The action-packed opening to London-shot film The World is Not Enough may still be etched on your mind, as Pierce Brosnan is jettisoned eastbound down the river towards the Millennium Dome - as it marks the longest pre-title sequence in the Bond series to date. It also commits to celluloid one of the most ambitious shoots on The River Thames - a feat achieved with the assistance of Film London.

This particular scene was a complex affair as it involved several of the Borough Film Services, as well as a host of other agencies. However, with careful planning and a positive film-friendly attitude from all involved, the Bond shoot laid the foundations for great future collaborations. In fact, almost all associated organisations have since signed up to the London Filming Partnership - continuing this unparalleled commitment to welcome and encourage film-making in the city.

From the outskirts of Greater London, The River Thames passes Hampton Court, Kingston, Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Syon House and Kew before flowing through central London - so it is one of the largest and most popular locations in the capital.

"The River Thames in London is a unique and ever changing highway through the very heart of the city. A wide variety of filming takes place on a daily basis, directors attracted by some of the world's most iconic buildings, bridges and structures."
Livett's Launches

Based on its sheer size alone, it poses as no surprise that it may be necessary to co-ordinate between several authorities to achieve the right results. To assist your shooting requirements in the capital find below the current points of contact for The River Thames.


For General Advice

Film London is always on hand to help with enquiries relating to location shooting - from where to film, to the necessary permissions you should gain before undertaking filming. Call the team on 020 7613 7683 or email locations@filmlondon.org.uk with your questions. It is also possible to contact commercial agencies such as Livett's Launches or Chas Newen's Marine. Between them these two established companies have a wealth of experience and a plethora of production credits to their name - such as Harry Potter, The Flood, Silent Witness and Top Gear. If you need to hire a boat, or you need advice on tides, risk assessments or the safety aspect of filming on water, then it is advisable to get in touch.

Tidal or Non-Tidal?

There are two key organizations that hold responsibility for the length of the river. The Port of London Authority (PoLA) was established in 1908 for the purpose of administering, preserving and improving the port of London. They manage all activity on the river from Teddington Lock to the sea, via central London. Martin Garside can be reached on 01474 562 366 or martin.garside@pla.co.uk. The Environment Agency manages the non-tidal Thames - from the Cotswolds to Teddington - as well as being responsible for the Thames Barrier. Contact Steve East on 020 8305 4132 or email steve.east@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Piers and Passengers

In addition to The Thames the many piers surrounding the river can provide an interesting backdrop for filming. London River Services (LRS) are responsible for managing the following piers on behalf of Transport for London: Westminster Millennium, Festival Embankment, Millbank Millennium, Blackfriars Millennium, Bankside, Tower Millennium and Greenwich - all others are owned and operated by the Port of London Authority. LRS are also responsible for river passenger transport in London and licensing scheduled and chartered passenger services. Queries surrounding London River Services should be directed to James Gilbert - 020 7941 2420 / james.gilbert@tfl-river.co.uk. The Woolwich Ferry is a free service operating between Woolwich and North Woolwich - Greenwich Film Office solely manages filming for it (see BFS contact list below for further details).

Docks

The Royal Docks
The Royal Docks Management Authority holds a 225 year lease of the entire water areas of The Royal Docks, including locks, bridges and some limited land areas. Tina Prestcote is able to issue both short and long term licenses - call her on 020 7511 5086 or email tinaprestcote@rodma.co.uk. The 250 acres of The Royal Docks are unique in their scale and location. Reputed to be the largest area of impounded water in the world, they comprise of Royal Victoria Dock, Royal Albert Dock, King George V Dock, Pontoon Dock, Albert Basin, King George V and Gallions Locks - the latter two offering direct access to The River Thames.

The Docklands
London's Docklands are made up of a number of former dockyard complexes along The Thames, including St. Katherine Docks (call 020 7264 5318/5311 for use of this space), West India and Millwall Docks on the Isle of Dogs (managed by Unitbase on behalf of British Waterways - call or email James Crawley on 020 7239 8906 / James@unitbase.co.uk). Lime House Basin (now rebranded as Limehouse Marina) and Poplar Dock Marina are managed by British Waterways Marinas Limited - Unitbase are again the main contact.

Canals

Along its journey from the Cotswolds to the sea The River Thames is joined by several man-made canals. Listed from source to sea: The South Oxford Canal (connects at Oxford), The Kennet and Avon Canal (connects at Reading), The Wey Navigation (connects at Shepperton), The Grand Union & Paddington Arm (Brentford), The Regents Canal (connects at Limehouse), The Lee and Stort Canal and Bow Back Rivers. To film on a canal or tow path, Unitbase again manage filming on behalf of British Waterways - see contact details above.

Land Ahoy!

Many filming sequences will involve both land and river, as it's likely you will need to place your camera crew on the banks of The Thames, if not some of the action itself - so you may need to contact the relevant local authority for permission. The 17 relevant boroughs are:

North of the River
Richmond upon Thames, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, City of Westminster, City of London, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Barking & Dagenham, Havering.

South of the River
Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley.

Download a contact list below:

Borough Film Services / BFS List: Contacts

Met Police Marine Policing Unit

The Metropolitan Police Area incorporates 35 miles of The River Thames, with the Marine Policing Unit (MPU) based at Wapping Police Station - a short distance from Tower Bridge. It is advisable to let the police know you are filming if you are undertaking stunts, using firearms, or your scene involves nudity. If in doubt, get in touch - call PC Alan Cousins on 020 7918 3032 or email enquiries to filmunit@met.police.uk.


The River Thames, the longest river entirely in England, has graced TV and cinema screens over many years. With advance planning and a little know-how, then utilizing the magnificent body of water that cuts across the capital is a very real possibility.