Film Permits In London: Everything You Need To Know

Planning to film in London? Whether you’re shooting a blockbuster scene by Tower Bridge or a small indie project in a hidden corner of Camden, you’re going to need a film permit.

London’s iconic locations are in high demand, but navigating the permit process can feel like a maze if you don’t know where to start.

From understanding which locations require permits to learning how to handle road closures or public spaces, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your production rolling.

Let’s make your filming in London as smooth as a tracking shot!

What is a Film Permit?

A film permit is your official permission slip to shoot in specific locations around London. It’s essential to ensure your production doesn’t disrupt the daily flow of the city.

Whether it’s a sunlit afternoon in Hyde Park or a foggy evening along the Thames, each spot might require a permit to guarantee your shoot runs well without disrupting the city’s pulse. Getting this process spot on is your first move towards making sure your cameras can roll in peace.

From Trafalgar Square to tucked-away alleys, our filming locations service ensures you get the perfect setting for your production while getting to grips with London’s permit maze.

Do You Need a Permit to Film in London?

Planning to capture the hurry of Piccadilly Circus or the calm vistas of Greenwich Park on camera? Chances are, you’ll need a permit. In London, filming isn’t a free-for-all.

Most public spaces are regulated, especially if you’re bringing in tripods and cameras bigger than the average tourist’s. Find out the specifics with local borough authorities to pin down exactly what you’ll need to avoid any last-minute rushes.

Got your permit but stuck on the logistics? Our film fixers handle everything, like dealing with borough councils and securing that dream spot by the Thames.

Where Can You Film for Free in London?

London has its fair share of cost-free filming gems if you know where to look.

Public parks allow filming without permits, as long as your crew is small and inconspicuous.

For quick shots or b-roll, areas like Brick Lane or Southbank might work without the paperwork. However, even “free” spots come with conditions—if you’re setting up tripods, blocking pathways, or drawing a crowd, permits may be required.

Always double-check with local boroughs to avoid delays.

For a smoother process, consult a professional location scout to help you unearth these hidden places.

How Much Does It Cost to Film in London?

Filming in London doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth every penny for the city’s beautiful backdrops. Permit fees vary by borough and production size.

A small crew with handheld cameras might pay as little as £75, while large-scale productions can face costs of up to £350 for permits alone. Add-on expenses like parking, road closures, or admin fees can also inflate the budget.

For instance, shutting down a non-bus route costs around £2,800, while busy bus routes can jump to £3,300. Planning is key—know your crew size, needs, and locations upfront to keep your budget on track.

If you require a permit, here’s a list of the filming fees you can expect to pay:

Crew Size & Fee

Students/Non-Profit – £30
5 people with a handheld camera – £75
10 people with tripod camera – £150
11 – 20 people – £200
20 – 50 people – £275
50+ people – £350

Administration Areas

£150 General fee- incurred when filming runs over
£250 For two hours – commercial filming in a non-strategic route city
£450 For four hours – Filming for strategic routes managed by Transport For London

How Film Permits in London Work

Securing a film permit in London might sound scary. But it’s easy if you break it down a bit.
Each of London’s 33 boroughs has unique rules and here’s how it typically works:
Contact the relevant borough for your location as they’ll guide you on permits, fees, and any restrictions.
Share details like crew size, equipment, and timing to determine if you need a permit or additional permissions.
Prepare for extras like road closures or parking requests early, as they take time to process.
Secure no objection notices for smaller shoots – these are a handy way to confirm your right to film without extensive permits.

Public Locations

Public locations in London, like schools, parks, and community centres, often require permits from the Borough Film Services (BFS). Popular sites like Trafalgar Square, the Southbank, and Parliament Square are tightly regulated. So, filming without permission can lead to fines or shutdowns.

Here’s a list of areas you’ll need a permit:

Parliament Square
Trafalgar Square
The South Bank
Any Tube or Train Stations
The Royal Square
River and Canal Paths

Even spaces that seem public, like shopping centres, are often privately owned and require additional permissions. Tube stations and river paths? Same story.

The key is early communication with local authorities. They can provide you with a full list of requirements and help secure the permits needed.

Sorting out permits is just the start. Our pre-production services will guarantee your London shoot is perfectly planned from paperwork to props.

Filming on Private Property

Filming on private property in London can simplify things—no BFS involvement required. You just need to get the green light from the property owner.

Want to use a townhouse, a market, or even a flat? As long as the owner agrees, you’re good to go.

Rates for private locations vary widely, so negotiate upfront. Keep in mind that council-owned housing needs permission from housing associations, adding an extra step.

Small Crew Filming

If your team is small, filming in London can be much simpler. Many boroughs offer exceptions for crews of fewer than five, especially for handheld shoots. Westminster, however, enforces stricter rules, limiting crews to three members.

No permits? No problem. Unless you’re obstructing public highways or causing a scene. To play it safe, get a Notice of No Objection from your local borough. It’s a low-cost way to avoid hassle, typically costing £25 to £100.

No Objection Notices

A Notice of No Objection can be your golden ticket to filming without headaches in London.

For a small fee of between £25 to £100, this document from your local borough gives you the green light to shoot without interference. It’s especially handy for low-impact productions.

Park Permits

Need parking for your production? Small crews can usually secure permits within five days, but larger productions should apply at least two weeks in advance. Costs depend on the borough and the space required.

Road Closures

Want to shut down a London road for your film? It goes a tad beyond putting up a “Closed” sign. Road closures are one of the priciest elements of filming in the city. A quiet, non-bus route could set you back £2,800, while a bus route might hit £3,300.

Planning is crucial – submit your application at least 12 weeks in advance. Borough councils and Transport for London must review and approve your request.

Final Thoughts

Filming in London might seem like a logistical nightmare. But all it takes is the right permits and a rock-solid plan to make it possible.

From securing iconic backdrops to ensuring smooth operations, every detail matters.

Let our film production services take the stress out of filming in London. From permits to parking, we make sure your production goes off without a hold-up.

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