Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Location Release Form

It takes more than finding the perfect location to film in that perfect location. A location release form needs to be ready and signed to ensure you’ll not get into any trouble. As is often the case, someone owns the property you want to shoot in. You need a tech scout with department heads to analyze the logistics of the location and, most importantly, to gain permission.

Peerspace understands the importance of an effective location for an event, film production, or photoshoot. In fact, our simple platform offers you access to discover and rent thousands of locations in cities across the globe.

We’ll discuss that in more detail ahead. But in the meantime, we’ll share how to obtain permission to shoot in your dream location. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a location release form.

What is a location release form?

A location release form grants permission to the filmmakers by the property owner to film on a specific property. These forms are for whatever projects need a location: films, music videos, commercials, photoshoots, or documentaries.

Sometimes, it’s good to have the release ready for anyone who might be ready to lend their property for the shoot when scouting. The form has all the details about a shoot that a property owner needs to know, and it must have the property owner’s signature to protect both the filmmakers and the owner.

Here’s everything you need to know about pre-production, from budgets to storyboarding and locations!

Why is a location release form important?

So why is a location release form a must-have document? They provide legal protection.

If the owner were to see footage shot on his property without permission, the production company or filmmakers could face a lawsuit. And if the owner were to say a shoot happened on their property without legal permission, they can get the authorities involved as well.

Without a location release form, the authorities can argue that the footage legally belongs to the property owner if permission isn’t granted beforehand.

To avoid those types of scandals, fill out a location release form to protect the filmmakers. This form is also there to protect the property owner. It creates a contractually bound shoot time and date, so no one overstays their welcome.

It also clarifies what rules the owner wants to impose on the filmmakers while they use the space. And it guarantees the owner’s compensation in whatever form or amount it might take.

To simplify it, the location release form communicates to two parties — the filmmaker and the property owner — what is needed, when it is needed, and the rules involved for both to have the best experience sharing the location.

What comprises a location release form?

What constitutes a location release form? There are five main points every location release form must have.

These include:

• The time of the shoot
• The specific location of the shoot
• Compensation for the property owner
• Restrictions set by the owner
• Signatures from the producer and the property owner agreeing to those terms

Be sure to include the permission to access the location, record on the location, and own the footage recorded on the location, thus releasing the rights from the owner. If there is a chance you might need to return to the location for additional filming, mention it in the location release.

Also, include a note about giving more time to shoot than predicted so as to not have a chance of going over time. Going over the allotted amount of time could be a nuisance for the owner, especially if it is a popular property that might have to get back to its regular uses.

Another possible addition to the location release form is detailing what the project is that is taking place. Is it a short film for school? Is it a music video for a well-known musician? Where will the final product premiere? Online? In theaters? Make sure to specify the elements of this project and its future plans.

What does a location release form look like?

Now you know how crucial a location release form is to your production. However, you’re probably now wondering what a release form looks like.

Here is a simple breakdown of what a release form should include.

The header should read “Location Release”

Underneath the header are the names of the two parties. In this case, it means the property owner and the production company (or producer if no production company is available).

Some forms might include the date of the agreement’s signature. While including a date may not seem necessary at the time, we advise you to add it. There’s nothing wrong with a little added clarity and protection.

Identifies the location with an address

This grants permission to enter the property and record. Then, list the dates required for the production.

Remember to add a provision in case of a need to return to the location for reshoots down the road. Ensure to overestimate the time needed, just in case.

Lists the specifics

Then state on the release that the recordings done within the owner’s property belong to the production company and not the property owner. Otherwise, all the shootings could legally belong to the property owner.

On the other end, the filmmaker is under no obligation to use the footage shot within the property — it is vital to clarify that as well. That way, the filmmaker keeps the right to do whatever they wish with the footage.

Furthermore, if the property owner asks specific parts of the location to remain untouched, add them to the location release form. And for the filmmakers, if any location alterations will take place, make sure to get it in writing that alterations will happen, but everything will return to its original state by the end of the production time.

Detail compensation

After this, the location release form should state what the compensation is for the property owner and when the owner will receive that compensation.

Includes signatures at the end

Both the producer and the property owner must sign the location release form at the end of the form. Next to the owner’s signature and printed name, be sure to include the address of the location once again.

Both signatures should include the date of the signature. It can also be helpful to include the property owner’s contact information (i.e., email and phone number).

Those are all the parts generally seen on a location release form. However, depending on the production, you might add more elements to the form.

Ahead, we’ll share more details about how to find the perfect location for your next creative project on Peerspace.

Got your own sweet space to rent out? Then check out how to rent your home for film productions next!

Book the perfect location on Peerspace

Now that you know what a location release form entails, it’s time to get to the fun part of your job: location scouting!

And with a resource like Peerspace at your side, it’s never been easier. Our platform offers you access to thousands of production spaces globally. You can rent a home, an art gallery, a cafe, a yoga studio, a loft, and even professional film studios with all the bells and whistles.

Here are just a few examples:

• This mid-century mission ranch film noir dream house in Los Angeles, CA (pictured above) that’s a beautiful combination of Old Hollywood glamour and modern minimalism
• This unique cafe-style production space in Minneapolis, MN with tables and chairs, a stage, a kitchen, and easy street-level access
• The largest independent film studio in Merseyside, England with an infinity cove, a greenscreen, equipment, on-site techs, and more
• This 7,000-square-foot film warehouse in Las Vegas, NV that includes a basic lighting package but with plenty of optional production-boosting add-on services
• This film-ready wine facility in Vancouver, BC with a warehouse, a storefront, and an outdoor space

As you can see, you can book a variety of spaces in cities worldwide on Peerspace. All Peerspaces are owned by local hosts who list their rules on their listing page so you know what to expect and what is expected of your production. If you have any questions or requests, simply send the host a message. It really can be that easy!

Location release form: conclusion

Now that you know this information, you can confidently go off and scout, location release forms in hand. You can write your own release with the information provided above or find some helpful free templates online.

And don’t forget to browse your perfect location on Peerspace, too. We have thousands of bookable locations across North America and beyond. And since many of these venues are used for productions regularly, the property host will likely be familiar with location release forms, which can make the whole process easier on you and your team.

Find unique production venues on Peerspace