The star treatment

Hennesy's comfort level with film crews traipsing through her home may be due to her gene pool. Her sister is actress Barbara Rush, star of classic films such as "Bigger Than Life," "When Worlds Collide" and "The Young Lions"; her daughter Carolyn is a film and TV actress; and her late husband, Dale, was the Academy Award-winning art director of "Fantastic Voyage," "In Like Flint," "Young Frankenstein" and other films.

"I just love walking into my living room and finding it totally changed," Hennesy said, "and it's fun to meet so many interesting people."

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Make sure you're protected against mishaps

Homeowners need to sign a location agreement before any filming begins on their property. Many of the details are standard, like establishing the daily length of the shoot and any overtime fees, but special needs should be spelled out.

"It's important that homeowners get everything in writing," said Marshall Coben, co-owner of Malibu Locations, an agency that represents more than 4,000 sites in Southern California, including many spectacular beachfront properties. "We obtain a hefty security deposit from the production company that is cashed and in the bank, ready to cover any damages. But in most cases, the impact on the home is negligible."

The production company will also secure a certificate of insurance that provides coverage for any mishaps. This is essential, since regular homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage that occurs during a film shoot. Riders can be added to any agreement listing additional conditions such as areas of the house that are off-limits, overnight storage of equipment, or even the use of bathrooms in the home.

Occasionally, owners have unusual requests. "I had one client," location expert Perry said, "who rented out her mansion for a big Tom Cruise movie and decided to waive the $30,000 fee she would have made for the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the film's premiere. The studio agreed and she had a ball!"

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Do what it takes to keep the neighbors happy

Such relations are a key concern during location shoots. In some Los Angeles neighborhoods, movie crews have worn out their welcome. Residents may be tired of the traffic congestion and the noise that accompanies a shoot, or there may be horror stories of damage caused to homes in the area by unprofessional crews.