Livett’s have started 2016 on a high by appearing on the big screen twice!
With the River Thames taking centre-stage again, Livett’s have been providing the marine expertise to ensure these particular pieces of filming went swimmingly.
Case Study 1 – Lucky Man
Production: Sky 1 drama series with James Nesbitt
When: Filmed in Spring 2015
Where: Filmed at various locations along the River Thames; Royal Victoria Dock, Gallions Point Marina, Greenwich, Deptford Creek and Butler’s Wharf Pier.
What: The primary scene involved a boat chase sequence involving 2 x Fletcher speed boats, culminating in a big stunt in Royal Victoria Dock.
Livett’s provided the marine co-ordination, camera boats, safety boats, drone launch vessels and a floating green room for this production, along with licenced Thames Skippers to drive the craft during the high speed sequences.
Livett’s assisted with this production from the beginning. From helping to find various locations, to carrying out the chase and advising what was ultimately possible on the Thames and in the Royal Docks. Livett’s helped to source both the action boats and carried out the necessary works on-board the two speedboats to ensure they were up to current PLA licensing standards.
Careful liaison with the PLA was essential throughout this job as river closures were required to carry out the high speed filming. There was also the added element of a drone during certain parts of the filming, which is another risk.
All shots were done at night, increasing the risk level, however the shoot finished without an incident and all parties were happy. The Royal Victoria Dock proved again to be the perfect location to carry out a high speed stunt where actors were required to enter the water. It’s safe and manageable whilst also giving that recognisable London backdrop.
Careful marine coordination was essential throughout as there was up to 12 boats on location at any one time. The filming was thoroughly enjoyable and the end product looked great!
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Case Study 2 – The 5th Wave
Production: The 5th Wave
When: Filmed in early 2015
Where: Filmed at Tower Bridge
Why: The purpose of the shoot was to use a flat top pontoon as a camera platform rather than a low flying helicopter. The footage could be used by the Production Team to super impose a tidal wave crashing through Tower Bridge.
How: Livett’s craned a 60ft camera crane onto a flat top pontoon, the Rover, along with generators and required filming equipment. Tug, Steven B, then pushed this pontoon up to location which was adjacent to The Tower of London. Throughout the day, Steven B pushed the Rover from North to South, spanning Tower Bridge at full speed. The Rover provided a perfectly steady and spacious camera platform for the film crew and tug Steven B was on-hand for the power and speed.
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Ed Livett, Project Coordinator, commented: “It’s always great to see the work we do on the big screen. Both Lucky Man and Fifth Wave were very tricky shoots in their own ways but both show off The River Thames superbly and also Livett’s capability in the marine film industry.”
To find out more about Livett’s filming capabilities along the Thames, contact us today at info@livetts.co.uk or call 020 7378 1211.