Film location at Green View (Supplied)

• Fashion trends influence both wardrobes and living spaces, making properties potential film locations for a good paycheck.
• Cape Town is a desirable film location due to its affordability, ample sunlight, and the demand for properties that reflect current fashion trends.
• To qualify as a film location, properties need good lighting, ample space, and appealing aesthetics, and owners can earn between R10 000 and R60 000 per day.

The influence of style extends far beyond the runway, with fashion trends not only shaping our wardrobes but also transforming our living spaces, which could potentially be used as film locations in exchange for a good paycheck.

Trends from Paris Fashion Week, featuring fuller skirts, ball gown silhouettes, and Olympic-inspired metallics, are expected to influence interior design trends and film locations.

According to Julia Finnis-Bedford, founder of Amazing Spaces, an international film locations company, various professionals in the film industry are looking for film locations that speak to the style of a season’s collection.

Amazing Spaces has paired global film crews with various settings offered by South African properties since 2000, catering to fashion photographers and production designers. This is particularly important in South Africa since Cape Town has a market for this.

“The fashion industry has four seasons, and so the requests are always shifting, which is why there is a constant need for quality locations that are well-managed for shoots.

“We are always adding new properties to our portfolio so that clients who shoot in Cape Town always have new locations to choose from,” she said.

Finnis-Bedford also explained that the upcoming film season, between mid-October to the end of March next year, will be influenced by 90s minimalism alongside futuristic motifs, thanks to the demand for retro fashion.

Film location at Green View (Supplied)

Film location at Green View (Supplied)

“We expect to see a resurgence of bold geometric patterns and a vibrant palette for interior design that complements the vivacity of the season. Outdoor spaces are being transformed into lush retreats, reflecting a growing desire for nature-inspired serenity.

“Conversely, a bohemian apparel line might call for a location with rich textures and an earthy palette. The current trend towards retro revival in fashion sees a demand for locations that reflect historical eras, from Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern,” she added.

Cape Town, a hotspot for desirable film locations

South Africa hosts some breathtaking cities that are a global hit for film locations, including Cape Town, which has attracted big names such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and Sean Penn.

Part of the reason is that the country enjoys about 300 hours of sunlight per month and that it is 40% more affordable to make films and shoot fashion catalogues in South Africa than in other countries in Europe and the US.

Although Cape Town is a desirable place for productions, many properties have been listed as film locations.

To qualify for a listing, one’s property would have to have that ‘wow factor’.

“When finding the ideal location, the most important element we consider is lighting. The general layout of the property is also important, as there needs to be enough space for film crews to move around while they are working.

“We also look for interior and exterior aesthetics that offer a variety of textures and colours. This all contributes to the atmosphere film directors are looking for, which, when blended with music and lighting, creates a tangible texture viewers can emotionally connect with,” Finnis-Bedford said.

Interior design inspiration for a film location (Supplied)

Interior design inspiration for a film location (Supplied)

Interior design inspiration for a film location (Supplied)

Interior design inspiration for a film location (Supplied)

Design inspiration for a film location (Supplied)

If the property is the right fit, owners could make between R10 000 and R60 000 per day, depending on the size of the house and its wow factor.

Here is a checklist for homeowners interested in listing their homes, according to Finnis-Bedford:

• Start by decluttering and depersonalising your space. It helps to create a neutral backdrop that allows production teams to tailor the space to their vision.
• Freshen up your spaces by giving your home a fresh coat of paint in neutral tones.
• Highlight key features by accentuating any unique architectural elements or views.
• Furniture needs to be versatile and stylish; opt for minimal decor that is easily rearranged or removed.
• Maximise lighting by ensuring your spaces are well-lit using natural light where possible and updating light fixtures.
• Consider signing up with a professional locations agency that has lots of experience working with production teams who can manage the entire process for you.

She also highlighted that in 2021, the company expanded its offering by launching a real estate division called Amazing Spaces Lifestyle Investments after demand to purchase location properties increased.

As a result, the company has guided buyers who want advice on remodelling their spaces so they are regularly used as film locations, which has massively increased their return on investment.

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“Our agents are always looking for homes with high ceilings, open plan kitchens, white or neutral interior colours, unique and gorgeous windows and doors, wooden floors, large bedrooms and bathrooms, modern driveways, and pretty gardens,” she said.