Location Agreements: How to Shoot Anywhere Without Getting Sued

The Location Agreement: Your On-Set Insurance Policy

It happens more often than you'd think. An indie filmmaker shoots on a private property with a handshake agreement from the owner, wraps production, and lands a distribution deal — only to have the property owner show up demanding money or, worse, blocking the release.

A signed location agreement prevents this entirely.

What a Location Agreement Covers

Permission to Film

The agreement grants you explicit, written permission to film on the property during specified dates.

Property Description

Exactly which areas of the property can be used, what can be moved or modified, and what must be restored.

Fees and Compensation

Whether you're paying a location fee, providing a copy of the film, or filming for free in exchange for a credit, the agreement makes it clear.

Hold Harmless and Indemnification

This protects you if something on the property causes injury to your crew, and protects the property owner if your crew causes damage.

Release of Claims

The property owner acknowledges that by signing, they release any claims related to the appearance of their property in your film — including in perpetuity, worldwide.

What Happens Without One

Without a signed agreement, the property owner can:

• •Demand that their property be obscured or removed from the final cut
• •Sue for unauthorized commercial use of their property
• •Block your distribution deal until they're compensated
• •Claim a portion of your revenue

Even if you have a great relationship with the location owner, get it in writing. Relationships change. People's memories of what was agreed upon change even faster.

Practical Tips for Location Scouting

1. Get it signed before you load in

Don't assume a signed agreement is coming. Location agreements should be fully executed before any equipment arrives on property.

2. Cover all your shoot days

If you think you'll need two days, get three approved in the agreement. Adding days after the fact requires an amendment — which costs time and goodwill.

3. Include restoration obligations

Both parties should agree on the condition the location will be left in. Take photos before you arrive and after you leave.

4. Don't forget the extras

Your agreement should cover parking areas, bathrooms, and any adjacent property you might wander into.

Using SetCounsel for Location Agreements

Our Location Agreement template covers private residences, commercial properties, and public spaces (where applicable). The guided wizard asks the right questions — property type, compensation structure, special provisions — and generates a clean, professional agreement ready for signature.

Rule of thumb: If you're bringing a camera onto someone else's property, you need a signed agreement. Full stop.