Camera Boats
Specialist camera boats for filming on the River Thames
Livett’s provides camera boats for film, television, commercials, branded content, documentaries, live events, and specialist shoots on the River Thames.
From high-speed chase scenes and tracking shots to plate shots, low-wash filming, and flexible on-water access, we help production teams find the right camera boat for the job.
Our fleet includes a range of dedicated camera boats and support craft, backed by highly experienced marine crew and decades of practical filming knowledge on the river.
We do not approach camera boat hire as a simple rental service – instead, we help productions choose the right vessel for the brief, shot, location, and the practical conditions on the day.
What we can help with
Tracking shots and moving sequences
We provide camera boats suited to tracking shots, moving sequences, and dynamic filming where the vessel needs to work closely with action on the water.
High-speed filming
For action scenes, chase work, and more demanding moving shots, we can provide fast, capable vessels. Along with experienced crew who understand the practical demands of filming safely at speed on the Thames.
Low-wash filming
Where minimal wash is important – such as filming rowing, swimming, regattas, or other sensitive activity – we can provide vessels designed to work closely without unnecessary disturbance.
Stable platforms for equipment
Some shoots need more than a camera operator and a handheld rig. We can provide boats with the deck space, stability, and layout needed for more specialist filming setups, including camera cranes and jib arms.
Regattas, sports, and water events
We regularly support filming around rowing events – including the Boat Race – and other river activities where manoeuvrability, local knowledge, and low disturbance matter.
Flexible access on the water
Camera boats are often needed not just for the shot itself, but to get production teams, operators, and equipment into the right position quickly and efficiently on the river.
View our camera boats
Our fleet includes a range of specialist camera boats suited to different types of filming – from fast-moving action and tracking shots, to low-wash filming and stable on-water platforms for equipment-heavy setups.
Camera boats for a wide range of filming requirements
No two shoots are the same, and the right camera boat depends on what you need to achieve.
Perhaps you need:
- Nimble vessels for fast-moving action sequences
- Stable, low-wash platforms for filming alongside rowing crews or swimmers
- Stable deck space for additional equipment and plate shots
- Practical support vessels that can work in tighter or more restricted environments
Whatever the brief, Livett’s offers a versatile range of camera boats for filming on the River Thames, supported by experienced crew and a wider fleet of safety boats, specialist craft, and work platforms where needed.
Why production teams choose Livett’s for camera boats
A specialist filming fleet
We have an established fleet of dedicated camera boats – ranging from nimble speed boats to larger workboats and specialist craft. This gives production teams more options depending on the shot, location, and working conditions.
More than camera boat hire
We do not just supply a boat and leave the rest to the production. Rather, we help clients choose the most suitable vessel, support the planning around the shoot, and provide practical guidance based on decades of filming experience on the river.
Experienced crew
All camera boats are supported by highly experienced marine crew with up-to-date training and strong local knowledge of the Thames.
Safety is paramount
Safety is central to filming on the water. Our camera boats are fully licensed by the Port of London Authority and carry the appropriate life-saving equipment, while all our crew are fully trained in first aid, sea survival, and the latest safety practices.
Proven on major productions
Livett’s camera boats have supported major film and television productions over many years. Take a look at our project portfolio to find out more.
Supported by the wider filming fleet
Camera boats are often part of a wider on-water setup.
Where needed, we can also provide safety boats, drone support vessels, picture boats, specialist craft, pontoons, and marine coordination to support the wider requirements of the shoot.
Combined with our expert marine coordination services – including planning, safety, permissions, and logistics – this allows us to provide a complete filming support service on the River Thames.
How we work
1. Understand the brief
We start by understanding what you need to film, where it is happening, how the camera boat will be used, and whether other support vessels or services may be needed.
2. Recommend the right vessel
We recommend the most suitable camera boat based on the style of filming, access, speed, stability, wash, deck space, and any practical constraints around the shoot.
3. Plan the practical details
Where needed, we help production teams think through timings, river logistics, safety support, access, and the wider operational requirements around filming on the Thames.
4. Deliver experienced on-water support
With the right vessel and plan in place, we provide experienced support on the water to help the shoot run smoothly.
River Thames camera boat FAQs
What type of camera boat do I need for filming on the Thames?
That depends on the shot, the location, the speed required, how much equipment you need to carry, and whether low wash or additional stability is important. We can advise on the most suitable vessel for the brief.
Do your camera boats come with crew?
Yes. Our camera boats are operated by experienced marine crew with strong local knowledge and practical filming experience on the river. They are also fully trained in first aid and sea survival.
Can you provide more than one camera boat?
Yes. We can support both simple and more complex shoots, including multi-vessel filming setups where camera boats need to work alongside safety boats, picture boats, or other specialist craft.
Are your camera boats licensed for the Thames?
Yes. All our camera boats are fully licensed by the Port of London Authority and carry suitable life-saving equipment.
Can you help with more than just the boat?
Yes. We can also support productions with marine coordination, safety boats, permissions guidance, stakeholder liaison, specialist vessel sourcing, and other practical filming support where needed. Please view our River Thames Filming page for more information.
Do you only provide camera boats on the River Thames?
The Thames is one of our core areas of expertise, but our wider marine film services are also available across the UK and internationally where required.
Need a camera boat for your shoot?
If you are planning to film on the River Thames, choosing the right camera boat can make a significant difference to what is possible on the day.
Livett’s can help you select the right vessel, support the practical planning around the shoot, and provide experienced on-water crew to help filming run safely and efficiently.
Talk to us about camera boats for your Thames shoot: