Filming in Manchester City Centre - what you need to know! (2025!)

‍

So, you're looking to film in Manchester City Centre? Maybe it's your first time or maybe you're just looking to refresh your knowledge on how to film around the centre of Manchester!

Before we begin, you may be wondering, Why should I trust this company for this information? We are Trendy Grandad, a video production firm located on Deansgate in Manchester, boasting more than ten years of experience capturing footage in the city! We have handled a variety of projects, ranging from outdoor YouTube shoots to working with e-commerce brands in various studios across the North West. If it involves filming in Manchester, we have likely encountered it!

This guide gives you everything you need to know, so, lets get straight into it;

Number 1 - Filming Permits

Shooting in Manchester City Centre typically requires permits, especially in busy public areas such as St. Peter's Square, the Northern Quarter, or Deansgate. The city council generally backs creative initiatives, but it’s essential to plan in advance. Reach out to the filming office of Manchester City Council to obtain the necessary permissions, especially when filming on major streets, in parks, or at well-known landmarks. Remember that permit processing can take some time, so it's advisable not to wait until the last moment. Additionally, if you plan to use drones, you'll need extra approvals and must adhere to specific flight regulations.

Number 2 - Budgeting for Manchester based shoots!

Expenses can accumulate rapidly, so it’s crucial to allocate funds for all aspects: venue rental, personnel, permits, and gear. Studio options in Manchester, including areas like the Northern Quarter or MediaCityUK, provide various price points to accommodate most productions. Outdoor filming tends to be less expensive, but be sure to consider potential permit costs and contingencies for issues like inclement weather. Additionally, remember to include budgeting for transportation, parking, and catering—your team will appreciate a solid coffee run! With careful planning, Manchester presents exceptional value compared to cities like London, while still offering excellent filming prospects.

Top Tip: it sounds so simple but try and think of every possible scenario that money could be spent & over budget on all of them.

Number 3 - Sound considerations

The city centre of Manchester is vibrant and bustling with activity! With trams clattering through Exchange Square and pedestrians discussing in Piccadilly Gardens, careful planning for sound recording is essential. Choose your filming times wisely—mornings are generally more peaceful, and some streets are less noisy than others. If capturing clear dialogue is important, explore the option of soundproof studios or utilize top-notch directional and lapel mics to reduce background noise. For filming outdoors, hiring a sound engineer is invaluable, as they will help ensure your audio stands out amidst the lively atmosphere of Manchester.

Number 4 - Location Scouting

Manchester is a vibrant city full of unique character and diversity, featuring a mix of urban environments, historic buildings, and contemporary settings. The Northern Quarter exudes a trendy, artistic atmosphere, complete with graffiti murals and industrial paths. In contrast, Spinningfields and Deansgate showcase a polished, business-oriented vibe with their modern architecture and urban vistas. For those seeking a classic ambiance, Castlefield boasts beautiful canals and impressive bridges. If you're looking for green areas, Heaton Park and Whitworth Park are conveniently nearby. When scouting locations in Manchester, you may discover some hidden treasures, but it's essential to verify permissions and accessibility in advance to prevent any last-minute issues.

Number 5 - Security

This is an aspect that is frequently neglected by both video production companies and their clients. The focus tends to be on creativity as the top priority, but without your equipment, your ideas and creative expressions won't materialise. Therefore, it is crucial to safeguard your gear, particularly while filming in Manchester. It's essential to have someone on set dedicated entirely to protecting your expensive camera equipment, rather than just concentrating on the creative elements.

Regrettably, this is the harsh reality; there are individuals in Manchester who will exploit any opportunity. With crime rates at an all-time high, staying alert is essential. Although having insurance is beneficial, consider the possibility of spending 100k on a shoot only to have your equipment stolen on the first day with no chance of recovery. This scenario can be far more costly than hiring security for a few days.

Key Advice:

- Incorporate security expenses into your budget
- Always keep a close eye on your camera, lighting, and audio equipment!
- Ensure your van is secure always!

So, before we go into the rest of the list lets talk about why should you hire a Manchester based video production company?

If you're looking for a video production company in Manchester, let's explore the benefits of hiring talent from the North West! This area is home to exceptional skills and highly imaginative professionals.

By selecting a team from Manchester, you tap into a group of experts who are well-acquainted with the city's vibe and the larger UK market.

Furthermore, working with a local crew provides several advantages. You can anticipate quicker project turnaround times, the opportunity for face-to-face meetings (there’s nothing quite like brainstorming over a cup of tea), and a team knowledgeable about the best filming locations, whether they be urban landscapes or stylish industrial settings. Plus, minimizing long-distance travel and the challenges of remote work can help reduce overall expenses.

In conclusion, if you are after creativity, efficiency, and a reliable team that delivers outstanding results, Manchester is an excellent choice to consider.

How do you know you're choosing the right video production company?

Selecting the ideal video production firm depends on three essential elements: their skill set, creativity, and comprehension of your goals. Start by examining their portfolio—do they create high-quality content that aligns with your vision?

Whether your needs involve corporate videos, striking advertisements, or social media content, a talented team will exhibit a diverse range of styles and abilities to meet various client requirements. Interact with their director—do they inspire confidence and bring innovative concepts to the table? An adept production team merges artistic creativity with technical expertise, showcasing outstanding visuals, advanced equipment, and flawless execution during shoots.

Taking into account positive feedback and proven success will help you realise that you have found a team capable of delivering professional content across any platform, including social media and broadcast media.

‍

What's the cost of a typical video production in Manchester?

The price of video production in Manchester can fluctuate based on the specific needs and scale of the project. A minor commercial or social media production might range from £1,500 to £3,000, which typically encompasses essential equipment and post-production work. In contrast, more extensive projects such as corporate videos, high-quality broadcast content, or campaigns that require animation and sophisticated graphics can cost between £5,000 and £10,000 or more. These expenses cover various elements, including planning, hiring a skilled director, assembling the production crew, the actual filming, editing, and final delivery. The main point to remember is that a reputable production company will strive to adhere to your budget while ensuring that your video effectively engages your target audience and achieves meaningful outcomes.