In recent years, the film and television industry has experienced a shift in how it sources filming locations. Once a process driven by word of mouth, scouting trips, and private negotiations, the industry is now increasingly leveraging modern real estate platforms—specifically MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listings—for identifying and renting properties suitable for filming. This development is redefining the intersection of real estate and media production.
What Are MLS Listings?
MLS listings are centralized databases used by real estate professionals to share information about properties for sale or rent. Traditionally, these listings have served home buyers, sellers, and renters, but their application is expanding. Today, savvy property owners and location scouts are beginning to recognize the value of using MLS systems to find or advertise homes, commercial spaces, and land parcels as filming locations.
Why Use MLS for Film Locations?
Streamlined Discovery
Location scouts often face tight deadlines and specific aesthetic demands. MLS platforms offer filters that allow for quick sorting by architectural style, square footage, amenities, and geographical features. For example, a scout looking for a Victorian-era house with a wraparound porch in a rural setting can set those parameters and instantly receive results.
Transparency and Legitimacy
When locations are listed on an MLS, the property information is generally more accurate and up-to-date. This reduces the risk of miscommunication and ensures that both the property owner and the film production team are protected through formalized agreements and disclosures. MLS listings often require detailed property descriptions, high-quality images, and legal documentation—all critical when planning a shoot.
Expanded Income Opportunities for Property Owners
Many property owners are unaware that their homes could double as lucrative film locations. By listing on MLS platforms under a specific rental-use category, such as “Film/Photo Shoots” or “Short-Term Commercial Use,” homeowners open themselves to a new revenue stream. Depending on the scale of the production, owners can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per day.
Localized Access to Inventory
Film production is often localized to take advantage of tax incentives, talent pools, or regional aesthetics. MLS systems allow for highly targeted searches within specific cities, counties, or even neighborhoods, which is especially useful for productions aiming to comply with local ordinances or take advantage of geographic-specific narratives.
Challenges and Considerations
While MLS integration into the film location market offers many advantages, it comes with its own set of challenges.
Regulatory Compliance
Not all zoning laws permit the use of residential or commercial properties for filming. Homeowners must ensure they are in compliance with city codes, and some municipalities require filming permits. Agents listing properties for this purpose must be familiar with local regulations to guide both parties appropriately.
Wear and Tear
Renting a property for filming is not without risk. Large crews, heavy equipment, and long hours can place stress on a space. Property owners must factor in potential damage and disruption. Standard rental agreements for filming often include clauses for liability, damage repair, and insurance requirements.
Privacy Concerns
Listing a property as a film location may compromise the privacy of homeowners, especially if the property becomes well-known. Owners need to assess their comfort level with having images of their property circulated widely and potentially used in commercial projects.
How MLS Systems Are Adapting
To accommodate the growing interest in film location rentals, some MLS platforms are evolving:
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New Listing Categories: Some regional MLS databases are introducing tags such as “Film/Photo Location Rental” or “Event Use,” making it easier to distinguish between traditional leases and short-term production rentals.
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Integration with Media Industry Tools: MLS data is increasingly being syndicated to location-focused platforms like Peerspace, Giggster, and Set Scouter, which specialize in connecting filmmakers with suitable spaces.
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Virtual Tours and 3D Mapping: High-resolution imagery and Matterport-style 3D tours are being utilized more frequently to allow production teams to assess a property remotely, saving time and money during the scouting process.
The Role of Real Estate Agents
Real estate professionals are also adapting to this new niche market. Agents with knowledge of both real estate and the entertainment industry are uniquely positioned to act as intermediaries. They can help property owners understand the demands of film production and negotiate fair rental terms. In cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Vancouver—where film and TV production is booming—agents specializing in film rentals are in high demand.
Case Studies
A Brooklyn Brownstone on the Big Screen
A homeowner in Brooklyn listed their historic brownstone on an MLS with a film rental tag. Within weeks, a production company shooting a major streaming series booked it for a week-long shoot. The owner earned $15,000, and the property’s exposure led to several follow-up rentals.
Midwestern Farmhouse Used in Indie Film
A farmhouse in Iowa, listed under “unique rural properties” on a local MLS, was discovered by a location scout working on an independent film. The production brought business to the local area and paid the owner $3,000 for a two-day shoot—double what they’d typically make renting through Airbnb.
The Future: A Hybrid Model
As more productions look for authentic, non-studio locations, the demand for accessible and reliable listing platforms will only grow. MLS systems may soon integrate directly with film industry databases, or perhaps evolve to include a dedicated sub-platform for creative uses.
In this hybrid future, where technology, real estate, and media production intersect, MLS listings could become the go-to solution for both filmmakers and property owners looking to capitalize on Hollywood’s expanding horizons.
Conclusion
MLS listings are no longer just for buying and selling homes—they are becoming a critical resource in the film and entertainment industry. As more homeowners and agents recognize the potential in this niche market, and as MLS platforms adapt to accommodate this unique use case, we are likely to see even more cross-industry collaboration. For both property owners seeking new income streams and filmmakers in search of the perfect backdrop, MLS listings may well be the next big thing in location scouting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MLS and how can it be used for film location rentals?
MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service, a real estate platform that aggregates and shares detailed information about properties listed for sale or rent. Traditionally used by real estate agents, MLS listings can also be leveraged to advertise properties available for short-term or commercial rentals, including film and photo shoots.
By listing a property on an MLS with tags like “Film Location” or “Commercial Use,” property owners can therefore attract production companies searching for specific types of locations. Furthermore, filmmakers benefit from the platform’s search filters, high-quality images, and verified property data, which collectively allow them to quickly find suitable locations based on size, architecture, amenities, and region.
What are the benefits for homeowners listing their properties as filming locations on the MLS?
Homeowners can enjoy several key benefits:
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Additional Income: Short-term rentals for film or photo shoots can generate thousands of dollars per day, depending on the property and production scale.
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Flexible Use: Owners often retain control over availability, allowing them to rent out their home only when convenient.
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Exposure: MLS listings can attract not just film crews, but also photographers, event planners, and media companies.
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Professional Representation: Working through a real estate agent ensures contracts, pricing, and insurance are handled professionally.
However, it’s important for homeowners to clearly understand the logistics and responsibilities, including potential wear and tear and required permits.
