Must-haves for a location shoot

Thousands of L.A. residents register their properties with agencies that negotiate usage fees for film, television and still photography. Film and TV shoots are time- and labor-intensive and involve lots of equipment, but the fees are high. Fashion shoots for print media require smaller crews and shorter hours but a much more polished look. “Everyone who rents a house likes to be able to walk right in and start shooting,” says Toni Maier, president of On Location, which represents 3,500 properties in the region. “In some ways still photography is the hardest nut to crack, because clients are looking for a certain sense of style.” Her checklist of what makes a house a great location:

Space: Parking needs to be adequate. The house needs at least one room for wardrobe, sufficient restroom space for hairdressers and makeup artists, as well as changing areas for models. When it comes to rooms to shoot in, larger and taller are better.

Light: “Clients love natural light, so skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows are a big plus,” Maier says. “Preferably ones that have a city view, where you can also shoot at night.”

Water: A swimming pool is a huge draw, says Maier, especially if you can walk around it. “Infinity pools are cool, but you can only shoot them from one direction.”

Finishes: Think clean and simple, Maier says. “Shiny wood floors are always in style.” Busy paint jobs and wallpaper may be too distracting. Avoid clutter.

Furnishings: “The whole midcentury look — Eames chairs and Mies van der Rohe chaises — is still very hot,” Maier says. “Tastefully outlandish interiors appeal to the cutting-edge fashion photographers. They may pick a house because it has a couple of pieces of good furniture and not care about anything else.”

-- David A. Keeps