In the world of film, it’s said that magic unfolds on the big screen, but behind the scenes lies a complex logistical ecosystem. Today, these complexities are more challenging than ever - with regulations ever-tightening and production teams navigating a shifting global landscape. An often-overlooked aspect of successful film production is accommodation.
From policy proposals to production delays, there’s always been a sense of unpredictability within the film industry, and it’s adapted and thrived with the changing of the times over the past hundred years or so. There’s no sign of that spirit going anywhere soon. However, the cumulative effect of this transient period - alongside concerns around mental wellbeing, long working hours, and increasing global turbulence, will undoubtedly prompt industry professionals to reassess how they manage key logistics including where and how their people stay during productions.
This article explores why serviced apartments are becoming a necessity in the Film and TV production space - supporting flexibility, wellbeing, and cost control on location.
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| Uncertainty on the Horizon: Tariffs and Trade Talk
Recent policy proposals in the United States include the suggestion of a 100% tariff on films produced overseas. Presented as a measure to support domestic film production, the idea has been met with concern across the industry. Regardless of the outcome, it underlines the broader volatility influencing decision-making throughout the entertainment sector.
From currency shifts to tax changes and regional incentives, productions are adapting to a landscape that is constantly shifting. While some of these challenges may prove temporary, the current climate underscores the importance of operational flexibility, particularly when it comes to accommodation.
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| A Healthy Home Base
Mental wellbeing is an increasingly recognised concern in the film and television industry. According to the Looking Glass ’22 Report by the Film and TV Charity, only 11% of workers consider the industry a mentally healthy place to work. While 80% acknowledge that progress is being made, long hours, disrupted routines, and isolation remain persistent challenges, especially for those working on location.
The effects of fatigue and overwork are well documented. A Bectu survey found that 40% of crew members were regularly asked to break legal rest periods, and over 90% of respondents agreed that a lack of rest negatively impacted their mental wellbeing, safety, and job performance.
While there’s no single fix for such systemic issues, there’s growing awareness that the quality of accommodation may play a more meaningful role than traditionally considered. The right space, one that offers privacy, quiet, and flexibility, could support better rest, reduce stress, and help maintain a sense of routine away from home.
In this context, serviced apartments present a compelling option. With separate living areas, kitchens, and space to decompress, they can offer more than just a bed for the night. For professionals navigating unpredictable schedules and demanding workloads, these small comforts could help foster resilience and protect wellbeing over time.
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| A Flexible Fix: Serviced Apartments for Film Crews
Film productions are rarely neat affairs. Crew numbers fluctuate mid-shoot, schedules run long, and last-minute guest names get added daily. This is where serviced apartments truly shine.
More flexible than temporary rentals and more comfortable than standard hotels, they offer a best-of-both-worlds solution that’s tailor-made for long or transient stays. Key benefits include:
- Adaptability – Easily extend bookings, amend guest names, or scale room blocks as needs shift.
- Cost control – With lower nightly rates over time and in-unit amenities like kitchens and laundry, productions reduce overheads.
- Privacy and comfort – Crucial for talent or senior crew seeking downtime between long shoots.
- Proximity to production hubs – With access to key filming cities like London, Atlanta, Budapest, and Vancouver.
- Live/work spaces – More than just a bed for the night, these units offer room to unwind, work, or self-cater.
- Tailored terms – Short notice cancellations, no tie-in contracts or deposits, and no rigid rental agreements.
- Peace and quiet – Unlike hotels, there's no knocking cleaning carts, hallway noise, or anti-social disruption, ideal for offset filming schedules.
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| The Stories on the Ground
SilverDoor regularly supports media and entertainment clients with complex, fast-moving requirements.
- West End Theatre Show – Creative Team
Challenge: Accommodating high-profile, Tony Award-winning creatives near the theatre.
Solution: Secured premium apartments close to the venue and worked closely with providers to ensure top-tier standards. The group was later named in the programme’s “special thanks”.
- Reality TV Show – Talent Accommodation
Challenge: Last-minute eliminations every week, requiring flexible bookings with rapid changes to guest names.
Solution: Partnered with providers offering multiple units in the same building, short cancellation windows, and approval for filming within the apartments. Contestants were added and removed seamlessly as needed.
- Special West End Cast Performance – VIP Talent
Challenge: Discretion and round-the-clock access.
Solution: Located premium, 24-hour reception apartments in a prime area. Providers adhered to strict privacy protocols.
- West End Production – Writers and Executives
Challenge: Low budget, specific area requirements, and a need for high standards and spacious layouts.
Solution: Organised multiple property viewings and added wildcard options in nearby areas that offered better value.
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| Greener Choices Behind the Camera
Sustainability is increasingly shaping production decision-making. From carbon reporting to greener supply chains, studios and location managers are seeking partners who align with their ESG goals.
SilverDoor is the only serviced apartment agency currently accredited by BAFTA’s Albert sustainability initiative. Our efforts include:
• Fully digitised booking processes
• Carbon offsetting via our partnership with Trees4Travel
• Advocacy for recognised certification schemes like REST
Serviced apartments also support sustainable living through reduced energy usage, minimised reliance on single-use plastics, and decreased local travel compared to hotels - particularly when properties are close to shoot locations.
Room to work, rest, and recharge.
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| Rolling with the Credits
The entertainment industry has always thrived on adaptability. Today, as it faces shifting regulations, economic pressures, wellbeing concerns, and increasing sustainability expectations, agility is more important than ever.
Serviced apartments could give production teams the breathing space to focus on what really matters: telling great stories.
Planning a shoot?We support production companies, location managers, and entertainment clients with tailored accommodation - whether it’s for one night, one month, or an entire run, contact us today. |
