The Filming Process -

1. Initial Enquiry

• It is important to establish a responsive point of contact within your organisation to expedite communications.

• Feature films and large-scale TV dramas often have long lead-in times, sometimes up to a year ahead.

• Production companies may scout in an area several months prior to deciding where to shoot and could eventually shoot in several areas of the country.

• Shoots are intensive and demanding for all involved so it’s good to be realistic and aware of the likely disruption of a shoot.

• TV drama series usually have an approximate 6-8 week preparation time before filming and are more likely to remain in one region than to film around the country, depending on budget.

• They will generally employ predominantly local crew and facilities.

• TV dramas can be just as intensive as feature films but can be more demanding, as the preparation time is shorter and the budgets lower.

2. Next Steps

• Initial location requests are often preliminary and may not guarantee filming.

• If interested, expect location scouts to visit for further assessment, providing an opportunity to highlight your location’s strengths.

• Ensure a clear understanding of production requirements, including building use, alterations, and service needs.

• Confirm script compatibility and organisational value alignment.

• Verify production company’s Public Liability Insurance, typically £5m, or up to £20m for heritage venues and consult with relevant authorities and stakeholders early to avoid misunderstandings or disruptions.

• Discuss costs upfront and involve affected residents or businesses in the decision-making process.

• If you have it available, mentioning the availability of parking for large numbers of vehicles, can really enhance your appeal and negotiating position.

• Collaborate with Filming in England and other relevant entities for comprehensive planning and consultation.

3. Location Scouting

• Prior to finalising, production companies will conduct multiple visits to the location.

• Initially, the Location Manager and Production Designer, sometimes with a representative from Filming in England, will assess suitability.

• Subsequent visits include the Director, Producers, Director of Photography, and main technical crew for a ‘technical recce‘ to finalise filming decisions.

• Your presence at these visits ensures feasibility and addresses any concerns in advance.

• Collaboration with operational and technical teams is crucial, especially for historically significant or public locations, to maintain site integrity while achieving the desired shots.

4. Confidentiality

• Project confidentiality is paramount and should always be respected.

• Most production companies will not want details of their project commonly known at the early stages, so it is important to ensure that anyone dealing with filming requests respects the production company’s confidentiality wishes.

• Failure to adhere to these requests could, in extreme circumstances, mean that your property loses the production entirely.

• It is quite common at this stage to ask when you will be able to promote the filming and capitalise on all your hard work.

The Filming Process

The Enquiry Process

1. Initial Enquiry

2. Next Steps

3. Location Scouting

4. Confidentiality

1. Pre-Production

After the technical recce, the Location Manager will address questions and requests from production department heads.

Your contract will outline shoot, prep, and strike days, typically determined by the scale of the production.

Preparation involves coordinating with various departments, such as Art and Lighting, to ensure the location meets production needs and safeguards valuable items.

2. Shoot Day(s)

On shoot days, the Location Manager oversees accessibility and coordinates with various departments arriving with equipment.

Schedule changes, often due to weather or script revisions, may arise.

Any issues affecting local residents should be reported promptly to the location manager or Filming in England for resolution.

3. Strike

Once filming wraps, the location is restored to its original state, overseen by the art department.

You’ll sign a location release form once satisfied with the restoration.

Communication with the production company or studio post-filming is key for potential publicity opportunities.

If you would like to register your location on our Locations Directory, click here.

Please bear in mind all registrations are subject to an approval process. We aim to review your profile and make it live within 24 hours.

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