Guide to filming

This guide should tell you everything you need to know about filming or taking photos on the Tube - but if you have more questions feel free to contact us.

Permits

Any individual or film production company wanting to film or take photographs on the Tube must seek prior permission from the London Underground (LU) Film Office.

There are three types of permit:

Student or non-professional
2 for 1 (Monday to Friday and between 10:00 - 15:30)
Location

All permit requests must be made in writing, preferably via one of our application forms.

Costs

The cost of filming or taking photos on the Tube varies depending on which type of permit you have.

Please note there is an additional cost for filming in the driver's cab.

2 for 1 permit (Monday to Friday and between 10:00-15:30)

2 hours for the price of 1

Crew size: Five or less with handheld equipment only
Cost: £500 plus VAT

Location permit

Quotes on application
Cost: From £500 plus VAT per hour

Student or non-professional permit

Crew size: Five or less with handheld equipment only
Cost: £50 including VAT - valid one month from date of issue
* The permit holder is not permitted to place the products of the filming or photography on the internet

Payment Terms:

Either in advance or on the day. We accept most major credit or debit cards, BACS transfer or cash

Please note that these costs do not include broadcasting fees. Separate Licence to Publish contracts start from £150.

Insurance

A current policy of insurance, providing cover for death and/or personal injury to any person and loss of, or damage to, any property is required.

Notice period

We need two weeks notice to set up an average-sized filming or photography facility. Sometimes this can be turned around faster, depending on the nature of the request.

Filming times

Filming and photography is generally only allowed during off-peak periods:

Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 15:30 and 20:00 to 23:30
Weekends - generally any time of day (depending on station)

It is not advisable to film between 01:00 and 04:30, as this is when essential engineering work is carried out. It may, however, be possible to film during these hours if advance notice is given - and if there are no planned works at the station you wish to use.

Restrictions

Equipment

Flash photography or additional lighting is not permitted on any platform. In some cases they may be used elsewhere, the LU Film Office and station supervisor can advise you on this.

Tripods are only authorised at the station supervisor's discretion and are not allowed on platforms for safety reasons.

Filming

In accordance with LU company regulations, the following activities are not allowed to be filmed or photographed:

Vandalism or graffiti
Assaults on passengers or staff
Fare evasion or ticket touting
Use of firearms or weapons
Misuse of escalators or LU property
Unlicensed busking
Begging
Smoking or the use of illegal drugs
Behaving in an overtly sexual or indecent manner (including nudity)
Direct threats (including terrorist) to LU, its staff or passengers
Anything that may negatively affect the interests of the site owner

The LU Film Office can refuse permit applications which indicate that prohibited activities may be filmed or photographed. This includes activities which breach or contradict LU company regulations and marketing campaigns.

Script approval

You will need to have your script or layout approved by the LU Film Office before a permit is granted.

Permits will generally not be considered if a script or layout breaches or contradicts LU filming restrictions, company regulations or marketing campaigns.

LU can refuse a permit application without providing specific reasons, but the LU Film Office will normally offer advice on how you can bring your script or layout into line with its restrictions.

You can also send in a synopsis or storyline before submitting your full permit application.

Advertising and copyright

If your application involves an advertising campaign please contact LU's advertising contractor, CBS Outdoor, for information on copy approval.

It is your responsibility to make sure film or photographic content does not breach copyright or other intellectual property rights.

Filming in the driver's cab

It is possible to film in the driver's cab, but you need to contact the LU Film Office in advance so that special arrangements can be made.

A member of operational staff will need to supervise the shoot and the driver must give permission. A maximum of two crew members with equipment can enter the driver's cab.

The cost is £300 plus VAT per hour.

Electrical power

We generally request that film crews use battery-operated equipment.

LU operates on a different voltage system to the standard domestic set-up and connections to our power supply must be supervised by an LU electrician.

If you wish to use our power supply advance notice is required so we can provide an electrician. You will be charged for their attendance on the day and at any pre-shoot meetings they attend.

The use of petrol or diesel generators is prohibited at LU stations and on LU trains.

Contact us

For more information contact:

LU Film Office
4th Floor
55 Broadway
London SW1H 0BD

Telephone: 020 7918 0003
Fax: 020 7918 3489
Email: filmoffice@tube.tfl.gov.uk