Giggster is a marketplace for renting homes, studios, warehouses, ranches and other spaces to film, TV and photo productions, as well as events. Listing is free. Giggster collects 19% of the total booking value from the host, and renters pay a separate processing fee. Every booking comes with Giggster’s standard location agreement.
At a glance
| What it is | Location rental marketplace for shoots and events |
| Listing fee | None |
| Host fee | 19% of the total booking value |
| Renter fee | Processing fee, lower on bigger bookings |
| Contract | Standard Giggster location agreement |
| Permits | In-house coordination offered for productions |
How it works
You list your space with photos, square footage, rules and an hourly or daily rate. Producers and photographers send inquiries with their dates, crew size and plans. You accept the shoots you want and decline the rest. Bookings are paid through Giggster, and the address is only shared after booking.
What it costs
Giggster collects 19% of the total booking value from hosts. Renters pay a separate processing fee that covers payments, support and fraud prevention, and that fee is not taken from your share.
The location agreement
Every production or event on Giggster comes with a standard location agreement. It includes cancellation terms: for example, a producer who cancels less than 48 hours before entry owes the full location fee, and you receive that fee minus Giggster’s service fees.
What earns well
Distinctive homes, modern kitchens, pools, lofts, offices, industrial spaces and ranches all draw shoots. Giggster’s own guide on renting a home for filming talks about earnings of $1,000 to $4,000 a day, depending on the space and the production.
Protecting your home
Production crews bring equipment, lights and many people. Set rules on parking, power, rooms that are off-limits and cleanup, keep all communication on Giggster and walk the space before and after.
Common mistakes
Hosts often accept shoots without checking crew size, leave rules vague or communicate outside the platform. Keeping everything on Giggster protects your payment.
Getting started
Photograph every room and feature, describe parking and power, set rates in line with similar listings and respond quickly to inquiries, since productions book fast.
Is it worth it?
For a distinctive home or space in a film-friendly city, yes: a single day can pay more than weeks of other rentals. A plain space may get few inquiries.
Repeat productions
Photographers and production companies often come back to locations that worked well. Being flexible on timing, quick to reply and easy to work with on the day leads to repeat bookings.
Neighbors
Shoots can bring trucks, crews and noise. Tell your neighbors in advance, follow any local permit rules and agree parking with the production before the day.
Keeping records
Keep a record of each booking, payout and any damage claim, which helps with taxes and future disputes.
Owen’s take
Giggster pays well for the right home, often more in a day than a month of other rentals. It suits people who don’t mind a crew taking over for a day.
Who it suits
It suits owners of photogenic homes and spaces in film-friendly cities. It suits less well anyone who can’t leave their home for a full shoot day.
Similar options
- Peerspace rents spaces by the hour.
- ShareGrid rents out camera gear.
- Swimply rents out pools and backyards.
- Airbnb rents out stays overnight.
More options are in Rentals & Sharing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to list
- High day rates for the right space
- Standard agreement with cancellation terms
Cons
- 19% host fee
- Crews and equipment in your home
- Best in film-friendly cities
FAQ
How much does Giggster charge hosts?
19% of the total booking value.
Is it free to list on Giggster?
Yes, there is no cost to list.
Do renters pay a fee?
Yes, a processing fee that isn’t taken from your share.
Is there a contract for each booking?
Yes, Giggster’s standard location agreement.
What if a production cancels late?
Under 48 hours before entry, the full location fee is due, and you receive it minus Giggster’s fees.
