Given the recent quick rise of the Atlanta film scene and the sheer number of productions that now occur here on a regular basis, it should come as little surprise that short-term housing is a commodity for film professionals coming in for a shoot. Whether you are a filmmaker trying to bring your team into town for a project, or whether you’re a film professional trying to find somewhere to stay while you work on set for the next several months — finding affordable, comfortable housing can definitely be a challenge. Here are a few tips for Atlanta film professionals looking for short-term rentals in the area.
OPTION 1: Rent a hotel room
While this is your most convenient option, it’s also by far the most expensive. Even extended stay hotels can be pricey, and they usually don’t offer the comforts of home. Unless your shoot is less than 10 days, chances are this option isn’t worth the cost, especially if it eats up your budget.
OPTION 2: Use a vacation rental portal
Another quick way to land short-term rentals is to utilize one of several online platforms that have made it easy to locate and rent vacation rentals — sites like Airbnb and VRBO. The advantage here is that you can often find a decent fully-furnished apartment, rather than just a room with a bed. The disadvantages are that these often cost as much per night as a hotel, plus there is the challenge of finding a unit that is available for the length of time you need. (Many popular units book up months in advance.) Not to mention if you’re a filmmaker bringing a team to Atlanta, you’ll have to repeat the process for each teammate.
OPTION 3: Hunt for furnished month-to-month rentals
This option might get you more into your budget range, but in a market where most rentals come unfurnished, this task is tantamount to looking for a needle in a haystack. Finding an apartment for yourself or for several teammates should become your full-time job — film is your job. What’s more, on a production schedule, time is money. You probably can’t afford either.
OPTION 4: Work with a short-term housing agency
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to land a short-term rental is to work with an agency dedicated to doing the legwork for you. A short-term or corporate housing agency specializes in providing comfortable, high-quality, fully furnished apartments for extended stays, many of which come with resort-like amenities. However, you won’t be paying hospitality industry prices for this convenience — in fact, you’ll usually pay far less per month than if you rented a hotel room.
TP Corporate Lodging offers fully furnished apartments in some of Atlanta’s finest complexes, and we’re dedicated to meeting the ongoing needs of the local film industry. If you’re an Atlanta film professional on the hunt for a short-term rental, give us a call at 800.428.9997.