5 Questions Every Property Owner Asks Before Their First Film Shoot
After years of working with property owners across the NJ/NY tri-state area, we have heard every concern, hesitation, and question that comes up when someone is considering hosting a film production for the first time. The same five questions come up in nearly every conversation. Here they are, along with the answers that consistently put property owners at ease.
1. Will the Film Crew Damage My Property?
This is the number one concern, and it makes complete sense. You have invested in your property, and the idea of a 100-person crew moving equipment through your building sounds risky. The reality is that professional productions take property protection extremely seriously. They use protective coverings on floors, padding on walls and doorframes, and they photograph everything before and after the shoot to document the property’s condition.
Every professional production carries general liability insurance — typically $1 million to $5 million — and they are required to name you as an additional insured on their policy. This means their insurance, not yours, covers any damage. In our experience at Reset Locations, significant property damage from a professional shoot is extremely rare. For a deeper dive into safety and insurance, read Is It Safe to Let a Film Production Use Your Building?
2. How Much Will I Get Paid?
Location fees in New Jersey typically range from $2,000 to $25,000 per day, depending on the property type, size, location, and production budget. Commercial properties like office buildings, warehouses, and hotels tend to command higher rates than residential homes. Properties within the union zones near New York City are especially valuable because they save productions money on crew travel.
Beyond the shooting day rate, you can also earn income from prep days, strike days, and hold days, which typically pay 50-75% of the full day rate. A multi-day shoot at a commercial property can easily generate $10,000 to $50,000 or more in total location fees. For a full breakdown, see our guide on how much film locations pay in New Jersey.
When you work with Reset Locations, we handle the fee negotiation and make sure you are getting a fair rate for your property type and the market. There is no upfront cost to list with us and no obligation — we only get paid when you get paid, so our incentives are fully aligned with getting you the best deal possible.
3. What About Insurance and Liability?
This is closely related to the damage question, but it deserves its own answer because the insurance structure in the film industry is robust and well-established. Before any crew arrives at your property, the production is required to provide a certificate of insurance (COI) that names you and your property as an additional insured.
This coverage protects you against property damage, injuries that occur on your property during the shoot, and third-party claims related to the production’s activities. The production’s insurance handles everything — you should not need to file a claim on your own policy.
At Reset Locations, we verify that the COI is in place and that the coverage meets the standards we require before any production gains access to your property. This is a non-negotiable step in our process.
4. How Disruptive Will It Be?
The honest answer is that it depends on the production, but professional crews are experienced at minimizing disruption. For residential property owners, the main impact is having a crew on your property for the duration of the shoot (typically one to three days). For commercial property owners, productions often work in specific areas of a building while the rest operates normally, and they are willing to film on weekends or evenings to reduce the impact on tenants.
Everything is spelled out in the location agreement before you commit: which areas the crew can access, what hours they can work, noise restrictions, parking arrangements, and any off-limits zones. There should be no surprises on shooting day. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the full process, see What to Expect When a Film Crew Wants to Use Your Property.
At Reset Locations, we coordinate with both you and the production to make sure the logistics work for your situation. If you have specific concerns — a tenant meeting on Tuesday, a quiet zone near an executive office, a loading dock that needs to stay clear — we build those into the agreement.
5. What Do I Actually Have to Do?
Less than you think. If you are working with a location brokerage like Reset Locations, your primary role is to approve the deal and provide access. We handle the rest: negotiating the fee and terms, reviewing and coordinating the location agreement, making sure insurance is in place, coordinating with the production’s location team, staying in contact with you throughout the process, and making sure your property is restored after the shoot.
Property owners who have been through the process with us consistently say it was easier than they expected. The key is having someone in your corner who knows the industry, understands your concerns, and manages the details so you do not have to. For a behind-the-scenes look at every phase, read Inside a Film Location Booking: What Happens from First Call to Wrap Day.
The Biggest Takeaway
The hesitation that property owners feel before their first shoot is completely natural — and it almost always disappears after the first experience. Once you see how organized, professional, and respectful the process is, hosting future productions becomes something you look forward to rather than something that makes you nervous.
If you own property in New Jersey and want to explore what it could earn as a filming location, list your location with Reset Locations or call us at (917) 757-0841. We will answer every question, walk you through the process, and make sure you are comfortable before anything moves forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do film locations pay in NJ?
Location fees in New Jersey typically range from $2,000 to $25,000 per day depending on property type, size, proximity to NYC, and the production’s budget. Commercial properties generally earn more than residential.
Do I need my own insurance to host a film shoot?
No. The production carries comprehensive liability insurance and names you as an additional insured. Their policy covers property damage and injuries during the shoot.
Does it cost anything to list my property with Reset Locations?
No. Listing is completely free with no upfront cost or obligation. We only get paid when you get paid, so our interests are aligned with yours from the start.
Can I say no to a production if I change my mind?
Yes. You are never obligated to host a production. You review and approve every detail before signing a location agreement. If something does not feel right, you can decline.
How long does a typical film shoot last?
Most shoots at a single location last one to three days, plus prep and strike time. Some larger productions may need a week or more, but this is always discussed and agreed upon in advance.
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