Here Now Films | Film Crew Hire UK
The UK’s go-to film crew hire agency since 2019
We provide and manage professional film crews for productions across the UK — including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and the rest of the UK — delivering reliable, high-quality support on set from start to finish. For international teams filming in the UK, we act as your in-country production partner, helping you navigate local logistics, crew, and compliance with ease.
For national & international agencies
Based in London, delivering film crew UK wide
Looking to hire a film crew in London or across the rest of the UK? Here Now Films delivers professional film crew hire in the UK for national & international agencies looking to deliver UK based and international productions.
From full-service film crew hire solutions to equipment rental, logistics and locations, we act as an extension of your creative team.
Need to hire a film crew in the UK?
With over 600+ UK based professional film crew on our books, we help international and national agencies of all shapes and sizes deliver productions in the UK.
If you needed a quick fire quote, detailed advice on how to deliver a UK production, or anything else, we’d be more than happy to help.
How It Works
UK Film Crew Hire Made Simple
1.
Send us your brief
Tell us what you need (crew, gear, locations, etc.).
2.
We tailor a quote
We suggested crew list, rates, and local advice.
3.
You approve
We lock in crew, equipment, permits, and logistics.
4.
We prep the day
Call sheets, contracts, transport, risk assessments, all sorted. You just turn up.
5.
Shoot runs smoothly
Your crew arrive ready to go. Professional & used to working with international teams.
6.
Media Drop / Edit
Need DIT, a secure rushes handover, or full post-production? We’ll tailor the wrap to your needs.
Case Studies
We deliver professional and trusted film crew hire in the UK for International and national agencies needing film crew for UK productions.
5 Weeks Of Film Crew For GMR Marketing At The Paris Olympics
We delivered professional, vetted film crew, and film equipment for 5 weeks of film work at the Paris Olympics for GMR Marketing.
Delivering Film Crew for Magnet Media’s JP Morgan Shoot In London
Here Now Films delivered a full film crew for a one day shoot in Canary Wharf for Magnet Media.
3 Day Shoot Across Three UK Cities For Swanson Studios
Swanson studios needed film crew, equipment, and transport across three UK cities; London, Oxford and Southampton, in just three days.
Filming in the UK: What You Need to Know
If you’re producing a shoot in the UK, especially from abroad, here are a few key things that help keep things smooth, legal, and professional:
Crew Rates & Unions
Many UK crew follow rate cards set by BECTU (for film/TV) and the APA (for commercial work). Rates vary by role, but we’ll guide you through what’s expected, and negotiate where flexibility exists.
Working Hours & Overtime
- Crew typically require an 11-hour turnaround between shoot days
- A standard shoot day is 10 hours + 1 hour lunch
- Overtime is usually charged at 1.5x the hourly rate
Insurance
In the UK, all commercial productions need:
- Public Liability Insurance (for safety & locations)
- Employers’ Liability Insurance (if you’re hiring crew)
As a studio we provide complete, comprehensive insurance cover so you don’t have to.
Permits & Locations
Most UK public spaces allow filming with minimal kit, but larger setups typically require a permit, especially in busy areas, on private land disguised as public (like shopping centres), or when using tripods, lighting, or large crews. Filming on public transport or at train stations always requires advance approval. We handle all of this, including council applications, risk assessments, and permissions from private landlords or transport operators.
Equipment Imports & Carnets
If you’re flying gear into the UK, whether that’s camera kits, lighting, drones, or sound equipment, you’ll usually need an ATA Carnet to clear customs without paying import tax. It’s a simple process once you know how, but missing the paperwork can cause delays or even fines.
We’ve written a full guide to help international teams navigate equipment imports smoothly, with cost breakdowns, step-by-step instructions, and advice for crews coming from the US, EU, and Australia.
Film Crew Services
Whether you’re crewing up for a fast-turnaround branded shoot or a fully scaled narrative production, we offer complete end-to-end services tailored to your needs, from sourcing tested crews and locations to managing kit, logistics, permits, transport, and catering. Whatever your production size or schedule, we’ve got you covered.
