish exact rates online.

For many properties, "rates available upon request" provides more flexibility because production needs can vary dramatically.

If you use marketplaces such as Giggster or Peerspace, you may need to establish an advertised starting or hourly rate. Make sure that rate reflects the type and size of production you actually want to attract.

DON'T PRICE BASED ONLY ON WHAT SOMEONE ELSE CHARGES

Another property charging a certain amount doesn't necessarily mean yours should charge the same.

Their property may have different:

  • Parking

  • Access

  • Size

  • Working hours

  • Restrictions

  • Location

  • Production infrastructure

  • Demand

  • Operating costs

Use comparable properties as a reference, not a rule.

PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING

Before production begins, the agreed financial terms should be included in your location agreement.

That should clearly identify:

  • Location fee

  • Included hours

  • Prep + wrap fees

  • Overtime

  • Additional charges

  • Payment schedule

  • Cancellation terms

  • Security deposit, if applicable

A good location rate isn't simply the highest number you can get. It should fairly compensate you for the property, the time being used and the disruption or risk associated with the production.