Filming in London - what you need to know!

So, you're going to be filming in London and you want to be prepared! Welcome to our ultimate guide to filming in London! In this article we will talk about how to budget for London shoots, how to find a crew, the positives and negatives to filming in London and many more tips & tricks so you can navigate your film shoot as smoothly as possible.

Before we start, you might be thinking 'What gives this company the authority to give me this information?' Well, we're Trendy Grandad, a London based video production company with over a decade of experience filming in the big smoke! We're done it all; from outdoor Youtube production shoots to filming with e-commerce brands in multiple London-based studios. When it comes to filming in London - you name it, we've experienced it!

So, lets get into it!

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1 - Filming Permits

First up & this can really put an end to your shoot if you haven't got one in place, is a filming public. Now, the laws around filming in public are particularly sensitive and unfortunately, there are rules and regulations to filming. Mostly, it all depends on what you are filming, how you are filming it and why you are filming it.

However, most of it does come down to common sense. If you're a large crew, have lots of equipment & need to take up an entire street. Then ofcourse you will need a filming permit. However, if you're filming with your mate for Youtube, then it's not highly likely you'll need a permit. The grey area is ofcourse in the middle and is the reason as to why you should always at least check if you need one before filming. The general rule of thumb is 'are you causing a disruption to the public by doing this' - if the answer is 'yes' - then you'll most likely need to notify the council in some way.

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Top tips;

- Plan way ahead of time

- You can get your permits through Film London or the local council

- Factor in time & budget in your production budget/schedule.

- Get friendly with councils and Film London ahead of time and build a relationship with them. This can help massively in the future!

2 - Budgeting for London shoots

In short, add at least 1/3 to 1/2 of your costs onto your budget if you're going to be filming in London. It's expensive and is only getting more expensive. There are positives and negatives to this though such as you will have access to more interesting locations, crew and talent. From crew food to paying for the ULEZ, London is a city that will make you spend money even if you don't want. Just prepare for that so it doesn't eat up your bottom line.

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3 - Crew Logistics

So, we always advise to use local crew to save on travel costs and leverage their city knowledge. However, sometimes they are extremely expensive, so using crew outside of London and bringing them down to London can often be a much cheaper option - most people don't realise this! Pay cheap, pay twice. We always advice booking skilled professionals like cinematographers, lighting techs, and sound engineers - if you pay cheap, you're most likely going to get a terrible result and ultimate this will impact your creative output! And the creative output is the most important thing in our eyes as that's what sell future work. Plan accommodation and transport for your team if needed. An advantage for hiring crew in London is that you don't need to pay for hotels mostly. Looking for London based crew? Contact us

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5 - Sound considerations

You don't want to get into your post-production and you have to keep editing out helicopters, car horns and motorbikes zooming past every two minutes. I'm sure that plan wasn't in your script or storyboard! So, how do you avoid this - well you plan ahead for your sound considerations. Book a sound proof studio & if filming in public, you can't get away with saying 'quiet on set' please. Unless you've closed the entire road down, you won't get any quiet. Even if you have, I'm sure there will most likely be lots of noise. (We say this from experience & learning this lesson the hard way!)

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6 - Security

This is something that is always overlooked by video production companies and clients, why? Because the creative is the highest priority - but without your kit, your ideas and creative output would never come to life. In short, protect it. Especially when filming in London! You need that one person/s on set who's sole attention is on the protection of your really expensive camera kit, not your creative vision.

Unfortunately, this is the reality, there are people in London who will take advantage of an opportunity when it's given to them. Crime is at all time high and it's important to be vigilant. Ofcourse you can have insurance in place, but imagine spending 100k on a shoot, just for your equipment to be stolen on day one & you can't get it back? That is way more expensive than hiring some security for a couple of days.

Top Tip;

- Allow for security costs in your budget

- Never leave any camera, lighting, audio equipment unattended!

- Never leave the van unlocked!

- Don't put security responsibility on a runner, it's not their job!

7 - Locations Scouting

When it comes to creating standout video productions, choosing the right location is crucial. London offers a wealth of options, from the iconic Tower Bridge to charming hidden gems in areas like Shoreditch or Hackney Wick. The director plays a vital role in envisioning how the setting enhances the story, while your team might need to consider elements like graphics and animation integration for post-production. A well-scouted location ensures your videos not only look visually striking but also fit seamlessly into the timeline for shooting and distribution.

