Canary WharfCutty SarkThe reaches. Limehouse Reach runs down the west side of the Isle of Dogs, Greenwich Reach across the bottom and Blackwall Reach up the east side, so the same towers sit at a different angle to the sun as you go round.
The estate. Canary Wharf is a private estate, so filming on its land and its dock edges needs the estate’s permission, separate from the river.
The docks. The enclosed docks are entered through locks. The entrance lock to West India Docks asks for about a week’s notice for a booked passage, so plan early if you want to film inside.
Speed and tide. Below St Saviour’s Dock, boats with a PLA Certificate of Compliance can go above 12 knots, so fast tracking past the towers works. The tide runs hard round the bends, so runs are planned with it.
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. Canary Wharf sits inside the Isle of Dogs restricted area (R159) and London City Airport’s flight restriction zone, so every drone flight needs NATS permission and the airport’s agreement.
On land. The estate, the dock edges and the riverside walks are privately managed. We tell you early which permissions you need on land.
Our productionsOrca Fisher: James Fisher Tanker Thames TransitAerial photography tracking the new James Fisher tanker Orca Fisher as she transits the River Thames past Canary Wharf and moors alongside HMS Belfast in the City at dusk.Read the job
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. The towers look best from the water, and the loop round the Isle of Dogs gives you three different angles in one shoot.
Only with NATS permission, as the Isle of Dogs has its own restricted area (R159), and with London City Airport’s agreement, as Canary Wharf is inside its zone too. Tell us as early as you can: we hold long-standing permissions across London, so we can often fly at short notice.
Yes, with the dock owners’ permission and a booked passage through the lock. Plan at least a week ahead.
At a point that suits the tide and the shoot, which we confirm with the call sheet.
