Filming in my AirBnB?

Jim2
Level 1
Los Angeles, California, United States

Filming in my AirBnB?

I have been contacted mulitiple times from film groups inquiring about renting my home to film in.

 

This concerns me because the normal fee that a location would receive for having their property used for filming is far greater then what my home's airbnb daily rental is set at.

 

Further more there are all kinds of permits required for a crew over 3 people (which both groups that approached me where)

 

The fact that there are film people going around skirting the film permit regulations in order to find cheap loactions to film by using airbnb as a site for people that will agree to their terms concerns me.

44 Replies 44

We successfully had a BBC producer and photographer film at our ranch for a documentary.  We actually lowered our rates.  All was good.  They had the camera equipment delivered the day before they arrived. It was interesting to watch.    

Emily487
Level 10
KCMO, MO

I recently turned down a national news show looking for a place to film an interview.

 

I'm so glad I declined...I figured out a few weeks later that the show's focus was on a local serial killer. I don't have that much sage. 

I was just alerted to the fact that my place was used for a recently released porn video. The girl booked the place for a night and mentioned nothing about making any sort of videos. I am not pleased. I turned down many requests for music videos in the past because I didn't want my place to be associated with another person's/organization's brand. 

Robert4347
Level 2
Vancouver, Canada

Hello, I just today received a booking request from a production company. I am a retired TV producer so familiar with the location shoot process. I have responded with a few questions but feel Air BNB should probably have some type of policy regarding this or maybe there needs to be a separate section just for production bookings in areas with high film production? Will post updates on the outcome. Booking my 2 br house for 100 per day is significantly less than a regular production rate for a shoot (possibly 500-1000 per day) and if the request is just a couple of people making a small independent film with less than 3 production people then I am OK to help out. Will call BNB and ask if they have a blanket policy.

@Robert4347I doubt if Airbnb has any special provisions for the filming industry.  From what I've read concerning filming, you should make sure the production company is bonded/insured and they should provide you with proof of such.  I was just severely burned by a group of students filming on my place, and I wish I had known to ask for their insurance coverage.  Some things are learned the hard way.

Thanks Susan for your comments, sorry about the outcome of your experience. Just like new BNB tenants with no reviews or previous history, due diligence is required to determine if the risk is within your tolerance. I now never lease to new tenants with no previous experience or reviews, not worth the potential hassle. 

Rajan2
Level 8
Los Angeles, CA

There are standard for filming that need to be followed by filmmakers. I have worked with many filmmakers and helped them and the location (homeowners) have success in filming on location. The worst experience will not let anyone film anymore and that is never good since the benefits of getting a major film, netflix show or web show can be very lucrative to your pocketbook. I will find the filming requirements for homeowners to help others and post them. Student filmmakers are trying but need guidance and the homeowners should not be responsible for that guidance.  We can all make money together while advancing the arts and supporting filming. 

I was just sent an inquiry about using my space for filming an Indie movie. Not sure if I should accept. Any advice for me and what should I be aware of?

Laura2592
Level 10
Frederick, MD

We have photographers do engagement and family portrait sessions at our place pretty regularly. We have a release form and a contract. We charge our daily rate. We spell out what is expected (condition when they leave, what parts of the space they have access too, what is wear and tear vs damage, what they are responsible for, what kind of photo credit we want.) We DO NOT book these through Airbnb. We book them directly through social media.

 

I have not had a filmmaker ask but I have heard several hosts on this forum complain about porn shoots in Airbnb, so I would be careful!

Hi Laura, Can you direct me or provide an example contract for your commercial rentals?

 

Hi Laura, that's an  awesome side gig--congratulations. Would love to see the release and contract you use which we'd have to modify for CA law of course.  TIA 

Wes369
Level 1
Elmont, NY

Are any of these productions mentioning production liability insurance?  I film at locations all the time and my insurance covers any damage (which I have NEVER had with my crew) up to 2 million dollars.  If there is insurance involved and they list you as covered, as long as they are not disruptive, loud, or rude to neighbors, I don't see why there is an issue.  Going forward some of these owners should require that the production student or not, have insurance. Make them show you proof of it, and that they listed your property. Sorry to read the horror stories, but I think it's unfortunate that these "bad apples" are spoiling it for the bunch of filmmakers out there.  Be well. 

@Wes369  As with many things, the irresponsible ruin things for the responsible. There seems to be a lot of entitlement around these days- people who try to "get away" with things, whether it's filming a porno without mentioning that intention, or claiming one's ill-trained pandemic puppy is a "service dog".

 

Short term rental hosts have so many people lie to them, that it just becomes easier to say "no pets, no children, no commercial activity".

 

But certainly if a filmmaker was upfront about their project, submitted proof of insurance, put down a damage deposit, agreed to pay commercial rates, and was honest about the number of people who would be there, I'm sure there would be hosts who would be interested. 

As an indie filmaker I'm not surprised by super low budget productions trying to cut corners at every turn. I would tell them "no" on air bnb, but if you for any reason have any desire to provide this service, I would recommend advertising the unit through a film location rental service, so you can get paid what is fair and for there to be an expectation where they need to provide proof of insurance and permits, then everyone's happy, or at least comfortable. A married couple or small group of friends hanging out has a different impact than 10 people on their feet about for 12 hours, setting up and moving heavy equipment and drawing tons of continuous electricity.

Byron54
Level 10
La Ceiba, Honduras

I had a guest who booked our beach house, he never mentioned anything about filming a music video. So recently a lot of friends texted me saying our house was in a music video, and it turned out great to be honest, I got a lot of booking requests and reservations after that!