Short Film Location Fees in London: What a Hackney Warehouse Costs Per Day (and What’s Included)

A location fee is only the starting point. Before you commit, check what the rate covers, how long you have the space, and what gets charged on top.

At @38, shoot bookings start at £175 for up to 4 hours. Shoot day rates start at £600, with bookings of up to 8 hours available. You get a raw industrial space in Clapton · Hackney · London E5, with dark surfaces and production infrastructure already in the room. No set build required.

See the shoot space and booking options. We respond within 24 hours.

How film location fees are usually structured

There’s no single London rate card for a warehouse location. The quote can depend on the space, the booking length, the size of your crew, access times and what your production needs.

Common pricing structures include:

• A fixed rate for a set booking: for example, a 4-hour or 8-hour slot.
• An hourly rate with a minimum booking: useful for smaller shoots, but check whether setup and pack-down count toward the minimum.
• A negotiated production fee: often used when the shoot needs unusual access, extra rooms, overnight work or more operational support.

Published listings show how much the rates can vary. Shutterhouse White House, for example, publishes separate half-day and full-day rates. The Warehouse at Chocolate Studios lists several booking lengths. These are examples, not a standard London tariff. Always check the current quote and the terms for your dates.

Four hours or eight? Book for the whole production window

A 4-hour booking can work for a lean setup: small crew, few lighting changes, limited kit and a clear shot list.

But the clock usually includes more than filming. You may need time to load in, dress the space, light the scene, record takes, reset, pack down and leave the room as agreed. If those tasks all have to fit inside four hours, your schedule needs to be realistic.

An 8-hour booking gives you more room for multiple setups, changes to lighting, talent breaks or a scene that takes longer than planned. It can also prevent a cheaper short booking from turning into an overtime bill.

Ask the venue to confirm:

• When your access starts and ends.
• Whether load-in and pack-down sit inside the booked hours.
• Whether a “day” means 8, 9 or 10 hours.
• What happens if you run over.
• Whether early access or a late finish is available.

At @38, you can book up to 4 hours from £175, or enquire about a shoot day from £600, with bookings of up to 8 hours available. Confirm your exact slot and requirements before signing.

What’s normally in the location fee?

The location fee is usually for access to the space, during the agreed booking window. Depending on the venue, it may also cover standard utilities, basic cleaning or use of existing furniture and facilities. Don’t assume those extras are included unless the quote says so.

At @38, the shoot space has power throughout, a dramatic colour-wash lighting rig, track lighting and raw brick, dark wood and industrial surfaces. There’s also a studio room available for talent or changing, and parking by arrangement. The existing look is part of the location: you can shoot against its real surfaces without building a set.

That’s the difference between a blank room and a space with a visual identity. Your production can focus on camera, light and performance rather than dressing every wall.

View the shoot space details.

What might be billed on top?

Get these items written into the quote. A small addition can affect your budget, especially if you only discover it on shoot day.

Power. Ask what sockets and power capacity are included. If you’re bringing high-draw lighting or specialist equipment, confirm the load before booking. You may need a separate supply, distribution, electrician or generator. “Power available” doesn’t necessarily mean every setup can run from the venue’s standard sockets.

Overtime. Find out when overtime begins and how it’s calculated. Venues may charge a flat hourly fee, a percentage of the booking rate or a higher rate for late-night access. Ask whether you need approval before running over.

Security. Clarify whether the venue’s standard access arrangements are enough for your shoot. Extra staff may be required for overnight kit, vehicle movements, crowd control or open entrances.

Cleaning and waste. Routine cleaning and production clean-up are different things. Ask what condition the space must be left in, and whether rubbish removal, deep cleaning or a damage deposit applies. Props, food, fake blood, smoke and liquids can all change the answer.

External suppliers. Generators, lighting and grip, toilets, parking, catering, barriers and specialist access equipment may need to be hired separately. Check whether you can bring your own suppliers and whether the venue has any required or preferred suppliers.

Exclusivity: make sure the space is yours

For a short film, another booking or event happening nearby can create noise, movement and interruptions. Ask whether your hire is exclusive, which areas are included and whether other people will be using the building during your slot.

Get the answer in writing. “Exclusive use of the main floor” may not mean exclusive access to every room, entrance or parking space. If you need a quiet holding area, changing space or somewhere for kit, list it in the booking details.

At @38, the shoot booking is exclusive. The main floor gives you the raw industrial look; the studio room can be used for talent or changing. Confirm the areas you need when you check availability.

Questions to ask before you sign

Send the venue a short, specific brief. Include the date, crew size, cast, vehicle count, equipment, power needs, access times and any effects or materials you plan to use.

Then ask:

1. What exactly is included in the location fee?
2. How many hours are included, and when does the clock start?
3. Are load-in, setup and pack-down part of those hours?
4. What is the overtime rate, and do you need to approve it in advance?
5. What power is available, and are there limits or extra charges?
6. Are cleaning, waste removal, security and parking included?
7. Is the space exclusive for the full booking?
8. What deposit, insurance and cancellation terms apply?
9. Can you bring your own suppliers and equipment?
10. What condition must the space be left in?

Ask for an itemised quote. It makes the real cost easier to compare than two headline rates with different inclusions.

Plan the space. Then plan the spend.

A location rate is only useful when you know what it buys. Compare the booking hours, access rules, power, cleaning, security and overtime, not just the number at the top of the quote.

At @38, rates start at £175 for up to 4 hours and £600 for a shoot day. Bookings of up to 8 hours are available. You get dark industrial surfaces, power throughout, a colour-wash lighting rig and a room with character already on camera.

Based in Clapton · Hackney · London E5. Check the shoot space or book a shoot. You can also DM us through at38.org. We respond within 24 hours.

What’s your biggest question about film location hire in London: overtime, power, exclusivity or the day rate? Comment below.