Why turning flexible workspaces into filming locations presents a new opportunity for facilities and estates teams
By Caroline Hamilton, Commercial Manager at Origin Workplace.
The UK’s film and television industry is thriving, with production spend on film and high-end television reaching £5.6 billion in 2024 – a 31 per cent increase on the previous year (British Film Institute, 2025). And excitingly, this presents a unique and surprising opportunity for facilities and estates teams working in flexible workspaces – transforming everyday office environments into filming locations.
From high stakes dramas to glossy adverts, production crews are increasingly seeking real-world spaces that offer authenticity, versatility and ease of access. Flexible workspaces are proving to be ideal candidates thanks to their adaptable layouts and varied design. And of course, behind the scenes, it’s the facilities professionals who make it all possible, ensuring these spaces are safe, functional and ready for the demands of a film shoot.
Why flexible workspaces appeal to production teams
Flexible workspaces typically feature a mix of open-plan areas, private offices, breakout zones, communal lounges and meeting rooms. This allows production teams to use a single location for multiple scenes, saving them time and budget.
These spaces also tend to have more natural light and architectural features that lend themselves well to filming. And even more crucially, many flexible workspaces operate outside standard office hours or have downtime during evenings and weekends, making them ideal for shoots that don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule.
Cities like Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds are already recognised as filming hubs, and demand is growing across the UK. For facilities and estates teams, this presents a unique opportunity to repurpose underused areas and unlock new value streams.
Visibility and engagement
While filming can provide a useful income stream, it also brings visibility and energy to a space. Staff and occupiers often enjoy the buzz of seeing their workplace on screen, and it can become a unique selling point when marketing the building or attracting new tenants.
At Origin Workspace, filming has become a regular part of operations. What began during the pandemic as a way to utilise underused space has grown into a valuable connection with the city’s creative sector. The team has hosted shoots for national campaigns and built strong relationships with local production crews, all while maintaining a positive experience for members.
There’s also a cultural benefit. Being part of a creative project can boost morale, foster community and add a sense of pride to the space. It’s a talking point that sets a workspace apart in a competitive market.
The role of facilities and estates teams
Facilities and estates professionals are central to ensuring filming activity in flexible workspaces runs smoothly. Their responsibilities go far beyond simply opening the doors. They should ensure the space is operationally sound, compliant with health and safety regulations, and able to accommodate the logistical needs of a production crew. This includes:
- Managing logistics – Coordinating access, ensuring power availability, and providing essential facilities such as toilets, parking and secure storage.
- Maintaining safety and compliance – Overseeing risk assessments, insurance requirements and safeguarding shared areas to avoid disruption to regular users.
- Communicating with members – Ensuring they’re informed and comfortable with filming activity, especially in shared environments.
- Liaising with production teams – Helping them understand the building’s layout, restrictions and capabilities. Their ability to respond quickly to changing requirements can make or break a shoot.
Getting started
For those considering opening their flexible workspace to filming, there are a few practical steps to take:
- Create a location portfolio – Take clear, well-lit photos of key areas and compile basic information such as dimensions, access points, availability and any restrictions. Include images of stairwells, corridors and utility areas, as these are often in high demand.
- Register with local film offices – Many councils have dedicated film liaison teams who connect property owners with production companies. Listing your space with them can open doors to new opportunities.
- Start small – Begin with short shoots or independent projects to understand the flow of a filming day and refine your internal processes. These early experiences help build confidence and reputation.
- Build relationships – Networking with location scouts, producers and local creatives can lead to repeat bookings and long-term partnerships.
It’s also worth considering how filming fits into your wider operational strategy. For example, can filming be scheduled during quiet periods? Are there areas of the building that can be temporarily closed off? Thinking ahead can help minimise disruption and maximise value.
Learning from others in the sector
During a recent webinar hosted by the Flexible Space Association (FlexSA), we shared our experience at Origin Workspace in Bristol of opening our doors for filming. Whether it’s chatting with other workspace operators nearby or connecting through industry bodies like FlexSA, speaking to people who’ve already opened their space to filming can be incredibly helpful. They’ll have practical advice and can help set realistic expectations. No matter how well prepared you are, filming days often come with unexpected twists, so it’s worth thinking ahead about things like allowing buffer time in contracts or whether you’ll need extra staff on hand. Those with experience can offer valuable insights into what works, what doesn’t, and what to watch out for.
As demand for filming locations continues to rise, flexible workspaces are well-positioned to meet it, and facilities and estates teams are the ones who can make it possible. By thinking creatively and planning strategically, they can unlock new value, build relationships with the creative sector and help their buildings play a starring role in the UK’s thriving film and television industry.