Have you ever thought about transforming your stylish home into a money-making machine? If your space boasts charm, character, or a picture-perfect aesthetic, it could be the ideal setting for TV commercials, photoshoots, or even movie scenes.
As an interior designer who’s successfully rented out my own home, here’s everything you need to know to turn your living space into a sought-after shoot location.
1. Identify Your Star Spaces
You don’t need to offer up every corner of your house—focus on the areas that truly shine, that being said, they will be looking for more than one room.
- Kitchens with sleek countertops or vintage charm.
- Dining rooms with statement lighting or elegant decor.
- Bathrooms that exude spa-like luxury.
- Outdoor spaces like a lush garden or a patio oasis.
These are the spots that clients typically look for, so highlight their unique appeal.
2. Nail the Photography
First impressions matter, and professional photos are a must. Invest in a skilled interior photographer who can capture your home’s best angles, natural lighting, and details. If you’re not sure where to start, I have a list of talented photographers—feel free to reach out for recommendations!
3. Partner with a Location Agency
There are numerous Agencies out there, I have worked with the following:
Shoot Factory
Shoot Factory is a UK-based company that provides film and photo shoot locations, offering a wide range of unique and versatile spaces for creative productions.
The Location Guys
A location scouting and management service, providing unique and diverse filming locations for TV, film, and photography productions across the UK.
Good Spaces
An online platform that connects people with unique, creative spaces for events, meetings, and productions across the UK.
Scouty
Scouty is an online platform that connects property owners with photographers, filmmakers, and other creatives seeking unique locations for photo shoots, film productions, and events.
These agencies handle the legwork by listing your property, handling inquiries, and managing bookings. If your home fits their portfolio, you’ll be well on your way to hosting your first shoot.
4. Embrace Flexibility
Before a shoot is confirmed, clients often request a “recce” (a pre-visit to check suitability). Be prepared to accommodate these visits and adjust your schedule to fit shoot day requirements. Flexibility makes the process smoother and ensures repeat bookings.
5. Prep Your Home for the Big Day
On the day of the shoot, your home should be spotless and camera-ready. Here’s how:
- Declutter: Remove personal items, family photos, and unnecessary decor.
- Create ambiance: Clean thoroughly, light some candles, and open the windows for fresh air.
- Be helpful: Provide practical support like WiFi access, parking arrangements, and maybe even a coffee station for the crew.
- Make space: Plan for your family (and pets!) to vacate the property from early morning to evening.
6. Prioritise Privacy
Certain shoots may come with confidentiality requirements, especially when high-profile clients or celebrities are involved. A “closed set” ensures that sensitive content stays private. My home once hosted an ITV production, and trust me—keeping things discreet is part of the job.
7. Post-Shoot Essentials
Once the crew has packed up, do a thorough walkthrough. Minor wear and tear, like scuffed walls or scratched floors, can happen during a shoot. Document any issues immediately and communicate with the agency or production team to address them.
8. Get Paid
Finally, send your invoice and await payment. Most agencies and clients process payments promptly, so you can enjoy the rewards of your creative side hustle.
Renting your home as a location for photo shoots or film productions can be a lucrative opportunity, but ensuring it’s camera-ready requires attention to detail.
As an experienced interior designer, I can help transform your space to highlight its best features, using thoughtful styling to create an atmosphere that suits a wide range of production needs.
Whether enhancing natural light, re-arranging furniture for a more open feel, or adding carefully curated decor elements, I’ll tailor the design to elevate your home’s appeal.
Additionally, partnering with a professional de-cluttering service like The Calm Home Company ensures your home is clean, organised, and free of distractions, making it an ideal setting for shoots and ensuring everything is pristine and visually cohesive.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to turn your house into a star of its own!
Credits
All images featuring models are taken in my home from a shoot for OFFICE Shoes. The shoes featured are OFFICE’s own Brand (https://www.office.co.uk/), and these are the people behind the production:
Art Direction & Production
Pav Kalsi & Polina Stoeva
Photography
Ben Moore @moore.visual
Photography Assistant
Birute Paukstyte @birute_paukste
Styling
Millie Rich @millierichstylist
Styling Assistant
Emi Talaga @emitalaga
HMUA
Emily Collins @emilycollinsmua
Models
Aodan Mcintyre https://www.nevsmodels.co.uk/
Veronica Banchon https://www.immmodels.com/
Olive Simpson https://www.immmodels.com/
Still Life Direction
Morgan Silvain @silvainsbrain
Production Assistance
Danielle Barden & Olivia Noon
The stills of my home were taken by the amazing Paul Massey