WHAT QUALITIES ARE IMPORTANT?

The most important thing we look for in a property is space – simply put, the crew need room to work in. It doesn’t have to be vast but if a space is very small or very cluttered, it’s impossible for the crew to use it. Even ‘normal’ homes need to be relatively spacious. 

The next most important thing is the space’s personality. Stunning backdrops not only impress an audience, but they play a huge part in telling the story the creatives want to communicate. The perfect location is easy to work in and has the right personality to elevate their product or service – aligning their brand with that personality gives them an edge that can’t always be measured. 

The unique characteristics or aesthetic a home may have is difficult to define but our Scouts know when they see a property if it’s got that je ne sais quoi. Distinctive features might be the immediately impactful ones like cast concrete or authentic Georgian elements or they could be more subtle like luscious natural wood or an eclectic mix of furniture and decorative details. Distinctive features can capture a creative’s imagination and lend character, style, or a sense of uniqueness to a shoot. 

VERSATILITY & FUNCTIONALITY

A creative eye will spot endless possibilities in a space, but versatility is also something that we look for – an adaptable space will be highly sought after because each creative crew can make it their own. Indoors, this can mean large spaces that can accommodate lighting set ups or it could mean multiple visual backdrops within the same property – for example a period home with original features paired with a sleek modern kitchen and dining room extension. Differing styles and moods give huge flexibility for shoots. Outdoor areas are often something that a creative will look for in addition to the indoor location – it may be a sweeping private landscape, a rooftop terrace or a cosy outdoor garden. 

If a crew is looking for a space where they can record video interviews they’ll want somewhere with predictable and controllable noise levels. Great acoustics are created by the space’s shape, furnishings and surfaces, even plants. Equally, while some crews will bring a full studio lighting set up, others will be looking for an abundance of natural light or interesting ways that light can fall in a space. 

When SoScout is considering a location or property we make notes of all of these aspects so that creatives and crews can be fully informed and understand the space before they book. We take note of accessibility, privacy, parking and local amenities like shops and restaurants so that crews can make their plans. The property owners let us know which spaces are available and which are off limits, as well as what furniture can be moved and under what conditions. This is all agreed and communicated so that everyone knows what to expect. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO THE PROPERTY OWNER?

When a property is listed on SoScout’s booking platform it can have huge benefits to the property owner beyond an additional income stream. It can create indirect marketing opportunities for the owner’s business – be that the property itself or their own services. This can be subtle but impactful. You might be involved in the creative industries yourself and growing your network is always good for business.

The financial gains can’t be overlooked though – the flexibility of being able to hire out your property during daytime hours without even short-term overnight stays means that you earn without having to compromise how you use the space. 

Then there’s the buzz of seeing a space that you’ve crafted, and given huge thought to, used in a new creative endeavor – it can inspire your vision for your property in new ways, or just give an ego boost! Celebrating the space’s character and witnessing the unique narratives created within it can be deeply satisfying. And speaking of ego, having your property used as a film location or for a prestigious brand photoshoot can not only give you something to boast about but it can also potentially elevate the value of your property. 

WHAT IF YOU ARE APPROACHED BY A SCOUT?

Location scouts are always looking for new locations to suit their upcoming projects and they may find your property without it being listed on a directory such as SoScout. If that happens, you’re very welcome to contact us. We can help you navigate the contract, offer you some helpful advice and we’re always happy to represent you too, if that’s what you’re looking for. 

Being approached by a production ad hoc can be very new territory. It’s very exciting AND it’s also very important to remember that you have rights, and that there are risks involved too. 

Your fundamental right when approached by a location scout is to ask for as much information as they can give you about the production – and then if, for any reason, you aren’t comfortable with the nature of the project or the terms, you are well within your rights to decline the request. 

If you choose to proceed to negotiations, there are some things you should bear in mind – some examples might include:

Usage: You can specify restrictions on which areas of your property can be used, which parts of the property are accessible to crew and which parts are off limits.