1. Film crew supply
We supply highly experienced crew across all departments — whether you’re crewing up for a fast-turnaround branded shoot or a longer-form narrative project.
Our network includes DOPs, camera operators, ACs, sound recordists, gaffers, grips, runners, and full production teams. We can scale up or down depending on the brief and are used to working on tight timelines with broadcast-quality expectations. Union and non-union crews available as needed.
2. Location services
From central London streets and major UK cities to remote coastal landscapes, we’ll source, secure, and manage the right locations for your shoot. We handle:
- Location Recces
- Risk assessments
- Permits
- Location agreements and communication with local authorities or private landlords as needed.
Whether you’re looking for a one-day shoot base or a multi-location schedule, we’ll make it seamless.
3. Equipment rental
We provide a wide range of camera, lighting, and sound gear — available as dry hire or with crew. We regularly work with ARRI, RED, Sony FX, and Canon systems, with a full catalogue of lenses, accessories, and monitoring setups. We can also package lighting and grip kits (including van and spark/gaffer) tailored to your brief.
4. Transport & logistics
Reliable transport for crew, cast, and kit — whether you need a single runner car or a full unit move. We provide production vehicles, camera vans, location trucks, and specialist drivers familiar with production schedules.
We can coordinate pickups, drop-offs, and route planning to keep the day running on time, especially across multi-location days or early call times.
5. Catering & Crafty
Where we can, we work with trusted film catering partners to offer hot, healthy, and varied meals on set — including options for dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, halal, etc.). Available for small crew or large-scale shoots, with breakfast, lunch, and craft services as standard. We know how much a good meal can boost morale on a long day. We are also well versed at working fast and loose, finding local suppliers in new locations.
Locations we serve:
We’re deliver film crew for hire services in London and UK wide. With 600+ professional crew on our books we can help you deliver productions of and shape and scale.
As a video production company in London our roots in the city run deep. London is one of the best cities in the world for finding talented film and camera crew. We have hundreds of crew on our books in the city and would love to help you with your next London based production.
As the UK’s second biggest city it’ll come as no surprise that Birmingham is one of the UK’s hubs for productions of all shapes and sizes. With trusted crew across Birmingham and the surrounded cities we can help with productions of any shape and size.
We offer bespoken film crew hire and film production services across Manchester and greater Manchester.
We offer full-service film crew hire solutions in Leeds for productions of all shapes and sizes.
As a video production company in Bristol we know a thing or two about the best crew that call the city home. Whether it’s a small two person crew, or a full production studio with a green screen. We can help!
We offer complete film crew hire services for productions in Liverpool. From gaffers to directors, we can help you with your next Liverpool based production.
We deliver film crew across the whole of the UK, from London to Scotland, we guarantee quality, vetted professional crew. Whether you’re filming in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Dundee. Our film crew are ready to deliver on your next shoot.
Why Agencies Choose
Here Now Films
- Award-winning service (Drum Awards Highly Commended 2024)
- 800+ vetted crew across the UK
- Trusted by Red Bull, BBC, Airbnb, and more
- We’re a working production company — not just a crew list
- Union and non-union flexibility, APA/BECTU compliant
- Fast, responsive quoting and pre-production support
Helping Agencies & Brands Like These Deliver World-Class Productions
We’re An Award Winning
Film Crew Agency
We’re proud to have won ‘highly commended’ at the drum award last year in the small agency (less than 10 people) category. As an award that takes into account agencies across the world, to have come second was a huge accomplishment.
How We Select
Our Film Crew
We have a bullet proof system for hand selecting, vetting and choosing the perfect crew for your next UK production. First things first, as a video production company ourselves, we understand deeply how important good crew our to the success of a production. That’s why we test out crew on our own personal productions before they step foot on another agencies set. Over the space of a few shoots our crew are put under pressure, given the old “do we actually like working with them” test.
