Congratulations on receiving your first shoot request! While it's exciting, it's crucial to exercise due diligence by asking a few questions before deciding to rent out your home. As a homeowner, you have every right to gather information about the shoot to ensure a smooth and suitable experience. Here are some important questions to consider:
"Is this a photo or video shoot?" Understanding the nature of the shoot is essential, as video shoots may require minimizing external sounds, including personal phone calls. This factor could be inconvenient for homeowners working from home.
"What is the shoot about? Which brand/company is commissioning this shoot?" While the specific brand might be less important, it's valuable to know the type of scenes your home will be featured in. Is it a house party, formal interview setting, or a family gathering? This information helps you assess the compatibility of your home with the shoot's requirements.
"How many people will be on-site on the day of the shoot?" Avoid surprises by clarifying the expected number of crew members. Setting a maximum limit, such as 20 crew members, ensures you remain comfortable. Inform the agency or production house about your limits and check if they can accommodate your preferences based on your home's size.
"Which areas of the house will you be filming?" Understanding the specific areas of your home that will be used for filming allows you to establish any off-limits zones. For example, if there are scenes in the bedroom, you can request that they bring their own bed covers. Similarly, for kitchen scenes, they should provide their own tablecloths.
"Where will this video be shown?" Determine the intended distribution of the video. Is it exclusively for social media, or will it be featured on larger platforms like cinemas and other out-of-home channels? This information gives you an idea of the scale and reach of the production.
"Will you be moving any large furniture around?" It's important to communicate any items in your home that should not be moved or require your approval before being relocated. This helps protect your belongings and maintain the desired aesthetic of your home.
"Will you be using our kitchen appliances, such as fridge space, oven, pots, etc.?" Establish an agreement regarding the use of your kitchen appliances to prevent any unexpected surprises on the shoot day. If you're uncomfortable lending your appliances, make it clear, and suggest alternative arrangements.
"Who is the main point of contact for this shoot?" In multi-party shoot engagements involving agencies, production houses, clients, and cast members, it's crucial to identify a single point of contact for the specific shoot. This way, you can easily reach out with any follow-up questions or concerns.
By asking these essential questions, you can ensure a successful and mutually beneficial rental experience for both you as the homeowner and the production team.