Finding the boat. Tell us the look and the story. We know the operators along the river and match the vessel to the script, whether that is a yacht that says money or a workboat that says graft.
The skipper. Our skippers take direction from the first AD and the camera boat by radio, and set the boat up to repeat the same move on every take.
The tide. A boat drifts with the stream as soon as it stops, so we plan each set-up with the tide and reset between takes where the shot needs it.
Dressing and branding. Changes to a boat’s look, from flags and names to full branding, are agreed with its owner before the day.
ProductionsKid Apollo, i let the sun back inA 30-metre flat-top barge under tow as a moving stage at dusk, for Kid Apollo’s i let the sun back in video.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. Tell us the look, the size and the period, and we will find the closest match on the river or bring one in.
With the owner’s agreement, yes. We agree the dressing in advance so there are no surprises on the day.
Yes. Both skippers work on the same radio channel as the director, so the moves are planned and repeated together.
Yes. Our skipper stays in charge of the boat at all times, so we plan the shot with the skipper right there and in control.
Yes. Commercial filming on the tidal Thames needs permission from the Port of London Authority, and we apply for it as part of the job.
