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Crew and Businesses

In North Somerset

North Somerset Film Office collaborates with Filming in England, granting you access to the national Reel-Scout directories for Crew, Suppliers, and Locations.
If you are a North Somerset resident or businesses, we encourage you to register on these national directories today to maximise your Film Industry exposure.

If you are committed to welcoming film productions and showcasing the unique advantages your business offers, take these proactive steps:

Establish a dedicated “Film-Friendly” webpage
Emphasise the features that set your business apart, your ability to accommodate a production’s logistical needs, and any relevant film industry experience.

An excellent example of this is Clifton Suspension Bridge where policies, contact details and charges are clearly listed.

 

Differentiate Your Business
To capture the attention of film crews, consider sector-specific enhancements (find suggestions below) that elevate your offerings and make you the preferred choice.

To help you tailor your offerings, here’s an insight into what productions seek from suppliers across different market sectors:

Accommodation providers

Rates & Booking 

  • Try to offer a discount on block bookings
  • Allow for accommodation on a ‘room only’ basis – meals are often provided on set.
  • Flexible rates on out of hours and late check-in/out times.
  • Hold a pencil booking for longer than normal – the nature of filming is such that decisions are often made at the eleventh hour.

 

Rooms 

  • Rooms must be comfortable and quiet – after a long day’s filming crew need a good night’s sleep.
  • Single occupancy rooms will be required with ensuite as standard.
  • Ground floor accommodation – welcomed if managing large amounts of luggage/kit.

 

Facilities 

  • Complimentary WiFi and good connectivity.
  • Free onsite parking – fixed height barrier with lower gate access may be an issue for large production vehicles.
  • Auxiliary rooms and spaces available for production meetings, kit/wardrobe and make-up space if required is always a bonus.
  • Sustainable accommodation practices – productions are looking to source suppliers with a green policy in place.

Accommodation Flexibility 

  • If appropriate, keep the bar open longer at the end of the day
  • As appropriate, provide room service outside normal restaurant hours
  • Efficient check out services – early starts mean early rises.
  • Discretion concerning high profile artists – the accommodation provider may be requested to sign an NDA for a large-scale production. 
  • Onsite team for service and security as part of their stay.
  • Dedicated point of contact from the initial enquiry and during the crews stay

Further details can be found on Filming in England’s guidance document

Catering

Rates & Booking

  • Offer scalable catering packages (e.g. basic meals for crew and higher-end options for cast).
  • Consider tiered pricing for different production sizes (medium/large).
  • Be prepared to be flexible in orders, there may be late changes for additional crew needs.

 

Meals:

  • Focus on nutritious, energising food with some variations availible.
  • Consider providing “grab and go” options for quick breaks between shoots or 0n the go crew.
  • Offer flexibility such as late-night or early-morning meal services.

Construction and Set Design

Rates & Booking

  • Offer transparent pricing, consider package deals for long-term projects
  • Be flexible with changes or last-minute additions.

Materials

  • Source materials quickly and efficiently
  • Have a network of suppliers for unique or hard-to-find items.

Speed & Flexibility

  • Prioritise safety on set, with all crew trained in relevant safety protocols and equipment.
  • Be able to work quickly and adapt to changing production designs and schedules.

Equipment Rental

Rates & Booking

  • Consider discounts for long-term rentals.
  • Ensure flexibile policies to accommodate production uncertainties.

 

Inventory

  • Have a wide range of offerings (depending on your business):
    • Cameras
    • Lighting
    • Sound equipment
    • Filmmaking accessories
  • Keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and commercial-grade gear.

 

Tech Support

  • Provide on-call technicians or equipment specialists who can quickly troubleshoot problems on set.
  • Offer 24/7 support if possible.

Transportation

Rates & Booking

  • Offer hourly and daily rates.
  • Consider package deals for longer-term requirements.
  • Be flexible with pick-up and drop-off times, as filming schedules can be unpredictable.

 

Vehicles

  • Promote a range of vehicles if availible (cars, suvs, mini-bus).
  • Ensure vehicles are well-maintained and clean.

 

Drivers:

  • Provide drivers with clean driving records and experience navigating various locations.
  • Have drivers who are knowledgeable about the local area and willing to work flexible hours.

Warehouses & Office Space

Rates & Booking

  • Offer competitive daily or weekly rates with discounts for long-term rentals.
  • Be flexible with booking terms, potential last-minute changes.

Space

  • Highlight unique features of your space
    • high ceilings
    • loading docks
    • natural light
    • industrial aesthetic
  • Provide accurate square footage, ceiling height, and clear photos or floor plans.

Accessibility

  • Ensure easy access for large vehicles, good loading and unloading areas
  • Ample parking for crew is greatly preferable

Production-Friendly

  • Be open to temporary modifications of the space to accommodate production needs (painting, set construction, etc.).
  • Understand the specific needs of a film crew (long hours, noise, potential need for 24/7 access).
  • Offer basic amenities:
    • WiFi
    • Restrooms
    • kitchen/break areas
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