Millennium BridgeSt Paul's CathedralBlackfriars BridgeThe light. St Paul’s and the City are on the north bank, facing south across the water, so they are in sun for most of the day. Bankside, on the south bank, is lit early and late.
The bridges. Six bridges cross in under a mile from Blackfriars to London Bridge, so the stream runs fast between their piers. We plan where the boat holds and how each run lines up with the arches.
The tide. At low water a beach appears below the walls on Bankside and along the north bank, which can be part of the shot or something to plan around.
The traffic. River buses, trip boats and tugs with their barges pass all day. Our skippers keep a listening watch on the radio and time each run around them.
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. The river from Blackfriars to Tower Bridge sits inside the City of London restricted area (R158), so drone flights here need NATS permission and clearance from air traffic control on the day. Tell us as early as you can: we hold long-standing permissions across London, so we can often fly at short notice.
On land. The bridges, the riverside walks and the buildings along them have different owners, so filming from them needs their permission, separate from the river.
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 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 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 jobYes. The classic frame is from the water just below the Millennium Bridge, with the dome at the end of the bridge. We plan the boat’s position with the tide so it can hold there.
Only with NATS permission, as the City and the river from Blackfriars to Tower Bridge sit inside the City of London restricted area (R158). Tell us as early as you can: we hold long-standing permissions across London, so we can often fly at short notice.
Yes. We have filmed tows through central London from the water and the air, working with the tug crews so the shots never get in their way.
At a point near the location that suits the tide and the shoot, which we confirm with the call sheet.
