River Thames Filming
Filming on the Thames with the right boats, marine coordination, and river expertise
Livett’s provides specialist support for filming on the River Thames – from straightforward access and camera boat hire, to full marine coordination for complex shoots, stunts, river closures, and permissions.
We have worked on well over 500 productions and support film, television, commercials, branded content, documentaries, and live projects of all sizes.
Our value is not just in supplying boats – we help production teams plan, coordinate, and deliver filming on the water safely, efficiently, and with the benefit of decades of Thames experience.
From dramatic James Bond chase sequences to the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, we have coordinated some of the most technically complex sequences the river has ever seen.
Whether you need a single camera boat, a safety team, help securing permissions, or a complete marine filming partner, Livett’s can support every stage of the job.
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Our River Thames filming services
Marine Coordination
Unrivalled expertise in marine coordination for shoots of every scale – from simple filming support to technically demanding sequences involving multiple vessels, talent, stunts, and restricted locations.
Camera Boats
Purpose-suited camera boats for chase scenes, tracking shots, plate shots, regattas, low-wash filming, and flexible on-water access.
Drone Filming Boats & Platforms
Specialist support vessels and launch platforms for drone filming on the Thames, with practical guidance around river operations and on-water logistics.
Marine Safety
Safety boats, safety support, and water-based filming expertise to help productions work safely on or near the river.
Licences & Permissions
Advice and practical support with securing filming permissions, river closures, and working with the relevant River Thames authorities and stakeholders.
Picture Boats
Sourcing and supplying the right picture boats and specialist vessels for production requirements, whether from the Livett’s fleet or through trusted industry contacts.
Stunt Filming
Over the course of more than 40 years, the Livett’s team has built an unrivalled reputation for facilitating complex and high-profile marine stunts on the River Thames for major film and TV productions.
Trusted Thames filming support for production teams
Filming on the Thames is rarely just about hiring a boat.
It usually involves careful timing, access, safety, licences and permissions, stakeholders, tides, river traffic – not to mention getting the right boats in the right place at the right moment.
That is where Livett’s comes in.
With over 40 years’ experience, we combine our fleet of specialist vessels, experienced marine coordinators, practical problem-solving, and in-depth knowledge of the tidal Thames to help production teams get the shots they need without unnecessary risk or delay.
Why production teams choose Livett’s
Thames experience that matters
Livett’s has deep operational experience on the tidal Thames, backed by decades of practical work on the river and a long-standing family connection to it.
More than boat hire
We do not just put a vessel on the water. We help production teams solve the operational side of filming – including planning, access, coordination, safety, permissions, and delivery.
Specialist filming fleet
Our fleet includes camera boats, safety boats, specialist craft, pontoons, and support vessels suited to a wide range of filming requirements. We also offer specialist vessel sourcing where needed.
Proven portfolio of high-profile productions
Livett’s has supported major film and television work on the Thames and beyond for over 40 years, as well as smaller productions that still need dependable, experienced marine support.
Practical, production-aware support
We understand the pressures of filming – tight schedules, changing conditions, technical requirements, safety, discretion, and the need to make things happen efficiently.
Our recent filming work
River Thames filming FAQs
Do I need permission to film on the River Thames?
In most cases, yes. Requirements depend on the nature of the filming, location, vessels involved, and whether other controls are needed. Livett’s can advise on the process and help production teams understand exactly what is required.
Can you provide more than just camera boats?
Yes. Livett’s can support all filming projects with marine coordination, camera and safety boats, drone filming support, permissions advice, finding and securing locations, stakeholder liaison, marine safety services, and specialist vessel sourcing.
Do you only work on large productions?
No. Whether it’s a small shoot or a Hollywood blockbuster, we are able to provide marine filming support to productions of all sizes on the Thames.
Can you source picture boats not in your own fleet?
Yes. We offer specialist vessel search and wrangling as part of our wider marine film support.
Planning a shoot on the Thames?
If you are filming on the River Thames, the earlier the marine planning starts, the smoother the project usually runs.
We can help you assess what is needed, recommend the right vessels and support, advise on permissions and logistics, and build the right plan around your schedule and brief.
Talk to us about River Thames filming today: