How much does it cost to film in London?
London is one of the world’s most popular filming locations — from corporate videos and commercials to documentaries and branded content. But if you’re planning a shoot, a natural question is:
“How much does it cost to film in London?”
The short answer is: it varies widely. Filming in London with a London based videographer can cost anything from a few hundred pounds for a simple shoot to tens of thousands for large-scale productions. The final cost depends on permits, locations, crew, equipment, and the scale of the production.
As a London-based videographer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve filmed across the city in a wide range of environments. This guide breaks down the real costs involved and what you should budget for.
Typical Costs to Film in London
Small, Simple Shoots: £500 – £1,500
Best for:
Interviews
Corporate content
Social media videos
Small office or private locations
These shoots often require minimal or no permits and a small crew (sometimes just one videographer). Costs are mostly related to filming and editing time.
Mid-Range Productions: £1,500 – £5,000
Best for:
Promotional and branded videos
Recruitment films
Event highlights
Multi-location shoots
At this level, you may need filming permissions, additional lighting, sound equipment, and more planning time.
Large-Scale Productions: £5,000+
Best for:
Commercial campaigns
Documentaries
Multi-day shoots
High-profile locations
These productions often involve permits, location fees, larger crews, traffic control, and more extensive post-production.
Location Fees and Film Permits in London
Public Locations
Many London boroughs require filming permits for:
Pavements and streets
Parks and public spaces
Transport hubs and landmarks
Typical permit costs:
£150 – £750+ per day depending on borough and impact
Additional fees for traffic management, parking suspensions, or crowd control
Some small, low-impact shoots may not require a permit, but this must always be checked in advance.
Private Locations
Filming in offices, shops, venues, or private properties usually involves:
Location hire fees (£250 – £3,000+ per day)
Location managers for more complex shoots
Insurance requirements
Crew and Equipment Costs
Videographer & Crew
Single videographer: £600 – £1,200 per day
Small crew (2–3 people): £1,200 – £3,000 per day
Larger crews: £3,000+ per day
Crew size depends on the complexity of the shoot, lighting needs, and audio requirements.
Equipment
Professional filming equipment may include:
Cinema cameras and lenses
Lighting and grip
Audio recording gear
Drones (with permissions)
Equipment is often included in videographer rates, but specialist gear can add £100 – £1,000+ per day.
Other Costs to Consider
Pre-Production
Planning and scheduling
Location scouting
Risk assessments
Call sheets
Post-Production
Editing
Colour grading
Sound mixing
Music licensing
Insurance
Most London filming requires:
Public liability insurance (often £5–10 million cover)
Equipment insurance
Why Filming in London Can Be More Expensive
London offers incredible variety — historic architecture, modern offices, parks, rivers, and iconic landmarks — but filming here also means:
High demand for locations
Busy public spaces
Strict local authority regulations
Higher operating costs
The upside is access to experienced crews, excellent facilities, and world-class locations.
How to Keep Filming Costs Down in London
Choose private or controlled locations where possible
Limit crew size
Combine filming locations in one day
Plan thoroughly to avoid overtime
Work with an experienced London videographer who knows local rules
Good planning often saves more money than cutting corners.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to film in London?
From a few hundred pounds for a simple shoot to many thousands for complex productions.
The key is understanding what level of production you actually need — and working with someone who can guide you through the process efficiently.
If you’re planning a London shoot and would like honest advice or a tailored quote, feel free to get in touch via Paul Bates Studios. I’m always happy to help you plan a smooth, cost-effective production.