Filming

[Jonathan2335]

Had someone ask to film a few scenes for a student project. Is this what I think it is.... brand new host here not sure what to do. 

[Cheri354]

@Jonathan2335 I would ask to see their outline or script for the project first, just in case it's something that you don't want your property/address/name associated with 🙂 Maybe they just need a neutral background for an interview, short play or a documentary about the area you're in. I would be okay with that. But what if it's an R-rated film (or stronger rating)..will people be running through the house throwing things or fighting/knocking stuff over ? What if they are hosting some sort of getaway for 'romantic couples' or will be inviting a bunch of people over ?

Ask lots of questions. Let them know you'll attend or have a friend be there to oversee/answer questions. Maybe have something in writing so you stay in control.

If it's going to be an action-film, I'd take out some things so nothing gets knocked down/broken..leave them more space to work with a camera/lights, etc.

It could be a fun thing~ maybe they will highlight your place by name in the project and it's free advertising ! Good luck to you ~

[Jonathan2335]

Thank you. Its just a room and bathroom they're renting. I asked he swears it's not. But I've had others ask right off the bat so I wanted to try and make sure he isn't just lying to me.  He said it's for college. What can i do if they bring more then 1 guest because as of now I have it set for 2 guests...

[Helen3]

So do they want to film at the premises or just have somewhere to stay? Have you asked what the film is about?  As I mentioned above you need a contract and a copy of his liability insurance.

I wouldn't accept the booking without either of these. 

People can lie so you need to cover yourself. @John7474 

[John7474]

@Jonathan2335 

Hello Jonathan - 

Welcome to Airbnb hosting!   

We host our home in Oaxaca, Mexico, but we live in Los Angeles where I am a TV Director, Writer, Producer.   In my work, I shoot projects in studios but often in rented locations. 

We had a situation at our home in Mexico where a guest who was an Instagram Influencer and used our place to film during their stay, without our permission or knowledge.  They left the house a total mess, and we had to get Airbnb involved. 

We learned a big lesson. 

What we have done is clearly stated in our house rules that all still photography and filming must be prior authorized and a fee is to be paid.  Failure to do so, is grounds for being asked to leave.  If someone is going to shoot a project at our home, we have a list of strict protocols. 

With your situation I suggest the following: 

Since it's a student project, they probably don't have much of a budget for a location fee. I would wave the fee, as it's a student trying to build their career. 

I would do a walk through with the guest, and have them explain exactly what they will be shooting,  how many people will be at your place, equipment they will be using, how long will they be shooting, what furniture they will be moving, are they just shooting inside, do the neighbors need to know,  and all other details of the project.  

I would take pictures of your place before they arrive, in the case anything is damaged or left extra dirty.  

Have the guest detail the scope of their project in the Airbnb message platform, as if there are issues you have a record of your conversation and agreement. 

I would charge a bit more of your normal cleaning fee. Production is dirty, and you will need to do extra work to get your place back in order.  Floors get scuffed, walls get scratched, things get broken.

After they have finished shooting their project, I would do a walk through with the guest, to insure nothing is damaged and everything is put back in place. 

Please reach out if you have questions. 

Best, 

John

[Helen3 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jonathan2335 

If someone wants to film at your premises they need to provide you with a copy of their liability insurance and a contract covering a) what the film is about b) how many will be using the space c) confirmation about whether they need to move furnishing/decorations etc d) arrangements for parking etc e) are they using outside space f) what times will filming take place

I don't agree with @Jonathan2335 that you should offer your place for free that would be ridiculous - you are just starting out running your business and there is a cost involved in you renting out your place.

When I offered my London house for film location work I used to get several thousand pounds a day. You normally charge more for film location work not offer your place for free. If they are students and you want to take the booking then you may want to offer it at your normal rate but certainly not wave your fee. @John7474  you are trying to build your business just as they are trying to build their career and shouldn't be out of pocket because students want to make a film.

You can't do a walk through with the person wanting to book before they book as this is against Airbnb's T&Cs to exchange contact information. And you would have to block off your Airbnb for a day if you wanted them to visit.

If you are going to accept the booking make it a condition of the contract that they need to meet you on arrival for a walk through. I agree you should film/photograph the property before they arrive.

[John7474]

@Helen3 

Thanks for your opinion.

I am not suggesting they get the place for free.  

It is a student project, not a Netflix or BBC production where you can request thousands of pounds as a location fee, like you have done.  Yes, if it's a big company, charge as much as you can. 

I suggest they charge for the use of the apartment, for the days used.  

 If you have ever been a student film maker, there is no funding,  it all comes out of your own pocket.

I guess I am a bit more understanding having been a student film maker years ago.  And since my career has been as a TV Director.  I try to help those along the way, as it's not easy. 

[Helen3]

Your original post says @John7474 

'Since it's a student project, they probably don't have much of a budget for a location fee. I would wave the fee'

You didn't indicate you would charge Airbnb rates.

Many of us have been students and have to fund our projects. In the UK student film-makers apply for grants and fundraise to cover the cost of film production. 

And no it's not just big companies that pay standard film location rates, it could be smaller ad agencies.

As they only want a room and a bathroom  for their film then I am sure the students could ask family/friends if they could use their accommodation if they are on a budget.