When watching the TV, you may have noticed that production companies filming drama, documentaries and other programmes often use private property as a backdrop for filming. Have you ever wondered how these properties come to be used and whether your property has the attributes to create you an income by appearing on T.V or in a film? In short, do you have a star property?

The following article is a brief guide to the use of property for filming, the points you should consider in getting your property noticed and used if you so desire.

Obviously, much of what appears on T.V is filmed in studios. Unless something dramatic happens at home, your property is unlikely to make an appearance on the news, for instance. However, there are a number of types of production that may call for the inside or outside of private property to be used as a set. The production genres which have a need to film 'on location' are as follows:

• Documentary dramas. This usually involves a small crew visiting your home for a fairly short length of time for a crimewatch-type reconstruction. The duration is often less than a day, and will require only a small amount of 'set dressing' and lighting, so the disturbance to your life will be minimal.
• Advert. A slightly larger production crew will visit your property, again usually only for a day or so.
• TV drama production. This can be a short or a long occupation depending on the 'role' that your property is to play in filming. This usually involves a fairly large crew, so be prepared to make lots and lots of cups of coffee.
• Film for cinema/video release. This is the big time. Filming is on a large scale, with a hefty production crew, anywhere between 15 and 60 vehicles including staff trailers, eating quarters and vans containing all sorts of equipment you are unlikely to have seen before. This type of production involves full set dressing, large lighting rigs, miles of cable, and sometimes many film extras to create the setting for a scene. As you can imagine, this sort of production can cause quite a disturbance.

In many cases, only the exterior of the property may be required, with the interior shots taking place in a studio. Sometimes, the production may need a full run of all the rooms in the premises. The extent and intrusiveness of the filming all depends on the length of the scene and the complexity of the set-up. Obviously, a short, easily set up scene or sequence may only take a day, whereas a complex and protracted piece of filming would require a longer occupation.

Filming requirements can be anything from a large country estate to a small flat on a rundown estate - it all depends on the script. Your home will be particularly appealing if it has unique features or is a type of property that is in short supply. For example, thatched cottages often lend themselves well to filming requirements, as do homes with specially designed interiors, sweeping staircases or beautiful gardens. On location, production companies look to get 'production values' and your house has features which are unusual or rare, then they will help create an interesting backdrop.

Other property attributes which will make a property appealing are originality, especially where period properties are concerned. In period dramas, the more original features that remain in place, the better, although it is usually quite alright for them to have been restored. In fact this is often so much the better, as it will help them appear to be contemporary.

In general, the properties which lend themselves well to registration with a location agency are upmarket, spacious ones, or that have 100% original features. Agencies also favour properties that are used again and again, and which allow a large degree of set dressing. After all, in the film industry they are in the business of making things look a certain way and transforming images for their own needs.

Finally, it is also worth noting that approximately half of UK films will be filmed within 1 and a half hours travel of London. The majority of the crew, equipment and studios are based within the M25 circle and the prospect of transporting everything hundreds of miles often leads production companies to search for cheaper alternatives closer to their base.

If you wish to have your home feature on T.V. and are approached by a location manager to have the property used, then what can you expect?

Insurance. This is essential to product the fabric and structure of your home. With all those people and all that electrical equipment, the potential for disaster is pretty large. Insurance should be arranged by the production company to cover any damage and is likely to be for anything upwards of a million pounds.

Contract. This legal document will state when occupation is required and that you agree to have your property depicted on T.V. or film in the manner desired by the film crew. The contract may, at the discretion of either party, have numerous other clauses inserted.

Disturbance. Some people find it better to be away whilst filming takes place. Others would rather keep a watchful eye over their property. Either way, you normal pattern of life is likely to be severely interrupted whilst filming takes place. The level of disturbance varies according to the size of the crew and the type of production, from very little, right through to complete removal of all the furniture, running of cables, dozens of lorries blocking the roads and a large number of crew around and about.

Money. Obviously, you are going to get paid for the inconvenience caused by the disturbance. The amount that you get depends on 2 factors:

• Uniqueness of the location
• Amount of disruption

For private houses, the fee can range from as little as £200 for half a day's filming of a docu-drama in an average sized property, right up to £3500 per day for a feature film crew in a unique location requiring large amounts of dressing. Obviously, negotiation plays a large part in setting the price, but these prices are a fair guideline.

Many people do not have income as their main motive for getting their property on film, especially since the sums paid may seem quite trifling to the owners of large country estates! Plenty of people simply like the idea that their house will appear on T.V. or in a film due to the prestige attached. They may also like the hustle, bustle and interest that goes with having a film crew around.

One other thing - you needn't worry about the electricity bill soaring as a result of all that electrical equipment - most crews bring along their own generator!

If you feel your property has good prospects for use as a location, how do you go about getting it noticed?

Most productions use location scouts who drive around an area looking for properties and simply knocking on doors to see if there is any interest. But for the more unique and unusual properties there are agencies that keep lists and pictures for reference, which location managers will use to minimise the length of their search.

If you property is unique or has desirable features, then it will be possible to register with these agencies. The larger agencies in London are:

• London film commission
• Lavish locations
• Amazing space

Good luck and let's hope we see your property on the silver screen soon!