Lights, Camera, Legal Action? What You Should Know Before Allowing Filming on Your Property
With New Jersey’s film and television industry booming, homeowners are increasingly being approached by production companies looking to use private residences as filming locations. It can be exciting—and lucrative—but it also carries legal, financial, and practical risks that are often overlooked.
Before you say yes to lights, cameras, and action, here’s what every New Jersey homeowner should understand.
1. A Location Agreement Is Not “Just a Form”
Production companies typically present a location agreement that looks routine and non-negotiable. It isn’t.
These agreements often:
Give broad access to your home and land
Shift responsibility for damage onto the homeowner
Allow alterations to your property (sometimes without clear restoration terms)
Limit your ability to sue if something goes wrong
Never assume the document protects you simply because the production is “professional” or “insured.”
Tip: If the agreement is more than a few pages—or heavily one-sided—have an attorney review it before signing.
2. Insurance: Don’t Rely on Verbal Assurances
You will almost always hear: “Don’t worry, we’re fully insured.” That statement alone means very little.
You should require:
A certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured
Coverage for property damage, personal injury, and third-party claims
Policy limits that are appropriate for the size of the production
Without proper documentation, your own homeowners insurance may end up footing the bill—or denying coverage altogether.
3. Understand the Scope of Access
Filming doesn’t just mean a camera in your living room.
Consider:
Number of crew members on site
Parking of trucks, generators, and trailers
Use of bathrooms, kitchens, and private spaces
Storage of equipment overnight
Noise, lighting, and power usage
Your agreement should clearly define:
Dates and hours of access
Restricted areas
Maximum crew size
Who supervises restoration
4. Restoration Clauses Matter—A Lot
Production companies frequently move furniture, remove fixtures, repaint walls, or install temporary structures.
Your contract should spell out:
That your home must be returned to the same condition (or better)
A clear timeframe for repairs
A security deposit or holdback to ensure compliance
Photos and video documentation before and after filming are essential.
5. Neighbors, HOAs, and Municipal Rules Can Derail Everything
Even if you are comfortable with filming, others may not be.
Watch out for:
Homeowner association bylaws restricting commercial use
Municipal permit requirements
Street closures, parking limitations, or noise ordinances
Neighbor disputes that escalate quickly
In some NJ towns, filming without proper local permits can result in fines—or shutdowns mid-shoot.
6. Compensation Isn’t Always What It Seems
Filming fees vary widely and may include:
Daily location fees
Prep and strike days
Overtime usage
Utility reimbursement
Cleaning fees
Be cautious of:
Flat fees that don’t account for extended shoots
Language allowing unpaid reshoots
Payment contingent on production completion
You should know exactly how and when you’re getting paid.
7. Liability Can Extend Beyond Filming Days
Injuries, property damage, or disputes can arise after the crew leaves.
Make sure your agreement addresses:
Indemnification in your favor
Survival of insurance and liability provisions
Jurisdiction and venue (New Jersey, not another state)
Once the trucks are gone, leverage disappears—your protection needs to be locked in beforehand.
Final Thought: Treat Filming Like a Commercial Transaction
Allowing a production company into your home is not a casual favor—it’s a commercial use of residential property with real legal consequences.
A short legal review upfront can:
Prevent costly disputes
Protect your insurance coverage
Ensure fair compensation
Preserve your peace of mind
If you’re approached about filming at your New Jersey home and want to understand your rights before signing anything, speak with a local attorney experienced in real estate and contract law.
Because once the cameras start rolling, it’s too late to renegotiate.