Guide to Booking a Shoot Location in the UK: Step-by-Step for a Smooth Production

Filming a commercial, shooting a music video, or staging a brand campaign means finding the right location. It is part of your storytelling. In the UK, booking a shoot space can be quite complex. You must think about permits, insurance, pricing, and the right questions to ask before you commit.

Step 1: UK Shoot Location Permits and Permissions

Filming in a public space such as a city street, park, or council-owned building requires a permit from the local film office. Each council sets its own rules, fees, and lead times. Contact them as soon as you know your shoot dates. For large productions, applying four to six weeks ahead is preferred, although not always possible!  Smaller shoots can sometimes secure approval in two to three weeks. Do not risk starting without this paperwork.

Step 2: Insurance for Filming Locations in the UK

Most professional venues, including The Location House, require Public Liability Insurance before confirming a booking. In the UK, that usually means £5 million to £10 million of cover depending on the scale of the shoot. This protects you if something gets damaged or someone gets hurt.

Check if your policy also covers equipment, especially high-value cameras, lighting rigs, or sound gear. Replacing a dropped lens or stolen monitor can be a costly setback. Insurance can prevent that from halting your production.

Step 3: Filming Location Hire Rates and Budgeting in the UK

Day rates vary widely. A small residential shoot might cost around £1,000 for a day. A period manor house can reach £3,000 or £5,000 per day depending on the individual needs of the client. Prep and strike days, when setting up or clearing out, are usually billed at half the daily rate.

Additional costs often include agency or library fees which are roughly around 20% of the booking cost, a refundable damage deposit of about £1,000 and parking fees for tech trucks or multiple crew vehicles. Always confirm what is included in the hire fee and what is extra before signing.

Step 4: Questions to Ask Before Booking a UK Shoot Location

A location can look perfect online but be a nightmare on the day if you don’t dig deeper. Before booking, ask:

• What’s the earliest load-in time and latest wrap time?

• Are there noise restrictions?

• Is there parking for crew and trucks?

• Where are the power points? Is there three-phase power if needed?

• Is there space for makeup, wardrobe, and catering?

• Are any rooms or areas off-limits?

One overlooked restriction can derail your schedule.

Step 5: Location Hire Contracts and Agreements

A signed location agreement is essential. It should state your dates, times, fees, permitted areas, and ‘put back’ requirements. If you plan to make changes to the space, get approval from the owner. Keep copies of your agreement, permit, and insurance certificate on set as proof of your right to be there.

Step 6: Protecting Filming Locations During Your Shoot

On shoot day, treat the location as your own. Protect floors in high-traffic areas, pad doorframes when moving equipment, and keep food and drink away from delicate furnishings. Leave the space clean and restored. A professional handover builds trust and makes it easier to secure bookings in the future.

Book Your UK Shoot Location in West Midlands

At The Location House, we make the process simple. Our 19th-century country house in Solihull blends historic character with the flexibility modern productions need. We can help with any concerns that you have, and provide clear, transparent pricing. Film, photography, or editorial work, we help bring your vision to life. Book your shoot today and create something extraordinary!