Are there many people who want to rent their homes for productions? Why?

There are, and the main reason is, of course, financial. Renting out a home for film shoots, photoshoots, or events can be very attractive financially, and that is the main factor drawing property owners to us. But what is surprising is that, contrary to what one might expect, most of the people who approach us are homeowners with a comfortable, above-average lifestyle who wish to rent out their private homes for this purpose. Of course, these properties often come with very high maintenance costs, but it is always interesting to realise that there is also a certain pride and desire to showcase their homes and share a glimpse of their lives and personal taste with the world.

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Is this trend related to the real estate market?

Not directly, because the goal is not traditional property rental, but rather a complementary opportunity. The owners we work with are not necessarily looking for long-term tenants, but instead for occasional and flexible ways of monetising their assets.

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On average, how many enquiries and emails do you receive each month from people interested in listing their homes for this purpose?

It depends greatly on the month. This month, for example, we have already received five applications — and this without actively searching or running campaigns. Many owners find us through Google searches, but there is also a strong word-of-mouth effect. Very recently, for example, three properties on the same street were registered within a short period of time. Clearly, the owners had spoken to one another about our company.

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What are the minimum requirements for a house or building? High ceilings? Lighting?

In theory, any space can make sense, because productions may need any kind of location - even the rawest or “ugliest” spaces. Still, we generally ask for spaces that are:

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• Unique, whether because of their architecture, interior design, or a specific feature. This may include interesting textures, quality finishes, versatility, or original furniture;
• Spacious enough to accommodate at least eight people plus equipment, even for smaller productions;
• Accessible, with easy parking and access, which are especially important for larger-scale productions or events;
• Quiet and calm, with minimal noise. A property located near a train line or under a flight path, for example, is not ideal.

Ideally, if these basic requirements are met, we represent all types of spaces, from luxury villas to empty warehouses.

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What is the average daily rate?

Rates vary depending on the type of property, location, and aesthetic characteristics, but also depending on the type of production and the owner’s expectations. Generally speaking, prices start at around €500 per day for simpler apartments and can reach €5,000 or more per day for highly exclusive properties.

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Do these values also depend on the production’s budget?

They depend mainly on the type of production. If it is a photoshoot, rates are generally lower than for a film shoot. The size of the crew is also an important factor. A production with five people should not cost the same as one with thirty, because the associated risk is very different. But we take many factors into account, including the owners’ own requirements. Some prefer to work with a fixed fee regardless of the type of production.

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What turns an ordinary house into an extraordinary set?

Sometimes, what productions are looking for is precisely an ordinary house. It does not always need to be extraordinary. Other times, very little can create a lot: it might simply be a wall full of books, a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, or a kitchen with a beautiful island. Then it is up to the viewer to imagine the rest - what exists beyond the frame. And then there are homes that are extraordinary sets in themselves. It is up to the client whether to use the house as it is or adapt it to the narrative, which may include removing furniture, for example. This is all part of the work of the art department, helping the space bring the story and characters to life.

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If it is in an apartment building, do residents pay the condominium? How does that work?

We are not aware of owners paying fees to condominium associations when renting out apartments, mainly because common areas are usually not used. However, we always recommend informing neighbours, especially for larger productions that may cause some disruption.

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Can you share an example of an entrance hall you have rented?

We have two examples of entrance halls, both in Lisbon, but in both cases the buildings belong entirely to single owners, which makes the process much simpler.

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How much alteration to the décor is allowed?

Clients are generally given considerable flexibility to modify what they wish within the property, with the guarantee that everything will be returned to its original state afterwards. Part of our work is preparing owners for these temporary changes and ensuring the process is carried out safely. Still, major alterations - such as replacing large amounts of furniture - are relatively uncommon. Naturally, each owner is free to impose their own rules and limitations, which are always specified in the contract.

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What are the typical filming hours?

The most common rentals are between eight and ten hours. But we also handle half-day rentals, with usage of up to five hours.

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How frequently are these services used?

Very frequently. Aside from soap operas, which are long-term productions where it makes sense to build permanent sets, most productions require real locations.

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Is it easy to negotiate with homeowners?

Very easy. We make it clear that control is never taken away from them. We suggest prices based on our experience within the audiovisual industry, but the final decision always belongs to the owner.

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Is there a contract? What does it include?

Yes, every rental is formalised through a contract that specifies not only the project information, dates, schedules, and fees, but also important conditions intended to protect both client and owner, such as cancellation policies, the level of flexibility for changes to the space, and procedures in the event of damages.

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Why do productions choose to rent these spaces? Is it easier? More economical? How much do they save?

Because they need locations for their narratives. The alternative would be building sets, which is a far more expensive option, or recreating them digitally. Renting a real location is often the solution that best serves the project because of its authenticity.

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What types of productions most frequently request these spaces?

Cinema, advertising, music videos, social media content, brand activation events - and even weddings!

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