Skip to main content

Filming and Photography

With stunning views across the South Bank and the river Thames the National Theatre offers a fantastic setting for both filming and photography.

National Theatre building, main entrance exterior with name in raised lettering on the lower terrace balcony and people walking in the square in front.

Filming and Photography at the National Theatre for Commercial Purposes

Set along the iconic South Bank, The National Theatre is the perfect backdrop for commercial film and photo shoots. With its panoramic views of the river Thames and striking Brutalist architecture the National Theatre has been used for award-winning television campaigns, advertising campaigns and blockbusters. Past clients have included Vogue, Adidas, Alexander McQueen and Netflix.

As a part of the National Theatre, proceeds from filming and photography shoots go towards our incredible programme of artistic work.

For more information and to view the National Theatre’s spaces please see our brochure: Filming and Photography brochure

To view our spaces, please see our Location catalogue

To submit an enquiry please complete the following form and our Business Development Team will get back to you by the next working day: Enquiry form (link opens a new tab).

Please note, that before any commercial film or photography hire goes ahead the National Theatre will require the following:

  • Copy of your public liability insurance (minimum cover of over £5 million)
  • Your site-specific risk assessment
  • Signed contract with the NT
  • Location fee, staffing costs and any additional extras must be paid in full before the shoot date.

Any filming and photography you wish to host at the National Theatre for commercial purposes must be arranged with a minimum of 5 working days’ notice in advance with our Business Development team.

If you are taking photographs/filming on National Theatre premises, please note that our security staff may approach you and reserve the right to ask you to stop and delete files if it transpires you are filming or taking photographs for commercial or editorial purposes without written permission.

Testimonials

It was an absolute pleasure filming at the National Theatre. The team were super helpful throughout the whole processes and made shooting there a dream! Honestly one of the smoothest shoots I’ve ever done. I can’t recommend the National Theatre enough!
ASOS

I cannot recommend the NT team enough, throughout pre-production the communication was precise and prompt and on set they could not have been more helpful to ensure the day ran smoothly. To be able to capture such an iconic location elevated our story and I look forward to shooting with the team again in the future.
YOU Magazine

The National Theatre team was efficient and responsive to deal with, they did exactly what they said they would do, and the location worked well for us.
Sky Arts, Portrait Artist of the Year 2022

The team at the National Theatre were incredibly helpful and supportive in facilitating our shoot on the terrace. Our director was thrilled with the location and being able to film at such a unique venue was a huge asset to our production. We had some complex scenes involving crowds and stunts, and we were so grateful to Fleur and the entire team for working though the prep and planning so meticulously alongside our crew. We were delighted with the results.
Neon Films, ‘The After’ Dir. Misan Harriman

 

Student Photography

Any students wishing to arrange photography on site may do so subject to permission. We allow students on site for up to 1 hour and crew size no larger than 4 people. If you wish to film on site you will need to write in advance to the Business Development team for approval with a minimum of 5 days notice of your shoot date.

Filming is not permitted unless you have agreed so in advance with a signed contract. To discuss your request in further detail please contact filming@nationaltheatre.org.uk.

Commercial and Student requests must be submitted to the Business Development Team with at least five days’ notice prior to the shoot date. Late requests cannot be accommodated.

Filming on the Premises

Filming is not permitted unless you have agreed so in advance with a signed contract. To discuss your request in further detail please contact filming@nationaltheatre.org.uk.

Commercial and Student requests must be submitted to the Business Development Team with at least five days’ notice prior to the shoot date. Late requests cannot be accommodated.

 

 

Photos by Philip Vile and Emily Delphine