About Brighton
Brighton, England’s famous seaside resort, is named by a BBC Culture article the 'unlikely birthplace of cinema', as films were already being produced here in the late 1800s. At least 176 films came out of Brighton before Hollywood launched its own filmmaking business, from pioneers such as William Friese-Greene and Alfred Darling. Old black-and-white movies such as Jigsaw (1962), Brighton Rock (1948) and Bank Holiday (1938) were filmed in Brighton.
There are many indoor and outdoor spots in Brighton used as film locations yearly. The Brighton Pier, which has most of its original Victorian design, is a famous tourist location and filming location. The Brighton Bandstand is another favourite spot for filming in the summer months, as it harbours panoramic views of Brighton Beach while withstanding its own Victorian architecture.
Film Shoot Options in Brighton
Before we dive into finding the perfect space for your film project, let’s consider some aspects you will need to consider. Brighton is a city brimming with film culture and has an equal amount of film production vendors to help you along the way. We have brainstormed a small list of considerations in the following:
- Furniture Rental
Depending on the type of project you are filming, you may want to dress your set with some furniture. Furniture rental is quite an easy process here, where most vendors collect and deliver the furniture at the end of the event. This method is hassle-free and saves you time for other important matters.
- Camera Rental
Although you may already have a camera or camcorder, there are many accessories on the market these days that can help you play around with angle, lighting and colour, creating a unique effect for your film shoot. There are many vendor options to choose from in the city. Brighton is a great place to try out some new effects for your film shoot!
- Creative Director
Hiring a creative director can help your film shoot run smoothly in many different ways. For starters, creative directors take care of budgets, overlook the creative written content and translate overall vision into the film, among others. As a producer, hiring a person to take care of these details could relieve a lot of pressure off of you. Operating smoothly and effectively is the main goal here!
Film Shoot Companies in Brighton
- City Furniture Hire Ltd
City Furniture Hire Ltd has over 30 years of experience providing rental furniture for events, conferences, offices and more. This company offers delivery and collection services, as well as assisted installations. The company's stock includes a wide array of items such as sofas, chairs, tables and more.
- Pro Motion Hire
Pro Motion Hire has the latest and greatest when it comes to camera equipment and accessories. With over 20 years of experience, the company pairs its expert knowledge with its top-quality equipment. You can hire Pro Motion as a company or a solo freelancer. Choose from their wide selection of cameras, accessories, tripods, lenses and lighting.
- Westover Productions
Josh Westover is an independent creative professional based in Brighton. He has experience in film, TV and documentaries and has produced short films, such as Pandemic and Alone.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoots in Brighton
Pros
- Historic film culture
Brighton is the birthplace of filmmaking in the United Kingdom. The culture of film in the city is as old and present as ever. Many films came out of this city, creating a great backdrop to develop your film.
- Attractions
Brighton offers many fun and unique attractions, such as the Royal Pavilion, SEA LIFE Brighton, Brighton Beach, and Preston Park to name a few. If you’re looking for something unusual to do or have a day off of filming, there are many possibilities to explore here!
- South Downs
As far as cities go, Brighton is a diamond in the rough. The South Downs on the city's outskirts is an excellent opportunity for a staycation or a picturesque location for your film. Mixing country scenes with city centre shots brings about a great dynamic for your project!
- Microclimate
The coast running alongside Brighton creates a microclimate specific to the city. The weather is particularly sunnier here compared to the rest of the UK.
- Beach
Beaches are all over England, but Brighton's beach is one of the better ones. Brighton's coast consists of tiny little pebbles instead of sand. If you’d like to shoot on the beach, there's less possibility of sand particles getting into your equipment!
Cons
- Expensive
As far as expenses go, Brighton is up there in costs. This could add a few extra pounds to your project's budget.
- Busy tourist population
Because Brighton is on the coast and holds many outdoor activities in sunny weather, tourists and day-trippers flock the area. During the summer and holidays, expect a large influx of residents and global travellers looking to have a good time.
- Traffic
Brighton sees a lot of day trips among residents all over England, increasing vehicle traffic significantly. Avoid peak hours or plan ahead of time to avoid delays in your filming.
Best Film Shoot Locations in Brighton
- The Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion, a royal residence that served as a military hospital during the First World War, is a popular location for filming and photography. It has a palace-like exterior and several flamboyant rooms available for public production, such as the Music Room, the Banqueting Room and the Great Kitchen. Listed as a Grade 1 building, the Royal Pavilion is over 200 years old, imparting a historical atmosphere to your film shoot.
- Werks Central
Located in Middle Street, Brighton, this space has two meeting rooms that can accommodate 70 people, perfect for a smaller film crew. Unique to this area is an indoor cafe and a secret garden. Production is allowed here except adult filming.
- The Pipeline
This small independent rock venue in Little East Street holds up to 80 people comfortably and uniquely features a graffiti wall inside. Vegan fast food is served here, and music is played often. This venue includes a lighting and sound system, stage, TVs, a bar and outdoor seating. Production is allowed here.
