Turn Your Home into an Income Stream: Location Houses
In today’s content-driven world, the need for unique and visually appealing spaces is at an all-time high. This presents a hidden possibility for homeowners: renting out their homes for photoshoots and filming. While seemingly unconventional, transforming your home into a location house can be a surprisingly profitable and low-maintainance income stream, especially for those with homes brimming with character and style.
The Rise of Location Houses
Interior designer Stephanie O’Sullivan built her Dublin home, a stylish change of a former warehouse, with the intention of using it as a location house. After the COVID-19 lockdowns, serendipity struck. A London-based photographer, a friend of a friend, contacted her seeking a distinctive Dublin location.”When he shared the pictures afterwards on Instagram, I started getting bookings and decided to sign up with an agency,” O’Sullivan explains, “But there wasn’t one in Ireland, so I, along with fellow interior designer Sinead Wallace, decided to establish our own location agency, So Scout.”
Two years later, So Scout has curated a diverse portfolio of unique homes across Ireland, attracting filmmakers, photographers, and brands alike. This trend is echoing globally, with homeowners realizing the potential to monetize their living spaces.
The Financial Perks
The financial rewards of becoming a location house owner can be significant. Rent can vary widely depending on location, property size, and specific needs of the production. High-demand locations, particularly those with architectural uniqueness or distinctive features, command premium rates.
Practical Considerations
Turning a home into a location house requires careful consideration. You’ll need to assess your home’s suitability, from its aesthetic appeal to its functionality for production purposes.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to make your home available on short notice for shoots.
- Staging: While some productions prefer the authenticity of a lived-in space, others may require staging to achieve a specific look.
- Insurance: Ensure your homeowner’s insurance policy adequately covers filming activities.
- Liability: Have a clear contract outlining liability and responsibilities for any potential damage during shoots.
Beyond Income: A Win-Win for Homeowners and Productions
“It’s a great way to share a small part of my home with the world and see my space come alive in innovative ways,” O’Sullivan adds.”It’s also been incredibly rewarding to connect with talented filmmakers and creatives and be a part of their projects.”
Location house rentals offer a win-win scenario: homeowners generate extra income while providing production companies with unique and often cost-effective spaces.
Homeowners: Ready to Open Your Doors?
If you’re considering turning your home into an income stream, start by assessing its potential:
- Location: Is your home located in a desirable area for productions?
- Style: Does your home have a distinct aesthetic that would appeal to photographers, filmmakers, or brands?
- Size and Layout: Does your home offer the space and flexibility required for various productions?
Onc you’ve evaluated your home’s suitability, research location agencies in your area or explore online platforms that connect homeowners with productions.
Transforming your home into an income-generating location house can be a rewarding experience, offering both financial benefits and the opportunity to contribute to the creative process.
Turning Homes into Hollywood: The Rise of Home Rentals for Photo shoots
In today’s visually driven digital world, homeowners are finding a unique way to monetize their properties by opening their doors to film crews. Platforms like So Scout are connecting homeowners with production companies searching for authentic and stylish locations for photoshoots, transforming ordinary homes into temporary sets for commercials, catalogs, and magazine spreads.
This trend presents homeowners with a chance to generate extra income while showcasing their unique taste and living spaces. However, it also requires careful planning and an understanding of the needs of professional film crews.
Hosting a Photoshoot: A Homeowner’s Guide
For homeowners like katy McGuinness, who lives in a period property blending historic and contemporary architectural styles, hosting photoshoots has seamlessly integrated into her daily life. “The companies that shoot here are well-organized, respectful, and professional,” McGuinness shares. “It’s great to see my home being used in creative ways.”
But before welcoming a film crew into your home, consider these essential factors:
The Right Home
Stephanie, a location scout, emphasizes that a successful photoshoot location requires a certain “je ne sais quoi.” “Generally,a house has to have somthing about it,” she explains. “It has to pique your interest. there’s no one factor. Your home might not be to everyone’s taste, but it might match a brand.” Ideal homes often boast spacious layouts, accessible features, and appealing kitchens, as brands seek spaces that reflect their aesthetic and story.
“it has to be spacious, have easy access, and a nice kitchen. Don’t try to perfect it. Brands are paying for the feeling of the home. They wont to take your personality, what you’ve created, and use it to match it to their brand and elevate it. That can’t be created in a studio,” Stephanie adds.
The Financial Perks
The financial rewards for homeowners who open their doors can be significant. According to So Scout, a standard eight-hour content shoot can earn homeowners between €700 and €1000. “that is baseline and then it can go up depending on the requirements,” explains Stephanie. “Typically, they are one-day shoots between 8am and 6pm.”
Practical Considerations:
While the financial incentives are attractive, several practical aspects need careful consideration before embarking on this venture:
- Cleanliness is paramount: Ensuring your home is impeccably clean is essential for a positive experience for both the production team and the brand.
