Production service in the UK

Swixer can assist you with production service in the UK. Our mission is to help international clients with their Film, TV, Digital and Stills productions. In the UK we have local Producers, Fixers and Production managers who can help tailor and manage international shoots of all sizes. We have a solution-oriented and flexible mindset that we bring to every production, no matter the size.

Fixers, Producers & Local Crew in the UK

We can provide local production services in the UK in terms of crew, locations and logistics and more. Our experienced team are used to manage and coordinate international shoots of all kinds: TV-series, feature films, commercials, branded content, documentaries, corporate as well as still shoots. We operate all across the United Kingdoms and can help tailor crew anywhere.

Film Production in the UK

The UK offers world-class film production services and is home to the largest film and TV industry in Europe. Whether you’re producing a high-end drama, documentary, or commercial, everything you need is available locally:

Facilities & Equipment:

• Renowned studios like Pinewood and Shepperton
  
• Full-service sound stages, volume stages, and location facilities
  
• Wide availability of equipment rental companies in all major cities
  

Technical & Creative Crew:

• Thousands of highly trained professionals:
  • Directors of Photography (DoPs)
  • Production designers, VFX supervisors, sound engineers, runners, and more
• Specialist services including:
  • Vehicle tracking
  • Drone & helicopter aerials
  • On-location catering and logistics

Local Film Departments in the UK

The UK offers strong support for filming through regional film organisations that provide local crew databases and handle grants or loans. Most councils also have a film officer who issues permits for shoots that may impact public access or require road closures (fees may apply).

Many historic buildings and landscapes are owned by charities like the National Trust and English Heritage, which have dedicated film departments. Similar organisations exist in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, offering access to impressive filming locations—for a fee.

Filming locations in the UK

London is the UK’s population and international transportation hub as well as the centre of its film and TV industry. However, unless productions require iconic London landmarks it is worth considering other locations across the UK. 

Whether you’re looking for historical architecture, gritty urban settings, or untouched natural beauty, the UK offers an impressive range of options:

Urban & Historical Locations:

• York – Famous for its medieval streets and ancient charm.
  
• Newcastle – Features one of Europe’s best-preserved 19th-century city centres.
  
• Bath (near Bristol) – Renowned for its elegant 18th-century Georgian architecture.
  
• Edinburgh – Architecturally distinct from London, making it difficult to double one for the other.
  
• Ken Loach-style settings – Realistic public housing estates can be found in many UK cities for social realism narratives.
  

Rural & Picturesque Villages:

• Cotswolds (Southwest Midlands) – Idyllic villages like Bibury with golden limestone cottages.
  
• Pennines (Northern England) – Stark and dramatic villages built in grey stone.
  

Castles & Stately Homes:

The UK is home to hundreds of historic castles and country estates, perfect for period dramas and fantasy films. Some of the most dramatic examples include:

• Bamburgh Castle (Northumberland)
• Hermitage Castle (Scotland)
  

While many are privately owned, major landmarks are managed by the National Trust or English Heritage and can be booked through their film offices.

Beaches & Coastal Settings:

• Isle of Harris (Scotland) – White sand beaches and turquoise waters ideal as stand-ins for tropical locations.
  
• Remote and unspoiled coastlines – Often available in the north and west for undisturbed seaside scenes.
  

Scenic Roads & Landscapes for Commercials:

• The Scottish Highlands and Lake District offer breathtaking open roads and mountain backdrops, ideal for car commercials and lifestyle shoots.

The Landscape in UK

For film production in the UK, one of the greatest assets is the geographical and architectural diversity packed into a relatively small area. Within a few hours’ drive, you can access:

• Mountains up to 1500 metres
• Rolling hills and flat coastal plains
• Patchwork countryside of small fields, hedgerows, and stone walls (minimal industrial agriculture)

Urban vs Rural Contrast:

• While modern developments exist on the outskirts, historic town centres often contain well-preserved buildings, offering a wide variety of period-specific looks.
• Architectural styles vary significantly by region, depending on local building materials, which adds authenticity to any location shoot.

Efficiency Advantage:

Due to the compactness of the UK, nearly all filming locations are accessible within a day’s travel from London, making logistics easier for production crews.