A Guide to Assessing Landlords for Filming Locations

If Area4 are to promote property to the film industry we need to know that the landlord’s property is actually useable and the landlord is keen to work with us.

Making sure we don’t waste time and effort with property owners who aren’t really engaged with what we do is key for Area4. Here’s how we do it:

Step 1: Engaging with the Landlord

We start by talking directly to the landlord or their agent. We want to make sure they understand what we do:

• Does the landlord understand and accept that we generate the income and take our fee from that income?
• Is the landlord suggesting other sites in the portfolio that could be used and therefore willing to engage with Area4?
• Will the landlord be happy for Area4 to invoice the production company and then invoice Area4 or will they insist on their agents invoicing?

Step 2: Assessing the Property

Next, we check if the property fits our needs:

• Establish whether the property is 100% vacant. Ideally, we need full control.
• How long will we have use of the building or buildings for?
• Can filming be carried out at all times or are there restrictions e.g. just at weekends?
• Does the landlord have a property that we can actually generate income from? E.g. Geographical location (more than 40miles from London?) / style of building.

Step 3: Securing commitment

Finally, we make sure everyone’s on board:

• To show commitment the landlord must sign the Property Representation Agreement or confirm the fee arrangement in writing before we list and promote the property.
• Is the landlord giving full contact details or access to security staff/ managing agents?
• If no PRA is to be signed, for example a property agency, there must be a written agreement on fees & fee shares.

Following these steps helps us find landlords who are as keen as we are to make filming work, saving us time and complications in the long run.

This is why we focus on finding locations that work and we build great relationships with landlords.

Do you have vacant space? Would you like to generate income from it? Can we promote it to the Creative Industry for filming?

Contact: Andrew Reed 📧andrew@area4.co.uk ☎️07947 611320

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