- Accessibility: Provide clear and easy access to your home for filming equipment and crew members.
- Dialog: Maintain open communication with the production team throughout the shoot, addressing any questions or concerns promptly.
McGuinness,who decided to use her home as a location after her children moved out,emphasizes the importance of feeling comfortable with strangers in your space. “You have to be cozy having strangers in your home if you’re going to be a location house,” she advises.
turning Your Home into a Thriving Hub of Creativity and Income
transforming your home into a location house presents a unique opportunity to monetize your property while contributing to the creative industry. With careful planning, consideration, and an open mind, this venture can be a mutually beneficial arrangement, turning your home into a thriving hub of creativity and income.
Turning Homes into Hollywood: The Rise of Home Rentals for Photo Shoots
In today’s visually driven content landscape,homeowners are increasingly finding creative ways to monetize their properties. A burgeoning trend is emerging: renting homes to production companies for photoshoots. Platforms like So Scout are connecting homeowners with filmmakers,photographers,and advertisers seeking unique and stylish locations for commercials,catalogs,magazines,and even television shows. This presents homeowners with a compelling opportunity to earn extra income while showcasing their taste and architectural styles.
Hosting a Photoshoot: A Homeowner’s Guide
While turning your home into a temporary Hollywood set sounds exciting, it’s crucial to understand the process and prepare accordingly.
“They’re professionals,” says one homeowner. “Usually, they’re here from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—sometimes longer—but you know in advance.”
McGuinness emphasizes meticulous preparation. “You have to have everything pristine. There’s cleaning beforehand. We send our dogs to doggy daycare, declutter personal items, removing things like family photos.They will be moving things around during the shoot, so don’t leave things out that are precious likewise you wouldn’t if you were having a party.
Martina mahady, another homeowner who’s embraced this opportunity, notes the variety of shoots she hosts, ranging from furniture and fashion to TV commercials and film productions. “We now do about a dozen shoots a year,” she explains. “Some are in and out in a day, TV filming might be anything from two days to a week.” Mahady also highlights the importance of designated space and clear communication. “We have a designated area for ourselves with our coffee machine set up. We eat out or I have pre-made food,” she says. “There’s a bit of planning involved. Windows and patio have to be fresh, but the crews leave the place as they found it, and you have your kitchen back by evening. It also gives you the incentive to stay on top of your home.”
Turning Your Home into a Film Set: A Guide for homeowners
For homeowners with unique and interesting spaces,opening their doors to film productions can be a lucrative and rewarding experience. The opportunity to earn extra income while showcasing their home’s character to a wider audience is appealing to manny. This win-win situation benefits both homeowners and production companies, driving the growing trend of using residential spaces in content creation.
The Homeowner Experience: “Vrey Organised, Respectful, and Professional”
Homeowners who have embraced this opportunity frequently enough describe the experience as surprisingly seamless and enjoyable.
“The companies who shoot here are very organised and respectful and very professional,” shares Katy McGuinness, a homeowner who frequents hosts film shoots in her period property. “Usually, they’re here from 9am to 5pm — sometimes longer — but you know in advance.”
McGuinness emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation.
“You have to have everything pristine so there’s cleaning beforehand. We send our dogs to doggy daycare, declutter personal items, removing things like family photos.
“They will be moving things around during the shoot so don’t leave things out that are precious in the same way you wouldn’t if you were having a party.”
Variety and Planning: A Collaborative Effort
Another homeowner, Martina Mahady, notes the diverse range of shoots she hosts, from furniture and fashion to TV commercials and film productions. “We now do about a dozen shoots a year,” she explains.”Some are in and out in a day, TV filming might be anything from two days to a week.”
Mahady highlights the importance of clear communication and designated spaces.
“We have a designated area for ourselves with our coffee machine set up.We eat out or I have pre-made food,” she says. “There’s a bit of planning involved. Windows and patios have to be fresh, but the crews leave the place as they found it and you have your kitchen back by evening. It also gives you the incentive to stay on top of your home.”
Beyond Income: A Win-Win Scenario
The trend of using homes for film sets offers clear advantages for both parties involved. Homeowners can earn extra income, become involved in the exciting world of film, and have the opportunity to showcase their unique home to a wider audience. Production companies, on the other hand, benefit from authentic and visually appealing settings that add depth and realism to their productions.
Increasingly, viewers crave content that feels grounded and relatable, and using real homes rather than overly staged locations can contribute significantly to this authenticity.
ready to Open Your Doors?
If you’re considering opening your home to film crews, thorough preparation and research are crucial.
Look for reputable platforms and companies specializing in connecting homeowners with productions. Establish clear communication channels, discuss potential disruptions, and ensure your space is well-prepared and properly staged.
By taking the time to plan and communicate effectively, homeowners can transform their house into a set, reaping the benefits of this collaborative and rewarding experience.
