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Location Agreement

For a production company securing permission from a property owner to film on their location — covers location fees, access hours, restoration obligations, damage liability, and insurance.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your project?

This contract is built for filming at a property the production does not own. It fits shoots that need set access dates and times, a location fee, conduct and restoration terms, insurance, and written permission to use the footage shot there.

Good fit for

  • Producers or location managers booking a property
  • Production companies filming off their own premises
  • Property owners hosting a shoot
  • Businesses renting their space for filming
  • Shoots that need clear access times and damage terms

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Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • The property and the areas to be used
  • The access dates and times
  • The location fee and any deposit
  • How the footage may be used
  • Insurance requirements
  • Conduct and how the space will be restored
  • Responsibility for damage
  • Cancellation terms

What's Inside This Contract

Grant of license

Sets the property, the areas used, and the access dates and times.

Compensation

Covers the location fee, payment schedule, and any deposit.

Property protection and restoration

Covers care of the property, restoration, damage, and insurance.

Usage rights

Sets how the footage of the property may be used.

Owner's representations

Confirms the owner can grant the license and covers indemnification.

Term

Covers how long the agreement lasts and cancellation.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • The fee and the access dates and times
  • Which areas of the property may be used
  • How the footage may be used and for how long
  • Insurance and responsibility for damage
  • Restoring the space after filming

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a location agreement?
It covers filming at a property you do not own. It sets access times, fees, conduct, and permission to use the footage.
Do I need a location agreement?
Yes, when filming on property you do not own. It gives written permission to use the footage and sets the terms for access and conduct.
Who is responsible for damage to the property?
The agreement sets this out. It makes the production responsible for damage it causes beyond normal use and requires insurance.
How long can I use the footage?
The agreement grants broad, ongoing use of the footage in the project. The exact scope is set out in the wording.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the property and areas, the access dates and times, the fee and any deposit, how the footage may be used, insurance, and restoration terms.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a location agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any location agreement:

  • No clear access times or areas
  • Unclear permission to use the footage
  • No insurance or damage terms
  • No plan for restoring the space
  • No cancellation terms