Cape Town tech startup creates ‘Airbnb’ for film locations 

Cape Town-based tech startup, Filmspace has created an innovative and easy-to-use marketplace for the local film industry. 

 Filmspace is the ‘Airbnb’ for the film industry in SA

Filmspace has created a platform that functions similar to ‘Airbnb’, allowing users to search and book locations for filming. The one-of-a-kind platform in South Africa allows property owners to list their homes the opportunity to make money by renting out their homes. 

Filmspace

Founded in 2019, the tech startup has created a marketplace that functions similarly to the popular accommodation platform, Airbnb. 

In an interview with Ventureburn, Blanche Franken, founder of Filmspace provides insight into the inspiration behind the creation of the platform. 

“While studying film, I saw so many projects just never leave the ground. Production is expensive. I wanted to create a platform that would not only allow property owners to make extra money, but to also make the industry more accessible.”

Currently the platform offers film locations in Cape Town but is currently working on expanding its offering to Johannesburg and Durban.

Benefiting property owners

Hosts are able to complete listings through the easy-to-use platform and have control over flexible booking rules. Property owners are able to set their custom rate which is dependent on production houses, crew sizes, and more. 

Tapping into an industry that is reportedly worth over R12.2-billion, Filmspace caters to various forms of film locations from residential, commercial, studio, and mobile property listings for users. 

The innovative marketplace cuts the cost of the traditional labour-intensive scouting process with locations offered at a substantially lower rate. 

The tech startup’s platform does not contain any exclusivity clauses, allowing Airbnb owners to increase their income by renting out property during the off-peak travel season to professional filmmakers. 

Simplifying the process, the marketplace allows for all payments, automated location agreements, and communication between property owners and filmmakers to take place on the platform. Filmspace covers the administrative process, providing hosts with a R1-million host liability underwritten by Santam. Filmspace charges a commission per each completed booking. 

The platform currently hosts over 400 property listings, such as the Cederberg’s Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve and the iconic Radisson RED Hotel. 

Positive economic impact

Filmspace has created a platform that makes the industry accessible for both filmmakers and property owners. The service provides much-needed financial growth to the creative and property owner industry, allowing locals to earn a secondary income. 

Read more: Cape Town named one of world’s Best Cities For Remote Work 
Read more: New programme for SA women-owned GreenTech startups launches 

Featured image: Blanche Franken, founder of Filmspace (Supplied)