10 Great Places for Filming in London
Introduction
Before making my first short drama film 'Out in the Cold' I spent the weekend riding around London on my bicycle scouting out locations. Althougn I had already lived in the city for a few years, I remember the feeling that my eyes had truly opened. Everywhere I looked I saw opportunities as took countless images with a new digital camera I had borrowed. I realised also, it wasn't just about knowing a place, it was about seeing a place. As a filmmaker, perspective and framing is everything and I soon found myself overwhelmed with visual opportunities.
In writing this article, I wanted to share some of the many great places I have filmed in. These are not necessarily the '10 best places to film in London' as that is far too subjective, however if you are planning a film or photo shoot and looking for inspiration, I hope these are useful. I have listed them in no particular order.
<span class="text-color-accent">London is one</span> big film set.
1. LEADENHALL MARKET. The best time to visit this former meat and poultry market in the City of London is on a Sunday morning. Featured in the Harry Potter films, the symmetrical red, green and gold facades make for easy compositions. However my personal favourite vantage point is the very centre from which you can see multiple diverging perspectives. I've used this space in the past for music videos, promos and pre-wedding films.
2. PELICAN STEPS. Away from the madding crowds on the south eastern side of Tower Bridge there is an overlooked entrance gate on Shad Thames that takes you down to the The Thames shore (when the tide is out!). Next the wooden pier supports covered in moss and seaweed there is distinctly nineteenth centry feel with the neo-gothic Tower Bridge forming a stunning backdrop. I have used this space a couple of times for private clients.
3. TEMPLE INN. This Georgian 'legal village' within the city provides the perfect backdrop for a period shoot. A tudor style frontage on Fleet Street leads the visitor through an arched alley that gives way to cobbled streets lined with gas lamps and ornate Georgian facades. This site includes the iconic twelfth century Temple Church of the Knights Templar (features in The Davinci Code). Narrow alleys, ornate gardens and elegant buildings provide unique visual opportunities all the way down to The Thames.
4. ST GEORGE'S GARDENS. I used this location in Bloomsbury for 'Out In The Cold' because of its melancholic and gothic quality. A mature and somewhat overgrown urban space, it is dotted with tombstones and edged with headstones reflecting its earlier role as a burial ground. Some years ago, I bumped into David Bailey scoping out this mystical space with its sandstone coloured statue in the centre of Euterpe the Muse of instrumental music. I think its the sort of space that is easy to frame an interesting shot or scene.
5. ST KATHARINES DOCK. This small historical harbour is home to some of the remaining London Barges as well as the pictureque Dickens Inn. However, the features don't end there with its former warehouse buildings, promenades and statuary such Girl with a Dolphin. Adjacent to The Thames its the sort place where you can frame multiple scenes without needing to relcoate far and I have used it in several projects.
<span class="text-color-accent">Some of my favourites</span> might surprise you.
6. BOROUGH MARKET. Over 25 years ago Guy Ritchie chose the then neglected area around Borough Market for filming Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels. Today the area is much more genteel, yet the historic character of the area still makes a fantastic location for film and photography shoots. The ornate Victorian metal work of the Borough Food Market provides an eyectching feature along with the narrow streets of traditional Georgian houses. A brief wander about and you'll be overlowing with unique frames and angles.
7. GREENWICH. Appropriately, my favourite way to arrive in Greenwich is by boat. I have filmed both commercials and short films in Greenwich. However be warned, if you are on a budget, its best to avoid the college grounds where big fees can be demanded. Instead, stick to public spaces along the river where the College forms a free backdrop or King William Walk where the Cutty Sark obliges as a background. Another popular place is Greenwich Park, which has fantastic views of Canary Wharf & the city.
8. LITTLE VENICE. Located near Paddington Basin where the Grand Union Canal meets Regents Canal, this area offers many picturesque settings for a film or photo shoot. Pretty barges cruise along the network, whilst many others are moored up making characterful homes and the odd waterside cafe. I personally like the Victorian tow paths and bridges because of evocative framing they can offer a shoot. I've filmed here several times such as for Higgins Homes and enjoy finding new perspecties every time.
9. WOBURN WALK. This is another place close to my studio and used in my early short film 'Out in the Cold'. Although its just two short streets its quaint bow fronted facades have been used by countless film & TV projects. One of my favourites being Keep the Aspidistra Flying featuring Richard E Grant and directed by Robert Bierman who I once had the pleasure of meeting. Woburn Walk would probably be at its best on a Sunday in Autumn.
10. THE ROYAL EXCHANGE. Located at Bank in the City of London, I originally thought this grand building was the Bank of England. Afterall, it looks sufficiently impressive and it's easy to overlook the elevated fortress tucked off to the side. What I like about The Royal Exchange is the grand columns, steps and statuary surrounded by elegant buildings. There are lots of great options for filming and photography, aided by traditional lights and flowerbeds. Go on a Sunday morning and you'll probably have it to yourself!
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Speaking & consulting
I have previously been a speaker at BNC Show, Bridelux and a guest lecturer at UEL and consulted for Erasmus, Borough of Camden and Access Creative book an online meeting.
