About London
There are only a handful of cities around the world that qualify for genuine A-list status, and you can be sure that London is one of them. This remarkable city is teeming with life and boasts a character that’s all its own. Steeped in history and landmarks known around the world, London is also every bit a modern metropolis with the architecture, attractions, and nightlife to match.
All things considered, it’s not hard to see why the city is a filmmaker’s dream. And no matter the style or scope of the project you’re filming in London, you’ll find creative possibilities just waiting to be explored around every corner.
Filming Options in London
There are lots of different aspects that need to come together to create a successful film. From the director and the producers right down to the cast, crew, and even the unpaid interns, there are myriad factors you need to get right to produce quality on the screen. And in a city like London, there’s always plenty of help at hand.
- Film Studios
Need to head into the studio to capture some footage for your next project? Check out the best spaces for London filming to set up your ideal studio and stage space, arrange lighting, familiarise film crews, and more.
- Recording Studios
Audio quality is something that can make or break any film, so it pays to make sure you have exceptional sound. With this in mind, time spent at the perfect recording studio space will pay off in the long run.
- Equipment Rental
To make a spectacular film, high-quality equipment is a must. If you don’t want to transport all of your gear to your London filming locale, hire equipment as needed.
- Outdoor Spaces
If you can work around the sometimes inclement weather, London is blessed with a diverse range of beautiful outdoor spaces. From gorgeous parks to urban streetscapes, there are plenty of unique creative opportunities worth exploring.
Filming Companies in London
Searching for established businesses that can help you create something memorable? London is full of options worth considering.
- Hire Frequencies
Over 5000 clients have relied on Hire Frequencies for lighting, audio visual and sound services. Past clients include Twitter, BBC and Google. Top-quality equipment and knowledgeable technicians are a guarantee. Design and installation, along with on-site repair service for your equipment if you choose to go that way, are offered.
- North London Sound Hire
Supplying equipment like microphones, speakers and lighting, North London Sound Hire is a family-run business dedicated to making your London filming experience the best it can be. For example, lighting packages can be hired long or short term.
- Voiceover Soho
Voiceover Soho offers London studios that have been purpose-built for voice recording and audio post-production. It boasts five studios spread across two sites in Soho and Fitzrovia, including a signature studio that is the first Dolby Atmos Home Entertainment Certified Studio in the world.
Pros and Cons of Filming in London
London, with its historical significance, is every filmmaker’s dream. Still, there are pros and cons to look at as you choose where to work.
Advantages
- Major global city
London is one of the world’s largest cities and is very much at the centre of the action. So whether you’re creating a small independent film or a big-budget production, you’ll have a wealth of creative resources at your fingertips.
- Rich in history
With historic sites that date back to the Middle Ages, countless grand old buildings, and even industrial relics from the more recent past, London’s history is visible everywhere you turn. This means there’s no shortage of interesting scenery to capture on the screen.
- Beautiful parks
London isn’t just about concrete and glass. You’ll find hectare after hectare of gorgeous parks in and around the city, so the possibilities for outdoor filming in London are abundant.
- Four seasons
From its icy winters to its sparkling summers, London experiences all four seasons. This means you can capture completely different looks and atmospheres at different times of the year.
- Internationally recognised sights around every corner
Big Ben, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the Thames, and the London Eye. These are just a few of London’s world-famous sites, of which there are simply too many to list.
Disadvantages
- Rainy weather
Doing some outdoor filming in London? Don’t forget to pack lots of protective gear for yourself and all your equipment.
- Tourists
Trying to capture the perfect scene without any interruptions? In a city like London, that’s teeming with tourists, finding a quiet moment can be a big challenge. Plan your film shoots at the most opportune times.
- Expensive
London is well-known as one of the world’s most expensive places to live, so be mindful and have a budget to keep track of expenses.
- Crime
Crime can be an issue in some London districts, as is the case with most large cities. Do your research before finding a safe London filming location.
- Finding something unique
London has featured on the big and small screen countless times before, so finding unique angles and viewpoints in the city is a constant challenge for filmmakers.
Famous Locations in London
- The British Museum
This world-famous museum boasts 60-plus galleries and a collection of around eight million items. Here you’ll find amazing artefacts from all over the world, with collections from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, mediaeval Europe, the Islamic world, and much more.
- The Tower of London
From battles and executions to the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London has seen many important chapters in British history play out. With almost 1,000 years of history, fascinating armour displays, and a famous team of raven guardians, it’s a must-visit attraction.
- London Eye
You won’t find better views of the London skyline anywhere other than the London Eye. Opened on New Year’s Eve in 1999, this iconic attraction has quickly become an instantly recognisable part of the city. Check it out to capture the best photos of London.
