About Norwich
Located in the East of England, Norwich is a city that celebrates change, diversity and creativity. Nicknamed the ‘City of Stories’, Norwich is characterised by its rich history, independent spirit and a flourishing arts, music and cultural scene. However, the city is probably best known for its unbeatable fish and chips, architectural marvels and welcoming pubs. For 700 years, Norwich was England’s second-largest settlement, mainly because of its thriving wool trade. While Norwich has slipped down the league table in terms of population, it still has much to offer locals and tourists alike.
So if you’re looking for a place to shoot your next project, Norwich has a lot to offer those in the film industry. Our short guide will help you find suitable filming locations in the City of Stories.
Filming Options in Norwich
If you’re going to create a top-notch production, you’re going to need some assistance. Over time, Norwich has become a hub of creativity with strong links to the film and television industry thanks to the University of East Anglia and the annual Norwich Film Festival.
- Film Production Companies
Hiring a full-service film production company allows you to let your hair down a little. You can sit back and let a qualified team of individuals craft an excellent film based on your specifications.
- Photographers
If you haven’t hired someone already, you’ll need a Director of Photography to determine the visual appearance of the production. Thankfully, several highly-qualified film photographers operate in Norwich and the surrounding areas.
- Caterers
Feeding your hungry cast and crew is a challenge, and a hungry set is not a happy set! However, hiring a reliable caterer removes much of the stress, allowing you to focus entirely on your project.
Filming Companies in Norwich
- Eye Film
Located in Norwich, Eye Film produce promotional videos, documentaries, commercials and feature films. The company, which has created content nominated for BAFTAs, has worked with prestigious clients including BBC One, East Anglian Air Ambulance and the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Eye Film’s documentary approach and passion for telling human stories allow the company to create compelling content which inspires and entertains viewers. Furthermore, Eye Film is committed to educating its clients with the skills needed to produce their own film content.
- Chris Taylor Photo
Based in Norfolk, Chris Taylor has been a photographer since 2005, specialising in filmmaking, commercial and aerial photography. Chris has created property walkthrough videos, tourism films, safari films, and many other exciting projects. Past clients include Visit North Norfolk, The Deep History Coast and the Sandscaping project. Chris’ work has been featured on several UK television programmes, including BBC News, ITN News, Countryfile, Songs of Praise and Britain’s Wildest Weather.
- Alex Chef
Based in Norfolk, Alex Chef has over 15 years of experience providing excellent food for various events, including weddings, parties and film sets. The caterer is highly regarded in the area. For example, previous high-profile clients include Anglian Water, Sky One, Harrods, Matalan and Urban Outfitters. Additionally, the menus contain a wide selection of delicious food, ensuring your cast and crew will find something to their liking!
Pros and Cons of Norwich
Advantages
- Cafe Culture
In Norwich, you won’t have to walk far before encountering a coffee shop. The city has a selection of excellent cafes to choose from, including the Alchemista Coffee Co, The Street Cafe, Littlehaven Coffee Shop and The Galley.
- Food
One of the best aspects of Norwich is its food scene. Several highly-rated restaurants call Norwich home, including Saporita Norwich, Woolf & Social, Brasteds and Jorge’s. So if you’re in the mood for fish and chips, make sure to drop by Grosvenor Fish Bar, a place The Guardian called “the best fish and chips in East Anglia”.
- Proximity to the Coast
Norwich is only 20 miles away from both Great Yarmouth and Cromer, giving you easy access to two lovely beaches. So what could be nicer than spending a sunny afternoon eating fish and chips on the beach? Sounds like a great plan to us!
Disadvantages
- Isolated
Compared to larger cities in the UK, Norwich can feel isolating. The closest city is Ipswich, 40 miles away. However, if you’re looking for a calm and quiet city, but one which still offers plenty of interesting attractions, Norwich is ideal.
- Traffic
A common complaint among Norwich locals is about the traffic. Like most cities, roads can get congested during rush hour, making it difficult to travel around the city. The problem gets significantly worse when large events such as football matches occur.
Famous Locations in Norwich
- Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
Situated on a hill in the city centre, Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery provide a unique experience to visitors. The 900-year old castle contains an extensive gallery complex converted from the city’s Victorian prison, housing important collections exploring natural history, archaeology, history, and contemporary art. Admission is £6.70 for adults and £6.20 for children, making it an affordable day out all can enjoy.
- The Norfolk Broads
Located to the east of Norwich, the Norfolk Broads National Park covers 117 square miles of beautiful countryside. The Broads attract approximately seven million visitors per year, who come to walk, cycle, canoe, fish, and watch wildlife in their natural habitat. Within the Norfolk Broads, you’ll also discover steam railways, rivers, playgrounds, top-rated restaurants, and excellent accommodation. There’s something for everyone in the idyllic Norfolk Broads.
- Strangers’ Hall
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a few hours, why not visit Strangers’ Hall? The attraction is a magnificent medieval house situated in Norwich city centre. The building has been home to some of the cities most revered citizens, including mayors and merchants who were incredibly influential in the medieval and early modern period. The spectacular building contains a variety of rooms ripe for exploration, including the Great Hall, the Chambers, the Georgian Dining Room, the Parlour, the Sotherton Room and many more. So if you’re looking for an interesting way to spend a few hours, do consider visiting this historic hall.