About Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant and multicultural city in the North of England. With a population of approximately 2.7 million people, the city is known as England’s second city and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Today, Manchester is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant art and music scene. The people of Manchester make for some great company as well! Mancunians are notoriously friendly and there's a strong sense of community spirit here.
Music is an integral part of Manchester’s cultural identity. The city has been home to some huge bands such as Oasis, The Smiths and Take That who left their mark on music history with iconic tracks that will forever be associated with this great British metropolis.
If you need a place to shoot a video, Manchester has a lot to offer. With so many locations to choose from, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find the perfect spot for your video.
Video Shoot Options in Manchester
From light and sound equipment as well as production assistants who know every inch of Manchester by heart, there are plenty of options if you choose to shoot a video here!
- Filming Equipment
Why spend money on your equipment when you can rent it instead? The process is hassle-free, and the costs are much lower. You won't have to worry about storage, and you can try out different gear to find what works best for your project. Plus, if you're unfamiliar with how to use certain types of equipment, a rental company can assist on-site.
- Audio and Lighting
Audio and lighting equipment is essential for any video shoot. They help create a professional look and feel for your videos, making it easier to capture high-quality footage. And don't forget to factor in the cost of hiring an audio or lighting technician; these professionals can help you get the most out of your equipment.
- Crew
It's important to find the right crew for your project and make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of expectations and deadlines. If you're unsure where to start, many agencies in Manchester specialise in finding the best local talent for your video shoot.
- Studio Hire
Hiring a professional studio will ensure that your video shoot goes smoothly and results in high-quality footage. With so many studios available to hire in Greater Manchester, you're bound to find some unique and undiscovered locations for authentic video production.
Video Shoot Companies in Manchester
- Neuron
Experienced in sound and lighting equipment, Neuron offers a wide variety of services that can help you prepare for your video shoot. With decades-worth of experience providing high-quality AV solutions to clients in Manchester and across the country, they are sure to not only have what it takes but also be able to make your video shoot spectacular!
- Suz Cruz North
Suz Cruz North has established a reputation for providing high-end local crew for productions filming in and around Manchester. They are committed to putting their clients first by always ensuring that only qualified individuals will serve as crew members. From camera assistants to grips and sound recorders, your freelance film crew is only a click away!
- Makeup Man
Makeup Man's make-up services are perfect for production companies shooting in and around Manchester. Jason Weihov, the 'Makeup Man', has an impressive portfolio and can create any look you're looking to achieve, whether it be natural or avant-garde!
Pros and Cons of Video Shoot in Manchester
Pros
- Home to many production companies
There are several production companies based in Manchester, so if you need any help with logistics or other elements of your video shoot, there's plenty of expertise on hand.
- Wide range of locations
The city is quite large and diverse, so you’ll be able to find a wide range of locations to suit your needs, whether you're looking for urban backdrops or more natural settings.
- Friendly locals
Manchester is home to a vibrant community of people from all walks of life. The locals are really friendly and helpful, so it's easy to get good cooperation from everyone involved in your video shoot.
- Well-connected
Manchester is well-connected, with good transport links to the rest of the UK. You can easily get around by train, bus or car. The city’s transport network includes useful services such as the Metrolink tram network and free Metroshuttle bus routes to the city centre.
Cons
- Weather
The often unpredictable weather can be a challenge, as it can affect both outdoor and indoor video shoots which can make it difficult to get consistent footage.
- Crowded
Manchester can be quite crowded and noisy, particularly near busy streets and intersections. This can make it difficult to capture clear audio in your footage and to get the video shots you want.
- Crime
Manchester is mostly safe for tourists. However, some areas of the city may be less than desirable for the video shoot due to high levels of crime or poverty.
Famous Video Shoot Locations in Manchester
- Manchester Palace Theatre
Manchester Palace Theatre is one of the main performing arts venues in Manchester with a capacity of 1955 people, which keeps the video shooting intimate. Located on Oxford Street in Manchester's city centre, the Grade II listed building was designed by Alfred Darbyshire and completed in 1891.
- The Northern Quarter
If you're looking for an urban setting for your video shoot, then you can't go wrong with the popular Northern Quarter in Manchester’s city centre. This trendy neighbourhood packed with music venues resembles New York’s architecture and can be seen in many famous movies such as Sony’s Morbius and Marvel’s blockbuster Captain America.
- The Town Hall
Thousands of people visit Manchester’s Town Hall every year to see its stunning architecture and learn about the history of the city. This impressive building has been used as a film and video shooting location in many projects, such as the Sherlock Holmes movie in 2009.
