FILMING IN HACKNEY

Fing the perfect location in Hackney is easy with our location library. Here you can find all the council-owned locations Screen Hackney manage.

If you need any help finding a location, please do contact us on screen@hackney.gov.uk or 0208 356 7276

Submitting a filming application is a fundamental step in securing a location. Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including insurance certificates and a detailed shooting schedule. It’s crucial to provide clear information about your project, including the size of your crew and any equipment you plan to use.

After submission, follow up to confirm the status of your application. Being proactive can help you address any potential issues early, making the approval process smoother. The sooner you can finalize your location, the better prepared you will be as you move forward with your project.

Below are our fees and charges for the 2025/26 financial year, effective 1 April 2025.

Admin Fees

We charge admin fees for processing standard street filming, location filming and parking requests. Admin fees scale with the size and complexity of your shoot. We usually base this on the total cast and crew on site. If your shoot requires extra attention, we may charge multiple admin fees.

Cast & Crew Size	Admin Fee
Extra Small (1 to 5)	£80 (+VAT)
Small (6 to 15)	£125 (+VAT)
Medium (16 to 30)	£200 (+VAT)
Large (31 to 60)	£300 (+VAT)
Extra Large (61+)	£400 (+VAT)

Special Admin Fees

Student / Charity	£30 (+VAT)
UAS (Drone) Fee Charged in addition to standard admin fees when drone permissions are required.	£250 (+VAT)
Late Notice Fee Late notice fee will be charged on top of the standard admin fees for applications placed with less than 48 hours to process.	£150 (+VAT)

Location Fees

We charge location fees for filming and photography on council land, including all parks, markets, estates and squares. We charge separate fees for venues, property and leisure facilities. The chargeable period includes any prep, shoot and strike time on site. A higher band location fee may be charged for particularly complex or impactful shoots.

Cast & Crew Size	Location Fee
Extra Small (1 to 5)	£125 (+VAT) per hour
Small (6 to 15)	£150 (+VAT) per hour
Medium (16 to 30)	£250 (+VAT) per hour
Large (31 to 60)	£350 (+VAT) per hour
Extra Large (61+)	POA
Student / Charity	POA*

* Where possible we waive student or charity location fees. However, this is not possible across all Hackney Council properties and we may need to charge a fee for particularly complex or impactful shoots.

Equipment / Highways Fees

Service Charge Lead Time

Service	Charge	Lead Time
Camera & Tripod	N/A
Temporary Structure Licence Covers standard equipment on public highways e.g. dolly & track, lights on stands, EZ ups etc.	£300 (+VAT) Half Day (less than 5 hours) £600 (+VAT) Full Day (over 5 hours)	3 working days
Crane Licence Charged per crane per street	£550 (+VAT)	10 working days
Stop/Go Traffic Management Charged per traffic management plan	£600 (+VAT)	5 working days
Road Closure Charged per street closed	£600 (+VAT)	4 weeks

Parking Fees

Service Charge Lead Time

Service	Charge	Lead Time
Parking Bay Suspension Charged per parking bay per day	£41 (+VAT)	8 clear working days Between submission and the first Parking Sign Fee date of your suspension
Parking Sign Fee Charged per parking sign required. In most cases this will be one charge per street unless multiple signs are required.	£93.50 (+VAT)
Film Voucher	£38.50 (+VAT)	5 working days

Parking logistics are essential for any filming project. Make sure to identify designated parking areas for your crew and equipment. This includes understanding the area for designated parking spaces and any associated costs.

It’s important to understand any parking restrictions that may apply, especially in urban settings. Coordinating parking logistics in advance will help avoid delays and ensure that everyone can access the set without complications. Make arrangements for any special needs your crew may have.

Filming on or near highways can involve specific restrictions that you must adhere to. Always check local regulations and obtain the necessary permits to film in these areas. Safety is a priority, so it’s essential to have a traffic management plan in place if required.

Ensure that your crew is aware of these regulations, as compliance will prevent any legal issues during your shoot. Planning for any contingencies, such as road closures or diversions, will help you maintain your filming schedule and minimize disruptions.

Using drones for aerial footage can add a dynamic element to your film. However, it’s important to follow the legal guidelines for flying drones in your chosen location. This includes obtaining the necessary permissions and ensuring the operator has the appropriate qualifications.

Safety is key, so it may be beneficial to hire a professional drone operator if you are not experienced in flying drones yourself. This will ensure both safety and compliance with regulations, allowing you to focus on capturing the best footage for your project.

Night filming can add a unique atmosphere to your project but comes with its own set of challenges. Consideration should be given to lighting requirements, as well as the safety of your crew while shooting in low-light conditions.

Be aware of local noise ordinances, especially if filming in residential areas. It’s also wise to scout your location ahead of time to determine the best lighting angles and assess any potential hazards that may not be visible at night. With careful planning, night shoots can yield stunning results.

Having a section for frequently asked questions can help address common concerns that may arise during the filming process. Consider including information about the necessary permits, equipment rentals, and any local resources available for filmmakers.

Providing clear answers to these FAQs will not only assist your team but also help streamline communication with external stakeholders. Regularly updating this section can ensure it remains relevant and useful for all involved in the project.