If you would like your venue/property to be included in the Film Hampshire location library, simply e-mail over at least 8 images of the property (external and internal) along with the following information to info@filmhampshire.org.uk
Contact details (name, address, telephone, e-mail)
Website address (if applicable)
Number of rooms available and size of rooms
Parking availability and access
Any restrictions that apply
Any other points of interest about the property that you would like to be included in the entry
Production companies employ Location Managers to find the ideal setting for their script.
Southampton City Council and Film Hampshire are often asked for either specific locations or a general request for a type of location. Therefore a database of possible locations in the city and around Hampshire can assist Location Managers with their request, respond quickly and encourage them to film in the city.
You can register your property free of charge with Film Hampshire. We are unable to guarantee that your property will be used, but registering increases your chances – no one knows what we will be asked for, so a great variety of properties is essential.
We are asked for a variety of locations and the property could be a modest home if the rooms are large in size, a motor boat, a hotel, an office or factory, a large garden. Sometimes it is private properties with unique features that are difficult to find so the more we have on the database, the easier it is to respond to requests.
Images and brief descriptions of properties may appear on the web pages of certain properties with your permission. These details will also be emailed to Location Managers on request. Contact details and location of venues will not be published and any information that you supply will be treated in the strictest of confidence. If there is an enquiry about your property, you will contacted first with a brief summary of the project. If you are in agreement, only then will the Location Manager be put in touch with you so they can arrange to meet you and view the property. You will then liaise direct with the Location Manager/Film Production Company. Please note, registering your details on the database does not give the Location Managers the right to use your property. You can make the decision if the filming can go ahead including checking the nature of the programme – if in doubt ask for an outline of the script.
Normally a production company filming on location will pay a facility fee.
The company will deal directly with you to negotiate the fee and will depend on the filming duration, the film budget, the type of property you have, how disruptive the filming may be. It is worth knowing that commercials and feature films, pop videos, TV dramas may have more money to spend on the facility fee whilst short films, student films and documentaries have low budgets. They may offer to include you in the credits giving your property media exposure or throw themselves at your mercy! Be warned – if the Production Company can find a cheaper alternative to your property, then they will, so it is recommended not to discuss fees until you are clear about what the filming will entail.
There are several things for you to take into account when allowing your home or property to be used as a location.
Get an accurate idea from the Location Manager of how disruptive the filming will be before you sign any contracts or agreement. Be prepared- a small project could be up to 10 crew and minimum equipment, a big film shoot could have up to 100 crew/actors plus equipment. Their presence could be disruptive and they may wish to change your furnishings or bring vehicles or even a crane. The positive side is this will all be taken into consideration when you discuss your facility fee.
Go round the property with the Location Manager and make sure you are both clear about which areas will be used, what for and for how long. You may also wish to check the storyline to see where your property fits in.
Check that the Production Company will insure your property for filming and return it to its original state after filming. You would also be advised to notify your own insurance company. Before filming takes place, it is worth your while to inform any direct neighbours in your area that may be affected. The Production Company should also do this, but it is best to check. No one wants to upset the neighbours.
When the filming is taking place, make sure that you or someone you trust to oversee the filming should there be any problems.
A degree of flexibility is always important when dealing with a film crew. Schedules change, weather stops play and sequences can over-run. You should decide at the time of agreement, what rules are necessary so that your home, family, business are protected from excessive disruption.
Don’t be put off by all of this information. We want to give you the full picture but most of it refers to a major film shoot which could take over your whole property or home. A small TV crew filming a documentary or light entertainment will still follow the same guidelines but on a much smaller scale with less disruption.
Southampton City Council
