What Do Film Makers Look For in a Shoot Location?

Finding the right film location can make or break a shoot. Filmmakers need more than just a good-looking space. They’re looking for places that are spacious, light-filled, accessible and versatile enough to handle the demands of a busy set. From natural lighting and multiple shoot spaces to easy parking and welcoming owners, the right environment helps shoots run smoother, faster and better. Here’s what they’re really looking for, and how Location Creation’s portfolio makes it easy to find the perfect fit.

A no brainer when you think about it! All of the venues in our location library have great natural lighting.

Check out Ritherdon Road and Kingston Glass House for sun roofs and floor-to-ceiling glass for maximum illumination. Some of our other super spacious homes include Drewstead, Links Green, The Hamptons, and Lawn House.

Rooms that look as if they could all be filmed in different locations can be dressed up to look different is the production location hire version of ‘work smarter, not harder’. It saves time and money for filming crews if they can film in one location, not to mention it reduces the amount of logistical headaches for the location managers!

Binfield Court and Bel Air are great examples of properties that have a variety of spaces available.

Location hires with available parking either onsite, street parking or nearby unit bases, are all very popular. All our location library properties have parking available, and we can tell you everything there is to know about local transportation and unit bases.

Accessible locations are increasingly popular, so if there is street level access, a side access point for kit or it’s wheelchair accessible with a ground floor loo, that’s a big thumbs up.

Some filming locations with accessible toilets: Burcote House, Kew House and Orchard House

Some filming locations with street level access: Manor View, The Butter Factory and The Seaview Thatch

Side note to the potential home owners reading this: Prompt communication with the Location Creation team is vital for us to secure you bookings, as things can move very quickly.

The images on our website should reflect your home accurately. Location managers are going off of what they see, so please make sure we have the most up to date imagery.

Almost all shoots will ask if you’re flexible with times, in case crew are a little early or late (especially if they’re arriving by public transport), or if they happen to run over time

1. Say yes to all recces and have your space presentable for them. This shows the crew that you are a great contender for the job and they will not walk into any unexpected situations when they arrive for the shoot!
2. Be accommodating and welcoming, offering tea and coffee stations, and offer for a short tour of the home before shooting starts. Everyone wants to know where the toilets are, where the kettle and fridge is, and if there’s any areas that are out of bounds for them.
3. Remind the crew of your house rules and give them the wifi password and your number in case you are needed during the day.
4. Stay out of the shoots way – it is their professional workspace for the day and as lovely as you are, they need to get on with things as shoots run to a tight itinerary.
5. Ask for any feedback – and always remember to give us feedback too!

Interested in joining our shoot location library? Check out our page for homeowners or get in touch here.