As London gets ready for hosting the Games, Film London can provide you with information on applying to film in the build-up to the core Olympic and Paralympic weeks and advice on the restrictions in using the Olympic branding. Below are some key factors to bear in mind when planning a shoot in the lead-up to the Games and please visit other areas of this site to learn about all aspects of filming and the Games.

Olympic-related construction and improvement works

Street dressing and Iconic 'Spectaculars'

Test Events


Olympic-related Construction and Improvement Works

The demanding logistics involved in hosting a spectacle like the Olympic Games mean the city is undergoing improvement works to accommodate the events.

Construction work in the Olympic Park in east London is now complete. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is the public body in charge of the construction of the Olympic infrastructure. You can find out more about the ODA's work here.

There are also improvements being made to the transport infrastructure. For more details, please check out our Hospitality and Transport During the Games section.

Street Dressing and Iconic Spectaculars

With the eyes of the world set on the capital in the summer of 2012, the city is preparing to look its best. This will involve substantial dressing and London 2012 branding adorning parts of London in the lead up to and during the Games. Information stations will also be available at key points in the city to ensure visitors make the most of the celebrations across London.

Meanwhile, Iconic Spectaculars are being designed to create expectation and excitement ahead of the Games. They will be appearing in iconic London landmarks across the city. Some of these are already on display, including a large-scale countdown clock in Trafalgar Square and huge Olympic Rings suspended in St Pancras Station and along the South Bank - with another set planned for Tower Bridge in spring 2012. Tower Bridge will also have a flexible lighting system installed with gold, silver and bronze effects during evening lighting displays.

Games-related films and images will be projected onto the Houses of Parliament, using equipment installed at St Thomas' Hospital. The Olympic Rings will also be displayed on a pontoon, which may travel along the river.

More information about other Spectaculars which will appear in London will be posted here as they are announced.

For more information about using the Olympic brand, please consult our section on Olympic Branding.

Test Events

As part of the preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a series of test events have been taking place. These events are conceived to serve as 'rehearsals' ahead of the 2012 Games. They will be mainly ticketed and most will take place in Olympic venues. Some of them will however take place on London's roads and public spaces, which may impact on filming allowed in those areas.

•         18-28 April - Rugby, Aquatics, Shooting and Football test events
•         2-8 May - Hockey, Tennis, Water Polo, Archery, Boccia and Athletics test events

Download a full list of events here.