London, with its world-famous skyline and centuries of architectural wonder, is a magnet for film productions. Capturing the city’s iconic landmarks and views from a public street is free, but obtaining the necessary permissions is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process, helping you navigate the complexities of filming in the capital.
Permissions: A Must-Have for Your London Film Project
While filming on public streets is free, you’ll need to secure permission from the relevant Borough Film Service. This involves paying a small administration fee and potentially additional charges for any extra services provided by the council. London’s boroughs have divided authority over the city, meaning the angle from which you film a landmark will determine which council you must contact. For example, filming a bridge from the north bank might require permission from a different borough than filming it from the south bank.
Beyond the Streets: Navigating Privately Owned Locations
Many locations in London, though accessible to the public, are privately owned or managed. These locations require a filming permit and a fee. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a map highlighting both the local authorities and the private organizations responsible for various landmarks.
Filming at Buckingham Palace: A Royal Affair
Filming at Buckingham Palace, a symbol of British monarchy, is strictly controlled. Commercials or brand-related projects are generally not permitted. To apply for a permit, provide as much notice as possible (at least 5 working days is recommended). A location fee will be charged in most cases. For filming exteriors of the Palace, The Mall, Birdcage Walk, Horse Guards Parade, or the area surrounding St James’s Palace, contact The Royal Parks at +44 (0)300 061 2111 or [email protected]. They will also be your point of contact for filming the Changing of the Guard. Securing permission to film inside Buckingham Palace is extremely rare, and you can contact the Palace press office at +44 (0)20 7839 1377 if you wish to explore this possibility.
London’s Bridges: A Divided Authority
London’s bridges are a fascinating blend of history and modern engineering. The boundary line for boroughs on either side of the Thames runs through the middle of the river, splitting authority over the bridges. Most boroughs have agreed that one borough will be responsible for an entire bridge for filming purposes. You can find the contact information for each bridge on our map, ensuring you secure the correct permissions. Remember, some bridges are Red Routes, so you might need to contact Transport for London as well.
Filming on the Thames: Navigating Two River Authorities
The iconic River Thames, a vital artery of London, falls under the jurisdiction of two key organizations. The Port of London Authority oversees 95 miles of the Thames, from Teddington Lock to the sea. Filmers must secure their approval and license for any filming on this stretch of the river. Any boats used for filming must have a licensed Thames Waterman on board. Charges will be levied for using the location, regardless of whether your crew is based on land or water. For filming requests, visit the Port of London Authority’s website.
The Environment Agency manages the non-tidal Thames, from the Cotswolds to Teddington, including the Thames Barrier. Contact Steve East at 020 8305 4132 or [email protected] for filming inquiries.
Filming in the Royal Parks: A World of Beauty and Restrictions
The Royal Parks of London, including Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Bushy Park, Richmond Park, and Kensington Gardens, offer a unique backdrop for filming. The Royal Parks encourage film productions but may refuse projects that are deemed socially irresponsible or disrespectful. Fees are flexible and based on the level of disruption to the public and wildlife and the potential PR or profile benefit to the Royal Parks. A comprehensive set of filming and photography guidelines can be found on their website, outlining their filming policy, application procedure, and contact details.
South Bank: A Filmer’s Paradise with a Multi-Layered Permission Process
South Bank and Bankside, a vibrant area stretching along the southern bank of the Thames, is a popular filming location. This area falls within the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark. However, many parts of South Bank are owned and managed by private organizations and agencies. To film along the entire riverbank, you may need to obtain permission from multiple organizations, depending on your camera’s position.
Conclusion: Your London Film Journey Begins Here
London’s film landscape is intricate, but with the right information and planning, your cinematic journey can be a successful one. This guide has provided you with the essential details you need to navigate the city’s filming regulations. We hope you find this information helpful in your pursuit of capturing London’s magic on film!
