What to charge movie folks to rent/film in our brownstone for 2 weeks?

Producer and director of mid budget film want to rent our place for two weeks to film a movie.  We are allowed to stay in place for one week, and the second week, they want us out.  They will use three of the four floors.  Anyone have any idea how much we should charge for this? This seems like a good opportunity to make some fast money while we wait for our approvals to renovate the place but would like some guidance about what the going rate may be and what other peoples’ experience (either as the renter or rentee) have been.  Thanks!

Reno2011

in Leisure 13 years and 11 months ago

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citystreetnick | 13 years and 11 months ago

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You also might want to consider THEIR best alternatives when negotiating – 

A – rent another brownstone (which may be impossible/costly to find) and would have the same method of subjective value determination you’re going through. Other brownstoners might be willing to take less money if they are in a pinch, however. 

B – build sets to mimic a brownstone on a sound stage. Which could probably cost $60-160k plus the sound stage rental. Keep in mind that in terms of filmmaking, that kind of environment control would be ideal. Likely they are seeking out a location because a soundstage solution would be prohibitively priced.

Don’t forget to add in your costs. You need to put yourself up in a hotel, eat out for the duration of the shoot, store your belongings, restore any damage and so on. Your comfort level and functional living shouldn’t be spared as  a result of their shoot. You should factor in these costs on top of the location fee. 

Also – make sure you have your agreement in writing. The production needs to be responsible for any alterations or damage they make to your house. Film equipment can be quite abrasive. It’s easy for a careless crew member to scratch a floor, put a hole in the wall, singe a drape with a hot light etc. While the crew may be capable of being careful, they might not be if they aren’t reminded. The producer will communicate to the production supervision to be particularly careful if there’s a hefty penalty for damages. Likewise you should get a large up front deposit before allowing the load in to begin. 

It may be worthwhile to hire someone in the business to negotiate the deal for you if you’re unsure. You or a representative should be on site at all times to monitor the production’s use of the property, and answer any contractual questions they may have about using and altering your space.

queenoftheclick | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Ask them what they are offering and then ask for more or tell them you heard that many production companies pay (quote plgdude above)

WillBklyn | 13 years and 11 months ago

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It really depends on the budget of the film.  I doubt they will want to pay 20K , but you can ask/ negotiate – I think 10-15K may be more likely.  They will utterly take over your space – that is what films do.  put your favorite things in a room and padlock it, not because it would get stolen otherwise but because the film crew will inevitably need more space and will be tempted to use whatever is available.

plgdude | 13 years and 11 months ago

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i’ve heard per diem rates of anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 so for 14 days, assuming some kind of volume discount $20-25 sounds about right to me.

fastfreddy | 13 years and 11 months ago

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I’d say around $20,000

elbow | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Years ago we rented out our place, a Ft. Greene Parlor basement and parlor floor, a for a small production.  Be prepared to have your territory really invaded.  The first thing they did was put these light blockers over all the windows, which the landlord saw immediately and, fortunately, didn’t have a cow.  Then they moved all the furniture and installed a new light in the living room.  Their crew used one of the bedrooms as a dressing room and made quite a mess.  There were cables everywhere and not everyone treated us nicely.  The best part was when a big Palmetto bug from the cellar crawled up the arm of this particularly ill-mannered assistant.

So my advide to you would be to lock off anything you don’t want someone messing with, find out in extensive detail what they’re planning to do.