make your property a star!

Homeowners are allowed 14 days of tax-free rental income. Yes! If you rent your property for 14 days or less annually, you don't have to report the rental income on your tax return. Ask your accountant! Or check out this IRS Rental Property Guide. If you thought the lights, camera, and action that come with a film crew were exciting enough, then the supplemental income generated for opening your doors to the film industry will send you over the moon.

If you are a business owner, the compensation from the license agreement with the production company will be far greater than the income generated from your business during the same time period. Let's not forget the added promotional value for your business when featured in a film, commercial, or television series. Aside from earning bragging rights, the positive exposure to your business is sure to surpass that of any marketing campaign.

It all starts with the scout. After we list and promote your property to the film industry, a location scout will contact us if your property matches their script. We will then coordinate with you and allow the location scout to conduct the initial assessment of your property. The location scout will then take pictures of your property and consider the following: 

• Is there ample parking close by?
• If there are tenants, are they amenable?
• Does your location meet the needs of the script?
• Is there an area close by for the caterer to feed the cast and crew? 
• Is there sufficient access to the facility – if needed, freight elevators, loading docks, etc? 

If your property meets the production requirements, we will coordinate with you to schedule the technical scout (tech scout). The tech scout involves a visit from the location manager, the director, first assistant director, unit production manager, the production designer or art director, and other necessary personnel to conduct the location survey. At this point, your property is under serious consideration. The director or production designer may ask if furnishings, plants, and other items can be added, moved, or removed for the shot. They may also ask to paint or make other alterations. Be as flexible as you can – the director is trying to match your location to the script.  

And... Action! 

The film industry seems glamorous to most people – until a film crew sweeps in and takes over their property. Opening your doors to the film industry can be overwhelming if you aren't familiar with the production process. Don't worry! We will guide you step-by-step while overseeing the filming activity on your property to avoid or minimize disruption. With Key Locations by your side, you will enjoy the production hosting experience and the financial gains that come with it.

Congratulations! You're under contract!  

When your property goes under contract, it doesn't take very long for the action to begin. There are a lot of moving parts involved, and the filming activity is divided into prep days, shoot days, and wrap days. Prep days are the few days needed before the shoot to dress (prepare the set) and are typically eight hours long or less. Shoot days are the scheduled (filming days) and can be up to twelve hours long, often longer. Wrap days are the final days needed to (clean and restore) your property to its original state, and just like the prep days, wrap days are also eight hours or less.

Now, here come the moving trucks!  

The equipment trucks, trailers, food trucks, and other essential vehicles will be stationed on-site only during the (shoot days). During the prep and wrap days, the trucks will quickly come and go as the crew unloads and reloads their equipment. As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of moving parts involved, and the truck's proximity to the location is of logistical importance. 

Parked closest to the location: 

• The grip truck (contains essential equipment) 
• The generator truck (will power the production)
• The boom lift (if needed, is an elevating work platform)

Space permitting, this equipment also needs to be parked as close as possible to the location: 

• The crane (if needed, is a large crane on wheels)
• The set dresser’s truck (contains props, flats, and greenery) 
• The special effects truck (if required, contains material/props for stunts, and special effects) 

Parked nearby: 

• The catering trucks (food trucks)
• The maxi-van (for shuttling crew, cast)
• The pick-up truck with wardrobe trailer
• The Production cars – 2-3 vans (for errands) 
• The motor homes (two or more) for the actors or director
• The dressing room – toilet unit (commonly called a "honey-wagon")

Once the set has been "prepped" the cast members (the stars) will arrive. 

There are no upfront costs associated with our agency agreement. In fact, it doesn't cost you anything to list your property with us. If your property becomes selected by a production company, we will handle the logistics and oversee the use of your property from beginning to end. Our service fee will be covered by a percentage of the signed license agreement. In other words – we get paid when you get paid.   

Part of our job is to spearhead the license agreement, which is subject to your approval. Once you approve the negotiated figure and the license agreement has been signed by all parties involved, we ensure that the production company pays you in full before the commencement of set-up for filming.  

For your protection, we confirm that the production company has the required certificates of insurance naming you or your business as additional insured. We will also assist you in tracking personnel and other expenses to be billed to the production company in addition to the license fees already paid. These expenses include salaries of individuals dedicated to assisting with the production, such as security, plumbers, electricians, and maintenance. Such reimbursable costs will include your employees’ hourly salary plus any overtime incurred.  

Before the filming activity begins, we will schedule another walkthrough with the production's location manager and any other critical personnel to run through the day’s shoot and discuss one more time the placement of the trucks and other equipment. We will also take "before" photos of your property and the spaces assigned for filming for record-keeping.   

Once filming begins, we will be on-site to serve as a liaison between you, the production company, and any other parties involved. We will also help facilitate the coordination between the production company and facility operations departments. When the production comes to a close, we will organize a final walkthrough and take "after" photos to confirm the restoration of your property and any remaining punch list items.

Hollywood came to you!   

So, you had your first experience with the film industry, and it was great! Now share the news and excitement with your friends, neighbors, and other business owners so that they too can have Hollywood come to their door. 

Don't worry! They won't compete with you. Remember that the film industry chooses locations based on the needs of their script. For example, if they're looking for a home or a restaurant, they're not just looking for any home or restaurant; they're looking for a home with specific characteristics or a restaurant with a distinct ambiance. So, spread the word and share the joy! We would be happy to represent them as well. Give us a call, and let's get started today.