About Brighton
Located on England’s south coast, Brighton is a seaside city 47 miles south of bustling London. The coastal city is popular with UK visitors and those travelling from overseas for its picturesque beaches, regency architecture and the iconic Brighton Palace Pier. The city, nicknamed ‘London by the Sea’, has been home to several famous names, including Cate Blancett, Steve Coogan, Chris Eubank and David Walliams.
If you’re looking to spend some time filming in Brighton, you’re in luck. The city has a plethora of locations to choose from. So whether you’re searching for an idyllic park, a bustling street or a quiet spot on the beach, Brighton has it! Additionally, the city is within easy reach of several major cities such as London, Portsmouth and Southampton.
This short guide will help you plan a successful film shoot in Brighton.
Filming Options in Brighton
If you’re considering filming in Brighton, you’re going to need the help of some local businesses that can offer years of experience and expertise. The city is a creative hub that attracts film and television studios from across the world. We have found a couple of companies to help you craft a high-quality production that audiences will enjoy.
- Acting Agencies
If you’re looking to cast some local actors in your production, look no further. Brighton has several talent agencies that can help you locate suitable actors for your production who are reliable and trustworthy.
- Green Spaces
If you’re searching for a place with plenty of accessible green spaces, Brighton is the place for you. The city is home to several peaceful parks, and just north of Brighton, you’ll find the serene South Downs National Park. In Brighton and Hove, there are several beautiful parks and green spaces, including Stanmer Park, Preston Park, Queens Park, Hove Park and East Brighton Park.
- Recording Studios
A make-or-break component of any film production is its sound quality. To ensure sound quality is the best it can possibly be, the crew will spend a considerable amount of time in a recording studio. Renting a recording studio gives you the equipment and space you need to ensure your production's audio is high-quality.
Filming Companies in Brighton
- Fresh Agents
Based in Brighton, Fresh Agents represent professional and reliable actors, presenters, models and artists. The company, which was established in 1999, has worked with some of the most prestigious companies in the country, including Disney, Skype, ITV, MasterCard, Nationwide and Ford. Fresh Agents work with production companies, advertisers, photographers, TV channels, magazines and PR companies to help them find the perfect people for their campaigns.
- The Edit
Located in North Laine, Brighton, The Edit is an editing and post-production studio. The company was founded in 2006, and its 5000 square foot premises is located in the creative heart of Brighton. The studio contains 20 rooms where crews can craft a high-quality production, all providing natural light and air conditioning. Since its inception, The Edit studio has helped produce several films and television series, including The Boleyns, Who Do You Think You Are? And Stacey Dooley Investigates.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Brighton
Advantages
- Culture
Brighton is loved by many for its cultural activities and its creative, innovative spirit. The city is home to several museums and art galleries that explore the city’s history and cultural contribution to the United Kingdom.
- Nightlife
The city is beloved by clubbing enthusiasts for its excellent nightlife scene. In Brighton, you’ll discover a delightful selection of bars and clubs offering weird and wonderful drinks, themed events and live music nights.
- Public Transport Links
Brighton is close to the Capital; a train from London to Brighton takes only one hour. So if you’re based in London and are searching for a good filming location, Brighton is undoubtedly a place to consider.
Disadvantages
- Crowded in the Summer Months
Brighton is a wonderful place, and as a result, it attracts huge numbers of visitors. The city welcomes almost 10 million day visitors each year, accounting for over 85% of all visitors to coastal the city. As you can imagine, it can get rather crowded, especially if it’s lovely weather.
- High Demand
Because of Brighton’s beauty and popularity with organisations in the creative industry, you may struggle to book time in film and recording studios unless you organise it well in advance. The city is a hub for creatives from the film, television, music and theatre industries. Try to book any studio time as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment as slots will quickly fill up.
- Weather
Like much of the United Kingdom, Brighton receives a fair amount of rain year-round. Anyone living in the UK knows that it is wise to bring a raincoat if you’re venturing outdoors, regardless of the season! However, Brighton experiences hot weather and prolonged periods of blue skies during the summer months. So if you’re hoping for blue skies and sunshine, it’s best to visit the city between June and August.
Famous Locations in Brighton
- Preston Park
Preston Park is Brighton and Hove’s largest public park. With 63 acres of parkland to explore, you could easily spend several hours traversing Preston Park. The park opened in the late 19th-century and is home to wildflower gardens, an idyllic walled garden and various unique buildings such as the Tile House, the Clock Tower and the Rotunda Cafe.
- Regency Square
Located on the seafront, Regency Square consists of 69 residential homes built in the 19th-century. While you can’t access the buildings, the green in front of the development is accessible to the public. So if you’re looking for a spot to sit and enjoy views of Brighton Beach, Regency Square green is perfect.
- Upside Down House
Located opposite Brighton Beach, the Upside Down House is a unique attraction popular with tourists. The open plan house allows tourists to move freely around rooms and take photos of themselves pretending to make dinner upside down or doing a handstand on a double bed. The house of illusion opened in 2019 and is now an iconic landmark in Brighton.