Filming On Your Property

Hosting filming at your property is a great way to support the entertainment industry in Santa Clarita while possibly earning some additional income.

If you plan to host filming at your property, you will become an ambassador from your community to the production company, and from the production company to your neighbors, and the community at large.  By encouraging the production company to treat the community with care, you can help ensure that the filming experience is a positive one for all concerned, and that this company and others will be welcomed back.

Here are some helpful guidelines to assist you in your role as host:

1. When hosting filming in a neighborhood or business district, residents and merchants choosing to allow production at their property should do their part to be “good neighbors.”
2. Neighbors’ concerns should be addressed quickly to ensure the shoot goes smoothly, and that it will be a positive experience for everyone involved.
3. Every effort should be made to ensure that production company members do not unnecessarily disturb your neighbors.
4. It is a good idea to introduce yourself to your neighbors to increase rapport and personally notify them that filming will be taking place at your property or place of business.  The Santa Clarita Film Office will provide notification of filming to the surrounding area but it always helps if you personally talk to your direct neighbors as well.
5. Discuss the company’s planned activities and parking plans prior to the shoot with the location manager or other designated production personnel.  Convey any concerns voiced by your neighbors to the production company.  This will help avoid problems that can cause ill will between neighbors.
6. When appropriate, and only with advance approval by the film company, invite neighbors to view the filming and meet the crew.  This will go a long way to promote positive neighborhood relations.
7. Hosting filming frequently can take a toll on neighbors who may not receive the direct financial benefits that you enjoy.  You may want to consider ways you can give something back to your neighbors or community for the inconvenience, such as support for local organizations or simply hosting a backyard barbeque.
8. When filming occurs at night, bright lights and noise may disturb your neighbors.  Be sure to discuss such activities with your neighbors who may be adversely impacted and make sure the production company addresses their concerns.  People want to feel that they have been included in decisions about activities that may directly affect them.
9. To help you understand the process of hosting filming, the CFC publishes the guidebook Your Property in a Starring Role outlining issues you will likely encounter from the first time you receive a call from a location scout, to when the last truck drives away from your property.
10. List your location on the Film Office’s Location Library…it’s FREE!  You may also consider listing your property with one or more location management/service companies.  If a location service company asks to represent your property, please be advised that State law requires the company have a real estate broker’s license.