Speed limits. There is a 12 knot limit through central London, from Wandsworth Bridge down to Margaretness, and 8 knots above Wandsworth Bridge. Boats with a PLA Certificate of Compliance can go faster on two stretches only: between Wandsworth Bridge and Lambeth Bridge, and from St Saviour’s Dock, just below Tower Bridge, down to Margaretness. Our film boat holds one, so on those stretches a fast subject does not leave the camera behind.
The tide. The Thames is tidal all the way up to Teddington, and the stream runs strongly through the middle of the tide. It decides how a boat holds position, how long a run takes and which way you film it, so we plan the runs around the tide tables and the light.
The traffic. Trip boats, river buses, tugs and barges are working all day. Our skippers keep a listening watch on the river’s radio channels and time each run around passing traffic, so a tug and tow does not ruin the take.
The rig. Mounts, gimbals and tripod positions are planned with your camera team, and the bigger boats have power on board. Tell us the kit and we will check it fits before the day.
Safety. Every shoot has a risk assessment and a safety brief before we leave the pier. If you have cast or crew working close to the water, we add a safety boat.
ProductionsBTS ARIRANG World Tour on the ThamesOur film boat as the drone platform, and our drone crew in the air, for the Thames activation of BTS’s ARIRANG World Tour.Read the job
ProductionsSurfers Against Sewage: the Thames swimA camera boat, a safety boat and the permissions for a swim down the Thames from Teddington Lock to Westminster.Read the job
Our productionsThe Glaukos roundtable, filmed on the ThamesFive eye specialists around one table, filmed on board as the boat passed Westminster and the London Eye.Read the jobIt depends on the boat. Our fast RIB takes up to 5, our workboats and motor yacht up to 12, and passenger vessels far more. Tell us the crew, cast and kit and we will pick the boat to fit.
Yes. We plan mounts, gimbals and tripod positions with your camera team, and the bigger boats have power on board.
Yes. Clients can watch from the film boat. For bigger crews or more complex shoots we run a second boat, or set up on a pier, as a video village with live pictures near the action.
Yes. Commercial filming on the tidal Thames needs permission from the Port of London Authority. We apply for it and plan the shoot around what the PLA needs to know.
Yes. We can supply camera operators, drone pilots and the rest of the crew, or make the whole film.
Yes. Our boats run after dark, we can rig lights on board, and we fly drones at night with the right permissions.
