Find Filming locations for rent in Nottingham, UK

About Nottingham

Whether you’re looking for a film set for a small production, tv series, or blockbuster film, Nottinghamshire has plenty of famous, and lesser-known locations that will help bring your film’s scenes to life.

If you’re considering using Nottingham as your next filming location, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice here.

Did you know that Nottinghamshire is one of the top 2 filming locations in England, featured in critically acclaimed films like Harry Potter and Bronson? It’s also been used as the set of Wayne Manor in the second Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises.

And it’s popular with British soap operas too. The historic Lace Market Square, (a quick 9-mins away from Nottingham city centre by tram) has also featured in the BBC’s Eastenders many times. So it’s easy to see why so many flock here to film for their next creative project.

Regardless of whether you’re creating a drama, soap opera, or multi-million-dollar action film, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for in this historical city.

Filming Location Options in Nottingham

From picturesque summer fields in the Nottinghamshire countryside, to the grim buildings from the industrial age, many find they’re spoilt for choice here. And that goes for services complementary to filming too. Here are a few important additions many pick when filming here.

• Cameraman
  Easily one of the most important positions you’ll hire on your film set, the cameraman (or woman) will be responsible for capturing the visual story of your production. They’ll work alongside your directors and cast to make your vision a reality.
  The best films in history all have breath-taking visuals that collectively, create a memorable viewing experience that hooks their audience and creates a lasting connection with them. That’s why making the right choice in cameraman is integral to the success of your film or movie.
  
  
• Costume designer
  Another important addition to your film crew is a good costume designer. They’ll help to create the mood of your film , staying true to the theme of your set with custom-made, quality costumes for those onscreen.
  When used in tv shows and movies, a great costume option is the best way to capture the essence of your film’s characters, showcasing their individual preferences, character traits and qualities in a way no other medium can.
  If the designer isn’t a good fit or doesn’t have much experience with the film's genre, this is an area that can easily go wrong. Without the right costume, it can be hard for an audience to connect with a character or see the reasons for their actions as believable, regardless of how great the actor’s performance is.
  
  
• Actors and Actresses
  No film or production ever won an award for an empty set. That’s why if you’re filming for a movie or television, enlisting a team of quality actors and actresses is a crucial component to the telling of your story.
  A great casting choice will have the audience so invested in a character, that their happiness brings them joy, and their heartbreak reduces them to floods of tears. They all play their role so well that the story unfolds seamlessly onscreen. And imagining anyone stepping in as a replacement for them is out of the question.

Filming Location Companies in Nottingham

• Simply Thrilled
  With a mission to help as many nice people make magical films as they can, Simply Thrilled film production and video agency has worked with big companies like the NHS, as well as festival companies and rugby teams. They have even enlisted the help of BAFTA award winning actors in some of their productions too.
  
  
• ShootFactory
  ShootFactory is a hire agency with many production spaces dotted around Nottinghamshire, and the East Midlands. They work with a variety of clients with filming needs ranging from music videos, PR events, movies and others. Shoot factory is one of the biggest and most successful location agencies in the UK with an impressive track record working with global brands and industry giants.
  
  
• Inside Out
  The Inside Out Group is a creative and security business specialising in filming for the construction and industrial sectors. At the forefront of the newest ideas and products, they can provide 360 production filming and drone filming for your business needs.

Pros and Cons of Filming Location in Nottingham

If you’ve chosen Nottingham for your next filming location, you’re in good company. There are many great reasons why this beautiful city makes for the perfect filming location for your next project. However, there are also some things to look out for to ensure the smooth running of your film.

Advantages:

• Many locations have been used in the sets of world-famous productions
  Being the second most popular filming location in the UK, Nottingham has lots of sets that have been used in both British and Hollywood film productions. Some of these include motion pictures like Bronson, Harry Potter and of course, the last film in the Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises.
  
  
• Sets can provide you with added services
  Some sets have changing areas and kitchen areas for you and your crew to use during your time here. This can be helpful as less time is wasted finding good places to eat around set locations, and helps keep costumes and cast safe from harm trying to find suitable areas to change in.
  
  
• Have your production be a part of history
  If you chose to shoot at one of Nottinghamshire’s numerous famous historical sites, your film will be forever linked to this location’s history. Depending on what you’re filming for and which site you choose, you may also be part of British film history too.
  
  
• A variety of sets to fit different budgets
  Regardless of whether your production has a large budget, or a much smaller one, Nottingham has a wide selection of scenery and locations to fit many budgets. You can even find some that are free of charge, though most start from around £100 per day
  
  
• Lots of options for additional services
  Being a metropolitan city, there are many companies in Nottinghams that provide services for your upcoming filming project. Some of these include services for extra props, hair and make up, lights, drone rentals and actors.

Disadvantages:

• Waiting times
  Due to its popularity with filming crews across the country (and some overseas too), some filming sites may have a waiting list. It's best to book ahead to avoid disappointment and ensure you get to use your chosen filming location.
  
  
• Travelling for your crew
  Some sites in Nottinghamshire are pretty remote. This means they can be difficult to reach by public transport and a hassle for any crew members needing to travel to set using these methods of transport.
  
  
• Pedestrianised areas
  If you’re using any sites near the city centre for filming, getting around by car can be frustrating. This is because many areas in Nottingham are fully pedestrianised. Moving around heavy filming equipment may be more difficult and time-consuming if you’re filming in any of these areas.
  
  
• Cost
  Some filming locations, especially those that are more popular like Nottinghamshire's oldest buildings, can cost a lot. The price of these will vary depending on location but can go as high as £20,000 a day.
  
  
• The wet weather
  As known around the world, it loves to rain here and the weather can be pretty hard to predict, even for the locals. If you’re filming outside and it’s particularly wet, this can cause set-backs and delays.

Famous Filming Locations in Nottingham

Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest aside, Nottinghamshire has been host to many great sets for the film industry. Here are a few of the best.

• Newstead Abbey
  Newstead Abbey was first built in 1170 and home to the famous poet Lord Byron. Though you probably remember it best for its appearance as one of the many outdoor common areas in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.This Abbey caters to more than just the many Harry Potter fans it attracts, however. With ornate Japanese gardens, and magnificent hedge mazes, you’re sure to be wowed on your visit here.
  
  
• Wollaton Hall
  Most famous for its use as the set for the home of Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan’s 2012 blockbuster The Dark Knight, Wollaton Abbey is a big favourite in the filming industry. This is particularly true amongst die-hard Batman fans. Though due to a contract clause, if you do go for a visit now, you won’t find much evidence that the filming ever took place here!
  This Elizabethan mansion is also home to a deer park and many gorgeous gardens, too.
  
  
• Welbeck Abbey
  If you’re a big Tom Hardy fan and enjoy a good crime drama (guilty!) you’ll love this one. Welbeck Abbey served as the set for the psychiatric ward for the British biopic, Bronson. If you know your history well, you’ll already be aware that the 2008 film was based on the notorious English criminal, Charles Bronson, often described by the press as “the most violent prisoner in Britain”.
  This 800-hundred-year-old building has also been used in other productions too, like BBC4’s McBeth It’s nestled within the world famous home of Robin Hood, Sherwood forest, another must-visit location in Nottingham. If you’d like a tour of Welbeck Abbey, tickets can be purchased for as little as £20 for a 1.5 hour tour.