A restaurant closed on a Monday morning can become the set of a national commercial. For a venue, hosting a shoot is a way to earn revenue during hours that would otherwise sit idle. Here is how it works and what you need to know before opening your dining room to a crew.
How much a restaurant shoot pays
A commercial space typically rents for $1,500 to $5,000 per shoot day. The amount depends on the production, the duration, and the constraints involved.
Several factors shift the rate:
- The scale of the production. A national ad pays more than an independent shoot.
- The duration. A full day earns more than a half-day, but productions often pay a flat rate that includes setup and strike.
- Exclusivity. If the production blocks multiple days to prepare the space, every extra day is billed, even without cameras rolling.
- The character of the space. A restaurant with a strong visual identity (distinctive decor, ambient lighting, a recognizable layout) can command a higher rate. A generic space, by contrast, tends toward the lower end of the range.
To see where your venue fits in the broader market, read our article on how much you can earn renting your space for filming, which covers every category of location.
What productions look for in a restaurant
A location scout does not choose a restaurant for its menu. Here is what catches their eye:
- Visual identity. Distinctive decor, a readable atmosphere, a clear era or style: the more personality the space has, the more it is in demand.
- Versatility. A room that can be filmed from several angles, a visible kitchen, a bar or counter are all assets.
- Light. Large windows or a skylight make the crew’s work easier. Very dark interiors, on the other hand, require more lighting equipment.
- Logistics. Nearby parking, easy access for the equipment truck, space for a temporary production office: these practical details matter as much as how the room looks.
A restaurant that checks several of these boxes attracts a wide range of productions, from commercials to feature films to series.
Shooting without disrupting your service
Most restaurant shoots take place outside opening hours: early morning, late at night, or during the weekly closing day. Your service is not interrupted.
The crew sets up its equipment, protects surfaces, and shoots on a schedule agreed in advance. At the end, the space is returned to its original state. A well-run shoot is quiet for your customers and your neighbours.
Staying in control of the process
On Locloc, every booking is governed by a signed contract that sets out each party’s responsibilities. You approve each project and set your conditions before committing. You can require proof of the production’s liability insurance as well as a security deposit. Your own insurance remains your primary coverage; we recommend checking with your insurer that your policy covers this type of use, as most standard home and commercial policies exclude filming activity.
This framework lets you welcome productions with confidence, without putting your main business at risk.
How to start
Browse the directory of filming locations across Canada to see how other venues present themselves, including in Montreal, then list your property on the waitlist for free. Registering commits you to nothing.
