Filming Modern London with a Small Crew
A practical guide from a video production company in London
London has a reputation for being difficult to film. Permits, paperwork, queues, stress.
The reality is far simpler.
The UK has a clear filming structure, and London is designed to support productions of all sizes, especially small crews.
If you are planning a brand shoot and searching for filming in London small crew guidance, this is your roadmap.
Understanding filming permissions in London and the UK
Filming on public land or streets
Most public spaces are managed by local councils.
Permissions are usually handled by the Borough Film Service for that area.
These teams exist specifically to support filming and are used to working with small crews.
Filming on private property
Private locations require permission from the landowner or managing agent.
This can include offices, residential buildings, cafés, or courtyards.
The process is often quicker than people expect.
London borough film offices deal with filming requests daily.
When a shoot is well planned and low impact, the process is generally straightforward.
Why small crew filming works so well in London
Here is the key detail many brands miss.
If your crew is five people or fewer, including actors or contributors, you officially qualify as a small crew.
That changes the experience dramatically.
Simpler permissions
Small crews are easier to accommodate and create minimal disruption.
Greater flexibility
Lightweight setups allow you to move quickly and adapt on the day.
Better value on screen
Real locations, real light, and real energy without heavy overheads.
Choosing modern London locations that look cinematic
When people imagine filming London, they often think of crowded landmarks.
Modern brand films usually work better in contemporary areas that feel current and lived in.
Creative and cultural districts
- Shoreditch and Hackney for texture and energy
- Southbank side streets for contrast and atmosphere
Clean and modern architecture
- Canary Wharf for scale and symmetry
- Stratford and East Bank for future-facing spaces
These locations offer strong visual identity with fewer logistical challenges, especially for small crew filming in London.
Permits versus real world filming
Not every London shoot requires weeks of paperwork.
In practice, smooth filming comes down to footprint, behaviour, and preparation.
What keeps things simple:
- Keep crews compact and equipment minimal
- Avoid blocking pavements or entrances
- Use natural light where possible
- Choose locations with space to step aside if needed
- Work with a London production company that understands borough boundaries
London wants to be filmed. When you work smart, the system works with you.
A real example of small crew filmmaking in London
A strong example is our feature film <strong>36 Gunn </strong>, shot across London with a lean production approach.
This approach allows us to capture modern London efficiently, cinematically, and without unnecessary disruption.
This approach allows us to capture modern London efficiently, cinematically, and without unnecessary disruption.
Ready to film in London?
If you are planning a brand film and want a team that knows how to move fast, keep things lightweight, and still deliver cinematic results, we would love to talk.
Tags
filming in london small crew, video production company london, filming permits london, london brand film production, shoreditch filming, canary wharf filming, small crew filming uk
