What to Expect When a Film Crew Wants to Use Your Property

If a film or television production has expressed interest in using your property, your first reaction is probably a mix of excitement and uncertainty. That is completely normal. Most property owners have never hosted a production before, and the process can seem intimidating from the outside. But once you understand how it works — step by step — you will see that it is far more organized and manageable than you might think.

Here is what actually happens when a production wants to film at your property in New Jersey.

The Initial Inquiry

It usually starts with a phone call or email — either directly from a location scout or from a location brokerage like Reset Locations that represents your property. The scout has likely seen photos of your space in a database, and it fits the creative vision for their project. At this stage, they want to know whether your property is available during specific dates and whether you are open to hosting a shoot.

You are not committing to anything at this point. This is just a conversation to see if there is a potential fit.

The Location Scout Visit

If there is mutual interest, a location scout or location manager will want to visit your property in person. This is called a scout or sometimes a tech scout if the director and department heads come along. During this visit, they will walk through the space, take photographs, measure rooms, check lighting conditions, note power outlet locations, and evaluate parking and truck access.

This visit is not disruptive. It typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, and the team is respectful of your space. They are looking at your property through a creative lens — where the camera would go, how they would light the scene, whether the architecture tells the right story.

Negotiating the Deal

If the production decides your property is right for the project, the next step is negotiating the location agreement. This covers the daily rate (what you will be paid), the number of shooting days, any prep and strike days, parking arrangements, what areas of the property the crew can access, rules about modifications to the space, and insurance requirements.

If you are working with a brokerage like Reset Locations, we handle this entire negotiation on your behalf. We know what fair rates look like for your type of property, and we make sure the terms protect your interests. You will review and approve everything before signing — there are no surprises. For a deeper look at how fees work, see our guide on how much film locations pay in New Jersey.

Insurance and Liability

This is one of the biggest concerns property owners have, and it is also one of the most straightforward parts of the process. Professional productions carry comprehensive general liability insurance — typically $1 million to $5 million in coverage — and they will name you and your property as an additional insured on their policy.

This means that if anything happens during the shoot — equipment damage, an injury, anything — the production’s insurance covers it. You should receive a certificate of insurance (COI) before any crew arrives at your property. If you are working with Reset Locations, we make sure this is in place before anyone sets foot on your property. For more on this topic, read Is It Safe to Let a Film Production Use Your Building?

Prep Day

Before the actual filming begins, there is usually a prep day (sometimes called a load-in day). This is when the production’s art department, grip and electric team, and other crew members arrive to set up equipment, bring in set dressing, adjust lighting, and prepare the space for filming. Prep days typically pay 50-75% of the full shooting day rate.

Depending on the scope of the shoot, prep might take a few hours or a full day. You will know exactly what to expect because the schedule is agreed upon in advance.

Filming Day

On the actual shooting day, you can expect a full crew on site. The size of the crew varies depending on the type of production — a commercial shoot might have 20-30 people, while a major film or TV show could have 80-150. The crew is professional and organized. There is a clear chain of command, and the location manager is your primary point of contact throughout the day.

Filming days can be long — often 10 to 14 hours. The schedule is set in advance, and the crew will arrive and depart at the agreed times. If you have concerns about noise, parking, or access to certain areas, all of this is addressed in the location agreement.

Strike Day

After filming wraps, there is a strike day when the crew removes all equipment, set dressing, and any modifications they made. The goal is to return your property to its original condition. Professional productions take this seriously — they photograph the space before they start and again after they finish to document that everything has been restored.

Strike days also typically pay 50-75% of the full shooting day rate.

Getting Paid

Payment terms are outlined in the location agreement. Most productions pay within 30 days of the shoot. Some pay in advance, especially for smaller shoots. If you are working with Reset Locations, we coordinate the payment process and make sure you receive your location fee on time.

What About Wear and Tear?

This is a common concern, and it is a fair one. The reality is that professional productions go to great lengths to protect your property. They use protective coverings on floors, padding on walls and doorframes, and they assign crew members specifically to monitor the condition of the location.

Minor wear and tear can happen — a scuff on a wall, a small mark on a floor — but this is rare with professional crews, and any damage is covered by the production’s insurance. In our experience at Reset Locations, significant damage is extremely uncommon. We also stay in close contact with both you and the production throughout the entire shoot to make sure any issues are addressed immediately.

How Reset Locations Supports You Through the Process

One of the biggest reasons property owners work with a brokerage is that we are there from start to finish. At Reset Locations, we do not just connect you with a production and step away. We manage the relationship on your behalf throughout the entire process — from the first inquiry through wrap day. For a complete walkthrough of how we coordinate between both sides, see Inside a Film Location Booking: What Happens from First Call to Wrap Day.

That means we answer your questions at every stage, explain what is happening and why, handle negotiations, ensure insurance is in place, coordinate schedules, and step in if any issues arise. Property owners who are new to filming often tell us that having someone in their corner who understands both sides — the production world and the property owner’s perspective — makes all the difference.

If you own property in New Jersey and have been approached by a production — or want to make your property available for filming — list your location with Reset Locations or call us at (917) 757-0841. There is no cost to list, and we will guide you through every step.

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