For marketing-focused video services, locations should align with the brand’s tone. For example, a modern product shoot might benefit from sleek cityscapes, while lifestyle content thrives in natural, outdoor spaces. Always plan with flexibility, as London’s unpredictable weather might push your timeline back. Whether you’re creating content for social media or longer-form video productions, investing in detailed location scouting sets the foundation for success.

London Studio Options

For ultimate control over your video productions, London’s studios are an excellent option. Studios eliminate the challenges of unpredictable weather and noisy cityscapes, giving your team the ideal environment to focus on capturing perfect shots.

Here are our top 5 London studios that we recommend:

Number 1: Klatch Studios

Klatch Studios offers a versatile space perfect for video productions of all kinds. With customizable setups and in-house facilities for graphics and animation, it’s ideal for polished content. Good for shooting visual effects because of the size of the space!

Number 2: The Hoxton Studio

Located in Shoreditch, The Hoxton Studio provides a modern, urban space for marketing videos and creative projects. Its green screen and lighting setups make it a go-to for advanced video services.

Number 3: Cherryduck Studios

Cherryduck Studios in Wapping features multiple stages and professional-grade equipment. It’s perfect for efficient video productions, from product shoots to motion graphics integration.

Number 4: Big Sky Studios

Big Sky Studios offers expansive space for large-scale shoots, including those needing animation or CGI. With state-of-the-art facilities, it’s ideal for ambitious marketing videos and campaigns.

Number 5: Mount Pleasant Studio

Mount Pleasant Studio is a cozy, soundproofed space perfect for detail-oriented video services. Conveniently located in Central London, it’s a top choice for corporate videos and short films.

8 - Transport & Accessibility

Navigating London’s busy streets can be a challenge, but careful planning ensures your video productions stay on schedule. The director should work closely with the production team to determine the best ways to transport crew and equipment. Public transport is often the most reliable way to get around London, but for larger projects with extensive gear, hiring vehicles may be essential. Ensure these are factored into your timeline to avoid delays.

As we said before, parking in London can be tricky, so prioritise locations that offer easy access or allow drop-offs. Efficient transport logistics are especially important when dealing with delicate items like cameras, lighting rigs, or props for videos. For video services involving on-the-go shoots or multiple locations, consider bike couriers for smaller items. Proper planning supports seamless distribution of resources and helps avoid unnecessary disruptions. With accessibility at the forefront, you can keep the production moving smoothly while staying focused on delivering exceptional services.

Top tip:

- Bike couriers are amazing!

- If travelling by van or car, allow double the amount of time you need to get somewhere!

- Try to avoid travelling by car in the middle of your shoot unless the location is super close!

Positives to filming in London

• Talented Crew: London’s got the pros; whether you need a director or drone operator, they’re top-notch.
• Cultural Mashup: Capture everything from edgy street art in Shoreditch to historic charm in Westminster.
• City Buzz: The vibrant energy of London adds an unmatchable spark to your videos.
• Diverse Locations: From gritty alleys to royal palaces, it’s all here—pick your vibe!
• Iconic Backdrops: Where else can you casually film next to Big Ben or Tower Bridge?
• More choice of interesting locations to choose from
• More crew options

Negatives to filming in London

1. Permits Galore: Want to film? Get ready for the paperwork (and the fees).
2. Crowds Everywhere: Your perfect shot will definitely include a tourist photobomb.
3. Weather Roulette: Sunshine, rain, and hail... all in the same hour—good luck!
4. Traffic Drama: Transporting gear? You’ll probably make friends with London traffic.
5. Noise Chaos: Sirens, street performers, and construction—London’s unofficial soundtrack

Conclusion

Filming in London is a whirlwind of opportunity, offering the perfect backdrop for any project that demands high-quality video content. Whether you're crafting compelling stories, nailing your brand's message, or showcasing your business with stunning footage, this city has it all—but it takes a bit of preparation (and a lot of patience).

From securing permits to finding the right agency for video production services, every step matters. With a clear brief and creative solutions, you can turn the hustle of London into the highlight of your production, delivering content that captivates audiences and elevates your brand.

So, grab your cameras, pack your raincoats, and let’s make magic happen. And if you need help along the way, we’re always here—your next big project deserves nothing less than the best!

We hope this helped you navigate your way through filming in London - if you'd like to chat more with us then feel free to reach out, we're always happy to help!