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London has been used as a video shoot location and a film setting for decades. Filming is a significant part of the London culture, hosting big movie titles such as Bridget Jones's Diary, A Clockwork Orange and Harry Potter. Such inspiration lies in the historic buildings and hidden corridors here in London.
On top of these hidden movie settings in the big city, you can also discover the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, Central London, Canary Wharf, and the River Thames. The Opera House, with its perfect location and rich history, serves as the prestigious home to the Royal Opera, the Royal Ballet, and the famous Royal Orchestra.
While finding video shoot locations in London, you may look for a series of vendors to accompany you with your next project. Since London is no stranger to the art of filmmaking, music, photo shoots and productions, finding the best video shoot locations in the city should be easy.
Whether you're making short videos or feature films, there's a wide array of locations to choose from, from iconic destinations to private studio spaces. No matter what you're looking for, London's location library is sure to have a unique venue for your needs!
Planning a video shoot entails listing down the factors that you'll need to consider to make it successful, including securing prop rentals, choosing the right production teams, and identifying the best filming locations, through to arranging post-production services.
Equipment
While finding the perfect video shoot location, you'll need to list down all of the equipment that is necessary for the production, such as video cameras, tripods, lighting, reflectors, lenses and more. Here in London, some studios or venues already offer equipment, so that's one less thing to worry about. But if you’ve found a great space that does not provide this extra, you may hire it from plenty of shops that offer equipment rental around the town.
Actor/Actress
Actors and actresses come in different ages, races, genders, sizes and specialisations. From lead actors and extras to dancers and performers, you won't run out of professional actors who'll fit the purpose of your shoot.
Furniture or Prop Rental
During your video shoot, you may need some props to enhance the scene or complete the set-up of your video shoot. Due to London's prestigious filming culture, prop and furniture rental companies abound in the town. Whatever item you'll need, they'll surely have it!
Editor
After you finish shooting your video, editing comes in. If you are not equipped for this job, there are many freelance editors all over London who can lend their specialised skills to your video project. Some editors specialise in editing for TV and film, while some excel in the realm of music videos, film productions, and fashion shows, along with commercials. Because of the concentrated talent pool in the city, you'll surely find someone who does it all.
Cameraworks
Cameraworks is a digital cinematography and TV equipment rental company. They have a diverse niche of experience with different projects in advertising, product launches, broadcasting, PR agencies, etc. They offer cameras, lenses, audio, lighting, and accessories such as tripods, batteries, matteboxes and filters for your video shoot needs.
London Prop Hire
Founded by Anthony Wright, London Prop Hire has years of experience in the antique and design industry. London Prop Hire holds a wide variety of 20th-century props, including luggage, lighting, phones, mannequins, clocks, books, miscellaneous items, and more!
Mladens Isakovs
Mladens Isakovs is a freelance videographer and editor based in London. He has worked all over Europe and London, with many years of experience with digital, electronic, and film cameras. His services include videography and editing, and he specialises in music videos, product videos, and short films.
London's iconic and prestigious status as a filming location already makes it appealing to most filmmakers. However, the foot traffic and high fees for services might detract some.
Suppliers and film crew
Since London is a major city and a common place for filmmaking, many film-related shops and services can easily be found here. From cameras, lighting equipment, and prop rentals to film crew and actors for hire, you'll have bountiful options to choose from. Many people can attest to the professional and joyful attitude that film crews in London usually exude.
Inspiration
There are plenty of reasons why directors love to film in London, and one of them is inspiration. The city of London is steeped in history and is home to many iconic filming locations and historical landmarks with exposed brick walls. Being surrounded by well-known places that have already seen their fair share of filming makes shooting in the city exciting and inspiring.
Financial incentives
Did you know that the city of London pays filmmakers tax incentives if their skills are unique and can't be found anywhere in the world? London also refunds the production company a percentage of the production budget if the film has contributed significant revenue to the city.
Places to explore and things to do
Outside filming, you'll be able to explore the city's museums, bars, restaurants, galleries, cinemas, parks and other historical locations.
Car traffic
Part of the filming process is travelling from one great location to another, especially if it's a large project. You'll need to plan your travel carefully since there's a high chance you'll encounter some delays due to heavy traffic.
Foot traffic
If you're filming in the city centre or a popular bar or restaurant that sees a lot of foot traffic, you'll need to time your filming so that you don't disrupt the people's activities.
Expensive
It is common knowledge that London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. If you're only starting in filmmaking, you'll need to save a lot of money to afford top music video shoot locations, equipment and other services.
Tower of London
Located in central London is the Tower of London, officially called His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. Throughout its history, it has served various purposes, such as royal residence, treasury, menagerie, political prison, and public records office.
London Eye
The London Eye is the world's second-largest observation wheel, standing at 135 metres. It's also the United Kingdom's most popular paid attraction, attracting about three million visitors every year. Step into one of its spaceship pods and see sweeping views of the city.
The British Museum
Built in 1759, the British Museum is the world's first national museum that opened to the public and covers all fields of knowledge. It contains artefacts that British explorers collected from the world. The museum has over eight million objects, 50,000 of which are on display. The collection documents human culture from the beginning of time.