Payment terms: Agreeing the fee, as well as how and when the payment(s) will be made.

Compensation & Insurance: Potential disruptions and general wear & tear may need to be accounted for if the project is more than one day, and all production crews should have their own insurance against damages to the property, as well as accident/ injury on set. When this has been hashed out, you’ll get a contract – this is to protect your interests and clearly outline expectations. Communication and clarity is incredibly important at this stage. All agreements should be signed by both parties before the production begins to ensure legal protection.

WHAT SHOULD THE CONTRACT COVER?

Usage terms: A detailed description of what the space will be used for (e.g., film, photography, commercial production). Depending on the nature of the shoot, the location of your property and how you will be using it while shooting is happening, you may also want to include a clause here about noise levels.

Duration of Shoot: Specific dates and times that the production team will have access to the property. This can also include time restrictions for production hours e.g. no late-night filming, only shooting during certain hours. 

Fees and Payment Schedule: Agreed-upon rates, deposit requirements, and payment dates. This may also include a refundable security deposit.

Insurance Coverage: Confirmation that the production company has valid public liability insurance in case of damage or injury on the premises. 

Property Protection: Rules about moving furniture or wall hangings, how surfaces should be protected and about making any temporary alterations.

Crew Size and Access Restrictions:  The number of people permitted, which rooms or areas are off-limits. 

Cancellation and Liability Clause: Terms surrounding cancellations, unforeseen delays, and liability protections for both parties. 

Restoration Clause: Guarantees that the property will be returned to its original condition after filming. 

Overruns and Unexpected Extensions: Productions may exceed their scheduled shoot time, leading to extended use of your property. Your contract should include late fees to account for this possibility. 

HOW ARE FEES AGREED & PAID?

Fees vary depending on the type of shoot, the duration, and the specific requirements of the production. Fees may be hourly, daily or project-based, depending on the usage conditions. Once the fee structure has been negotiated and agreed, you may require a deposit payment, as well as a refundable security deposit. The contract should specify payment terms, and whether payment is made in-full before the shoot, staged or in installments. If a production cancels at short notice, agreements may include compensation terms for lost income.

Property owners may be requested to issue an invoice to the production company before payment is made, and remember – it is up to each property owner to review their personal tax requirements.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Working with a production can be rewarding, however, there are a few risks to be aware of and should be accounted for and contracted for beforehand. 

Property Damage: Large crews, equipment setups, and heavy foot traffic may cause unintended wear and tear. Ensure the contract covers restoration costs and insurance protections.  

Disturbance and Noise: Filming can be disruptive, especially if it requires loud sounds, long hours, or significant activity outside regular business or residential hours.  

Liability Concerns: If someone is injured on the property, liability protections should be in place to prevent legal issues. The production company should have proper insurance.  

Privacy Issues: Your home or business may be visible in widely distributed media, which could impact personal or professional privacy.  Note, SoScout requires context images of each property showing the approach and exteriors of the property, but they are not publicly available on our website. 

Contract Disputes: Vague terms or missing clauses can lead to misunderstandings regarding payment, damages, or usage. Always ensure a detailed, legally sound contract is in place.  

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING LISTED WITH SOSCOUT?

SoScout’s website is a go-to for industry creatives looking for access to a mind-blowing selection of the most inspiring and exciting locations in the country. The creator economy is booming and the people within it are always innovating in terms of how they communicate with their audiences – locations can make or break a shoot and they know that. 

Our mission is to make location scouting a breeze for professionals and to make hiring out your property stress-free. Comprehensive agreements and clear communication are the backbone of our operations – creatives know exactly what they’re working with so they don’t have to deal with unexpected problems on set and property owners can trust that their space will be well taken care of. Flexibility for our property owners is also really important to us – they have full control over how and when the property is hired out.

Your property could be our next star listing, get in touch with us to find out more about working with us.