Why the entertainment industry needs a specialist housing provider

Despite the pandemic hitting the industry, the media and entertainment sector is still thriving today. It is one of the few industries that continued to see significant business travel activity throughout the worldwide crisis. While audiences’ preferences changed (streaming services quickly became the only way people could watch their favorite shows), consumer demand remained - and consequently, the need for business travel in this sector.   

Each year, the media and entertainment industry brings in billions of dollars in the U.S. alone. The U.S. entertainment industry is the largest globally; it currently stands at $717 billion and is expected to surpass a staggering $825 billion by 2023. From blockbuster motion pictures to music, television, radio and content streaming, working in the entertainment sector is fast-paced and ever-changing. 

For many worldwide production companies, finding reliable and appropriate accommodation for actors, crew and cast members while working away is a challenge. From unusual shooting hours and unique locations to special amenity requirements and last-minute decision-making, there are lots of factors to consider and account for.  

Below, we look at the unique accommodation needs of the entertainment industry and how specialist housing providers can assist. 

Work often takes place in unique ‘non-corporate’ locations 

Those in the entertainment industry travel often; it’s not uncommon for filming to take place in far-flung locations, beyond the glitz and glamor of Hollywood or trusty New York film studios. When working away, production companies must provide A-list stars and crew members with secure, reliable and safe accommodation, wherever they are required to work. 

Security is a top priority. In addition to the latest technology to keep guests safe, it’s crucial that production companies have access to accommodation in fully vetted and compliant locations. Often, production agencies must find suitable accommodation with very little notice, and therefore don’t have time to properly vet a location. In these cases, it’s critical to have a reliable and trusted housing provider to hand, offering an extensive global accommodation network in safe and screened locations. 

It’s also common for production companies to require different types of accommodation for different people working on their projects. A-list stars will likely have different requirements to crew members; therefore, it’s important that the housing provider they work with has a varied portfolio with suitable accommodation at all levels. Being able to book accommodation for all cast members, stars and crew in one fell swoop and on one centralized platform is crucial. 

Actors, cast members and crew require accommodation that feels like home 

Much like the rest of the world, employees in the entertainment industry need home comforts and a space to call their own while working away from home. Gone are the days of budget hotels; today, workers in the entertainment industry need to feel comfortable, relaxed and at ease in their own personal space. Not only will stars spend long periods of time here while filming, but they will enjoy their downtime away from work here, too. 

While standard amenities - such as personal laundry facilities and a private kitchen - are a must, A-list stars may require luxury facilities unavailable in a traditional hotel or rental. From private chefs to personal swimming pools, it’s important for production companies to connect with housing providers who can supply high-end properties with luxury amenities, as well as more ‘standard’ business travel property options. 

When working away for long periods, high-profile individuals may require spare rooms for family visits, a solid security team on the premises or even a supply of alternative housing options to hand.  

Production companies require flexibility and adaptability 

Things can move quickly in the entertainment industry. Last-minute accommodation requirements, unusual shooting hours and short-notice date changes are not uncommon, so it’s critical that production companies have access to specialist accommodation terms and conditions. If schedules run over or filming is cut short, production companies need peace of mind that their housing providers are ready to adapt, with no knock-on effects. 

Busy schedules, tight budgets and ever-changing needs fuel the industry, and housing providers working within it must be flexible and adaptable. For example, flexible lease terms give production companies room to work on projects without facility restrictions or time constraints. 

Shooting films, television series and documentaries simultaneously means agents and production companies must manage several different teams and crews at once. To do this successfully, accommodation managers need transparent lease terms and access to the reservation details of everyone working on a project. 

Key takeaways: 

A housing provider ready to adapt is paramount in the entertainment sector. Production companies need access to an extensive accommodation network, with adaptability at the forefront. Flexible lease terms, high-end amenities, luxury housing options, curated services and global support are critical when sourcing accommodation for film stars and crew members. 

With over a million accommodations in over 60 countries, 3Sixty is equipped to deal with the ever-changing needs of the entertainment industry. We provide luxury options, fully vetted locations, curated services, high-end amenities, streamlined billing and flexible lease and length of stay terms. 

3Sixty

3Sixty is a state-of-the-art marketplace that reduces the noise in extended-stay travel. Our HomeMatch™ technology leverages machine learning and human expertise to curate quality, cost-effective housing where your employees feel safe, comfortable, and at peace. 
With over one million accommodations in over 60 countries, we’re proud to be the go-to employee housing provider. Visit our marketplace to find out more.