Brunel MuseumButler's WharfSpeed. From St Saviour’s Dock down, boats with a PLA Certificate of Compliance can go above 12 knots, so this is where fast tracking shots with the City behind come into their own.
Quieter water. Below Tower Bridge there are fewer trip boats, which makes longer takes easier, though river buses and tugs still pass through.
The tide. Low water uncovers the foreshore below the wharves, and the stream runs hard round the bends, so we plan the runs and the boat’s position with the tide.
The light. The river bends round the Rotherhithe peninsula, so with the right stretch you can have the sun behind you at most times of day.
On the water. Commercial filming on the tidal Thames needs permission from the Port of London Authority, and we apply for it as part of the job.
In the air. This stretch is busy airspace, close to the Isle of Dogs restricted area and London City Airport’s zone, so every drone position is checked and approved before the day.
On land. The riverside walks, wharves and stairs belong to different owners, so filming on land needs their permission, separate from the river.
Marine businessesEnd of Tideway Tow: FPV + Cinematic FilmingHigh-speed FPV and cinematic tracking of a historic final tow operation along the River Thames for CPBS Marine Services.Read the job
Marine businessesMMS Marine Tow: Ex-PLA Yacht ST KatherineCinematic drone filming and high-end aerial photography capturing the historic transit of the ST Katherine for MMS Marine Services.Read the jobYes. Below St Saviour’s Dock our film boat can run above 12 knots under its PLA exemption, with Tower Bridge and the City behind the subject.
Yes. The wharves and stairs rise straight from the river, and the water is quieter here than in the Pool.
With approvals. We check the position against the nearby restricted area and the airport’s zone, and apply in good time.
At a point that suits the tide and the shoot, which we confirm with the call sheet.
