SAMPLE LOCATION RELEASE

A location release—sometimes called a location agreement, property release or filming location release—documents a property owner's permission for a film, photography or commercial production to use their property.

Below is a simple sample location release showing the basic information commonly addressed in an agreement between a production and property owner.

Every production and property is different, so this should be used as a starting point rather than a substitute for legal advice or a professionally prepared agreement.

For an overview of what these agreements do, start with our guide: What Is a Location Release?

SAMPLE FILM + PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATION RELEASE

Production Company:

Project / Production Name:

Property Owner / Authorized Representative:

Property Address:

Areas of Property Approved for Use:

PRODUCTION DATES

Prep Date(s):

Shoot Date(s):

Wrap / Restoration Date(s):

HOURS

Approved Access Hours:

Total Hours Included:

Overtime Rate:

LOCATION FEE

Agreed Location Fee:
$_______________________________________

Prep / Wrap Fees, if applicable:
$_______________________________________

Security / Damage Deposit, if applicable:
$_______________________________________

PERMISSION TO USE PROPERTY

The Property Owner grants the Production permission to enter and use the approved areas of the property during the dates and hours listed above for the purpose of photographing, filming, recording and producing the project described in this agreement.

The Production may photograph and record the property and may use the resulting photographs, video, audio and other recorded material in connection with the project and its advertising, promotion, distribution and related uses, subject to the terms of the final agreement between the parties.

ALTERATIONS + PROPERTY CARE

Any significant alterations to the property should be approved by the Property Owner in advance.

Approved alterations may include:

The Production agrees to use reasonable care while occupying the property and to return areas used by the Production to substantially the same condition in which they were received, excluding any changes specifically approved by the Property Owner.

DAMAGE

The Production should promptly notify the Property Owner of any damage caused by production activities.

Responsibility for repair or reimbursement for production-related damage should be handled according to the terms agreed upon by the Production and Property Owner.

INSURANCE

Production Insurance Carrier:

Certificate of Insurance Required:
☐ Yes
☐ No

Property Owner / Entity to Be Listed as Additional Insured, if applicable:

PARKING + PRODUCTION VEHICLES

Approved Parking / Vehicle Areas:

Estimated Number of Production Vehicles:

ADDITIONAL TERMS

Use this section for property-specific requirements, restricted areas, noise limitations, parking rules, cleaning requirements, pets, landscaping, neighbors, security, overtime or other agreed terms.

AGREEMENT

By signing below, both parties acknowledge that they have reviewed and agreed to the terms governing the Production's use of the property.

Property Owner / Authorized Representative

Name: __________________________________

Signature: _______________________________

Date: ___________________________________

Production Representative

Name: __________________________________

Company: ________________________________

Signature: _______________________________

Date: ___________________________________

WHAT ELSE MIGHT BE INCLUDED IN A LOCATION AGREEMENT?

The sample above intentionally keeps things simple.

Professional production agreements may contain considerably more detailed provisions covering subjects such as:

  • Indemnification

  • Insurance requirements

  • Cancellation

  • Weather days

  • Rescheduling

  • Confidentiality

  • Intellectual property

  • Rights to depict the property

  • Use of trademarks, artwork or signage

  • Security deposits

  • Damage and restoration

  • Utilities

  • Cleaning

  • Parking

  • Overtime

  • Holdover

  • Dispute resolution

The appropriate agreement will depend on the property, production and intended use.

BEFORE USING A SAMPLE LOCATION RELEASE

A downloadable form from the internet shouldn't replace a careful conversation between the property owner and production.

Before anything is signed, both parties should be clear about what is being filmed, which areas will be used, how many people are coming, how long production will be there, what changes are permitted and what happens if something goes wrong or the schedule changes.

Property owners should also confirm that the person or company requesting access is properly insured. General information about insurance in Tennessee is available through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.

Depending on the production, permits or additional approvals may also be necessary. Nashville productions can find additional information through the Metro Nashville Film Office.

IMPORTANT NOTE

This sample is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for an agreement prepared or reviewed by an attorney.

Location agreements can create significant legal rights and obligations for both property owners and productions. If you are unsure about any provision—or the production involves significant fees, alterations, risk or property access—consider consulting a qualified attorney before signing.

Nashville Location Company provides location scouting, location management and location consulting for film, photography and commercial productions throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee.