If you’ve ever tried to budget a shoot, you’ll know the answer to “how much does a location cost?” is rarely straightforward. The honest answer is: it depends on the shoot. But that’s not very useful, so here’s what we can tell you — based on hundreds of bookings a year across leading location agency LC Locations’ 1000+ UK properties.
UK filming locations typically cost between £500 and £15,000+ per day, depending on the type of property, the scale of production, and what you’re using it for. A small editorial photoshoot at a residential home might come in around £750 a day. A multi-day commercial with a 40-person crew at a country estate could easily run to £8,000+.
A few things determine the day rate:
1. The type of shoot. Stills photography pays differently to film. Editorial pays differently to commercial. A music video pays differently to a feature. Generally, the higher the budget of the production, the higher the location fee — and the more disruption involved, the higher the fee should be.
2. The size of the crew. A 5-person stills crew has a very different impact on a property than a 40-person commercial unit. Most location fees scale with crew size, not just shoot length.
3. The scale of the property. A one-room studio costs less than a manor house with grounds and 14 bedrooms. Cost reflects the variety of setups available, the running costs to the owner, and the risk involved.
Indicative day rates, by shoot type
These ranges cover most UK locations. Yours may sit higher or lower depending on the specifics.
— Stills / editorial photoshoot — £500–£2,500 per day — E-commerce — £750–£3,000 per day — Commercial / advertising shoot — £1,500–£8,000 per day — Music video — £1,000–£5,000 per day (often 1–2 days) — Branded content / corporate film — £1,500–£6,000 per day — High-end TV drama (HETV) — £3,000–£10,000+ per day — Feature film — £4,000–£15,000+ per day
For multi-day bookings, agencies often negotiate a slightly reduced day rate.
What’s usually included — and what isn’t
Standard location fees usually cover use of the agreed shoot areas, basic furniture and access, and a representative on site. They don’t usually cover: overtime (typically charged at 1.5x the day rate or hourly), damages (charged at cost), additional services like catering or unit base spaces, parking permits, or specialist props.
How agency commission works
In the UK, location agencies typically charge 15-25% commission on the hire fee, paid by the homeowner from the gross fee.
Frequently asked questions
How is the location fee paid? Either up front (for new clients) or on 14-30 day terms (for established ones). The fee is paid to the agency, who then pays the property owner minus commission.
Are there hidden costs? No — but it’s worth budgeting for: overtime if the shoot overruns, any damages assessed at wrap, and any add-ons like extra rooms or unit base.
Can I get a discount for low-budget projects? Sometimes. Independent productions, students, and charity shoots often get reduced rates if the location owner is supportive. It’s always worth asking — the worst we can say is no.
How far in advance should I book? For high-end TV and film, 4-6 weeks lead time. For commercials and stills, 2-3 weeks. For last-minute briefs, we can often turn things around in 24 hours — but availability narrows fast.