Make Your Home A Star

Make Your Home A Star

Author: Mai Lis Sivertsen

Cast your home in a starring role by adding it to a list of possible filmlocations.

Your own dreams of fame and fortune may have long since faded to black butthere´s no reason why your home can´t become a star of the silver screen - and ahandy source of extra income to boot.

Agencies is the first port of call for film-makers looking for buildings to‘play´ anything from haunted mansions to lovers´ nests or 19th century farmworkers´ cottages.

Simply add your property to an agency´s online database, then keep yourfingers crossed that your bricks and mortar get cast in a starring role.

Ultra-modern homes are always in demand, especially those that areindividually designed, as well as homes in particularly strange or strikinglocations - the more isolated the better.

There is also a ready market for gracious country mansions but, even the mosthumble house can be just what film-makers are after - depending on itsauthenticity and suitability to the plot of the particular film or TV show thatis being made.

Just bear in mind some practical considerations.

So that you don´t shake hands on a deal to host a genteel period drama andend up with World War III being waged across your rose garden, here are someguidelines to help you ask the right questions and agree an appropriate feebefore you sign on the dotted line.

1. What is the nature of the production? What will the noise levels be like?Will the filming involve special effects such as explosions, strobe lighting,smoke, dust, artificial snow etc and how may these affect pets and/orhouseholders with allergies or health issues? If in double, ask to see therelevant sections of the script.
2. What are the proposed filming dates and what are the crew´s working hourslikely to be?
3. Which rooms will be used and will any areas be off-limits to the owners? Ifso, for how long?
4. Will the crew be changing your decor or bringing in their own props? If so,what are their arrangements for clearing up and reinstating your own things whenfilming is over?
5. If valuables are to be left on your property overnight, will the filmcompany provide its own security?
6. Roughly how many people will be involved in the filming? A good locationmanager will keep you up to date with who is expected on set and when, so thatyou know who is coming and going.
7. Will any of your own furniture or possessions be used as props? If the setdesigners like the look of something that is particularly valuable to you, checktheir insurance arrangements.
8. Will the crew need access to your kitchen and bathroom, or will they bringtheir own mobile facilities?
9. If the owners´ electricity, gas or water is to be used, how will this bemetered so that the cost can be reimbursed?
10. A formal written contract should be drawn up and signed by bothparties.

Plan ahead and anticipate any possible glitches and it will put your mind atrest so that you can enjoy the filming process to the full.

Last-minute changes are bound to happen, but as long as you keep an open mindand nurture a good relationship with the location manager, the whole experienceshould be enormous fun - Make your home a star!

Mai Lis Sivertsen is the owner and managing director of xgStreet.com, where you can trade; buy, sellor swap new and used products and services across the world commission free.Visit http://www.xgStreet.com or contactMai Lis for more information about becoming an affiliate of xgStreet at webmaster@xgStreet.com