Chances are you’ve been approached by a Location Scout or maybe a Location Manager; so more than likely they’ll be able to answer most, if not all of your questions.
There are several things that you’ll need to ask and know before agreeing to “Hosting” a Film Crew: What “type” of production is it (Movie; TV show; Commercial; Still Shoot; Music Video)?
Will they provide you with a COI (Copy of their Insurance; indemnifying you and your property as additionally insured)?
Will they have a Film permit issued by FilmLA? If the answer is no… hang up or shut the door. That’s the End of the discussion!
FYI ~ A Film Permit is a legally required License issued by FilmLA, LA County’s non-profit governing organization which authorizes a Production Company to legally film specifically determined scenes as outlined and designated within the description of said Film Permit.
The Film Permit will specify the hours of the day for filming; as well as any restrictions and/or requirements the Company must comply with and adhere to in order to film those designated scenes. Permits may also specify if the Production needs to hire Police; the CHP; Fire Dept. Staff; Park Rangers or any City Employees (if required) to supervise the Filming.
So here are some other questions to ask the Location Manager:
How many people are involved and how big will the total Cast & Crew be?
How many Days are they interested in renting your Property for?
Will they want to use the Interior or just the Exterior or both?
Will the Art Department want or need to make any changes to the Property? i.e.: bring in Set Dressing and/or remove your Furniture and any personal items?
IF they are interested in Filming inside your Home, insist that “Layout Board” be used to cover the floors in all those rooms where they will be working.
NOTE: You can decide what rooms are “Off Limits” to the Crew with NO Film Crew access (like Bedrooms; the Bathrooms; and your Kitchen if you like). The Location team will provide a sign on any doors to rooms you want to keep “Off Limits.”
NO Food or Drinks (other than bottled water) are ever allowed inside a Location; with the one exception IF it is an essential part of a Scene (Actors eating a meal; someone pours a Drink).
NO DRUG USE or ALCOHOL consumption is ever allowed on a Set or On Location… Ever!
Also note that ALL Film Crews will bring a large trailer called a “Honeywagon” … a long Trailer with numerous Dressing Rooms and several Restrooms for the Crew. No members of the Crew should ever be allowed to use your personal bathrooms. Smaller Crews, like Still Photography Shoots, will usually have a large Motorhome for their Crew’s restrooms and Dressing Rooms.