The Union

A pivotal, action-packed scene in the film, this stunt was to see a low-flying helicopter “attacking” the stars of the film, Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry.

The entire sequence was to be played out in broad daylight on and around Albert Bridge, using a real helicopter and a supporting cast of vessels and vehicles, as opposed to relying on CGI.

Such a scene had never been executed before on the Thames. It therefore required delicate and considered liaison with the Port of London Authority to obtain the extensive permissions required.

Thanks to our longstanding relationship with the PLA and unrivalled expertise in coordinating stunt scenes on the river, we were able to secure all relevant licences and permissions. This included the full closure of the river and the bridge itself during filming.

Following months of meticulous planning between our marine coordination team, led by Ed Livett, and the production crew, shooting soon came around on a gloriously sunny day in May 2022.

On the day, we provided several of our own vessels:

• Equity was used as a camera boat
• Scheldemond I hosted the drone filming team
• Thames Vixen starred on screen as one of the stunt vessels

Our fleet were supported by various picture boats and an additional barge, of all which Livett’s procured and coordinated.

The actual stunt required the utmost skill and precision from the tug skipper – our very own Chris Livett – in order to ensure it was executed safely.

We are delighted to say filming went perfectly to plan, with the outcome of the stunt looking incredible on camera – as you can see for yourself by streaming the film on Netflix.

This stunt adds to the long list of River Thames firsts that we have had the privilege of delivering. It also marks another landmark production in our flourishing relationship with Netflix, which has seen us contribute to hit series Anatomy of a Scandal and Lockwood & Co.

We can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeve for us next!