Cutty SarkOld Royal Naval CollegeThe light. The college faces north across the river, so it is in its own shadow for much of the day. Early morning and evening in summer, and the lights after dark, are the strongest times.
The traffic. River buses and trip boats call at Greenwich all day, and ships and tugs pass on their way up and down the river. Our skippers time each run around them.
Speed. Greenwich is inside the stretch where boats with a PLA Certificate of Compliance can go above 12 knots, so fast tracking with the college behind works.
The tide. The stream runs strongly through Greenwich Reach at mid-tide, so we plan where the boat holds and which way each run goes.
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. Greenwich is close to London City Airport’s flight restriction zone and the Isle of Dogs restricted area, so every drone position is checked before the day. Greenwich Park is a Royal Park, where flying needs The Royal Parks’ permission.
On land. The college grounds, the Cutty Sark and the park each have their own owners and filming rules. We line up the land permissions with the river ones.
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
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 jobYes. The river gives you the whole river front with the Queen’s House between the domes. We plan it for the best light, which is early or late.
With approvals, and never from the Royal Park without its permission. The airport’s zone and the Isle of Dogs restricted area are close, so we check every position.
Yes. We film arrivals from the water and the air, working with the vessel’s team and the authorities so the shots fit around their plan.
At a point that suits the tide and the shoot, which we confirm with the call sheet.
