Should I allow Filming in my rental again?

[HannahyMartín0]

Hello Everyone,

As a Co-host I recently went through the downside of renting a home to a film crew for production. I personally met with them months prior to get a feel of how it would be. This was the first film shot in the house, so myself and the primary host weren't very aware of the ins and outs. I regret not doing my homework as far as what questions to ask and such. I was assured months prior that furniture would be covered up, walls protected, no crew sitting around on chairs etc. Again, first timer here. They rented the house for a little under 2 weeks.

Knowing they were on a budget, we didn't charge an arm and a leg nor ask for a deposit. These 2 weeks were a living nightmare for me. I went by the house daily to check on things. Soon enough walls were marked up, crew sitting on chairs-leaving stains, broken items etc. I confronted one of the primary crew members about this being a problem, they said this kind of thing is absolutely normal and marks on walls happen. Basicallythe opposite of what I was told by them months prior. I didn't block off enough days after they left to repair all damages. I want to be open to another film crew coming in, but it was a nightmare for me. What sort of questions and requirements should be taken into consideration when accepting another?

Is Airbnb the correct site to allow film shooting?

[Ann72]

@HannahyMartín0, it sounds like you've already figured out some things you'll want to do or ask next time, like charging more and getting a deposit.  Here are some additional thoughts:

1. Yes, charge an arm and a leg.  I do a lot of contracts with film studios, and literally the only thing anyone in the film industry respects is money.  When they have to pay actual money, they behave a lot better than when they don't.

2. Require a Certificate of Insurance.  In my apartment building, I can't so much as have someone come in and out with a chair before they have to submit a COI showing the following:  

Commercial General Liability: $1M per incident $2M Aggregate

$5M Umbrella

Proof of Workers' Compensation

3.  Write "house rules" specifically for film shoots.  Think of everything you want them to do or not do, touch or not touch, before, during, and after.

4.  Require that everything must be put back exactly as it was when they complete the shoot.  Provide photographs for them to follow.

5.  Require a contract.  Have a lawyer look at it and red-line it before you sign it.

I know you'll think of other things - don't be afraid to be super-demanding.  If they don't like it they can find something else.

[Lawrene0]

No, @HannahyMartín0 , Airbnb is not the correct site to allow film shooting. You have listed all the reasons for this in your story. 

If you are very keen to have another such group marking up your place, try a site like setscouter. That's the one I know, but there are many others. There are a few reasons I charge six times more per day on setscouter than I charge for a night on Airbnb. Use of resources is one. Damage is another. 

[Alon1]

@HannahyMartín0 

I've had about 20 shoots in my home, either film or photo.. However, nowhere near on the time-scale of 2 weeks. The majority were single day, a couple for two days.

It was one of the surprises when I began hosting to discover that Airbnb became quite popular for this purpose in the UK. I was also fortunate to consult another Airbnb hostess whom I met at an Airbnb gathering and who used to be a Location Library manageress. She didn't encourage me, but did advise at some length how to negotiate these shoots. Her advice proved invaluable. 

If you wish I can share with you how to deal with these smaller projects. 

In respect of price, while each project is separately negotiated depending on project budget, I generally get considerably more than Lawrence judging by his nightly price x6. In short, it can be quite lucrative.

Still the most important thing is to accept projects within one's parameters. 

[Yuki242]

@Alon1 

Thanks for the interesting post !

I am very new to all this and wondered if you could point me in the right direction... 

I've just been approached by WALL TO WALL MEDIA to film 3 interviews in my lounge with access to kitchen and wc for an ITV documentary series. from 7am to 2.30pm . for 4 crew and 3 people being interviewed.

They've sent me a LOCATION RELEASE FORM WITH FEE (for Individual) but its a bit confusing what to put for the fee as Airbnb would get more than I would ?? -I've offered about £335 for the day , probably should've said more  ...

Is it essential to fill out such a form ? I guess this is my contract with them so I should.... but not done this before so not got a clear idea on how it all works 😕  when I questioned her about the fee she said she could send me a form with a 'no fee' instead ... but that seems a bit dodgy to me ?

They say they have Combined Liability Insurance (public/products) and have sent me a copy of the certificate

Does this mean insurance for any damages to property is covered ?

I also just been asked to do a fashion photography shoot for a new online site for a day with 4 people but they don't have insurance ...

Do you happen to know of agencies in london area so I can check going rate ?

If you wouldn't mind sharing any knowledge you have on how to deal with these projects that'd be so appreciated ! 

Thank you !!