UK Film Crew Roles:
The Ultimate Guide
Want to learn more about the different roles and what they mean in the UK? This complete guide walks you through every film crew role, their responsibility and what they do on set.
Film Crew we offer
From high-end commercials to fast-turnaround documentaries, our UK-wide network includes every crew role you need to deliver a seamless shoot. Whether you’re crewing up for a single shoot day or building a full production team, we supply trusted professionals across camera, lighting, sound, production, and direction.
Each crew member listed below is part of our vetted network — ready to slot into your production, work to APA rates, and deliver with confidence.
Also known as: DOP, Cinematographer
APA Max Day Rate: £1,457
APA Hourly Rate: £146
Our Directors of Photography are proven creatives who shape a project’s entire visual style. Collaborating closely with directors, they select lenses, angles, and lighting setups to capture the desired tone, texture, and mood of each scene.
Also known as: Camera Op
APA Max Day Rate: £612
APA Hourly Rate: £61
Our camera operators are experts in framing, focus, and movement, ensuring every shot aligns with the director’s vision. They adapt quickly on dynamic sets and bring technical excellence to every take.
Also known as: 1st AC
APA Max Day Rate: £536
APA Hourly Rate: £54
The 1st AC is responsible for keeping shots razor-sharp. They manage lenses, follow focus marks with precision, and support the camera operator in fast-paced production environments.
2nd Assistant Camera
Also known as: 2nd AC, Clapper Loader
APA Max Day Rate: £418
APA Hourly Rate: £42
Our 2nd ACs handle slating, media management, and assist in keeping the camera unit running smoothly. From lens changes to organising equipment, they’re the unsung heroes behind the camera.
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)
Also known as: DIT, Data Wrangler
APA Max Day Rate: £492
APA Hourly Rate: £49
The DIT is your on-set post-production wizard – responsible for offloading and backing up footage, creating proxies, and managing look LUTs. They ensure footage is secure, properly exposed, and ready for post.
Steadicam Operator
Also known as: Steadi Op
APA Max Day Rate: Negotiated
APA Hourly Rate: Negotiated
Our Steadicam operators specialise in capturing fluid, cinematic motion. Using state-of-the-art stabilisation systems, they bring visual energy to scenes through seamless movement.
Polecam Operator
Also known as: Pole Cam
APA Max Day Rate: Negotiated
APA Hourly Rate: Negotiated
Polecam operators provide unique dynamic shots using compact, lightweight crane systems. Ideal for events, sports, and documentary work, they offer agile high-angle perspectives without the footprint of a jib.
Jimmy-Jib Operator
Also known as: Jib Operator
APA Max Day Rate: Negotiated
APA Hourly Rate: Negotiated
Our Jimmy-Jib operators bring scale and drama to your production. Using sweeping crane movements and extended reach, they deliver cinematic results that elevate any scene.
Sound Mixer
Also known as: Sound Engineer, Soundie
APA Max Day Rate: £624
APA Hourly Rate: £62
Our sound mixers guarantee crisp audio on set. They manage radio mics, boom feeds, and record high-quality sync sound across all scenes, ensuring nothing is missed in post.
Boom Operator
Also known as: Boom Op
APA Max Day Rate: £499
APA Hourly Rate: £50
Boom operators position directional microphones and work closely with the mixer and cast to capture clear dialogue while remaining agile and out of frame.
Also known as: Chief Lighting Technician
APA Max Day Rate: £546
APA Hourly Rate: £55
Illuminate your scenes with our gaffers – the lighting leads who bring the DoP’s vision to life. They design, rig, and fine-tune lighting setups with precision and flair.
Lighting Technician
Also known as: Spark
APA Max Day Rate: £426
APA Hourly Rate: £43
Our sparks install, maintain, and operate all lighting units on set. Whether working with HMIs, LEDs, or practicals, they ensure safe, efficient setups under the gaffer’s direction.
Also known as: Grip
APA Max Day Rate: £536
APA Hourly Rate: £54
Grips handle camera rigging and movement – dollies, sliders, jibs, and stabilised rigs. They work alongside camera and lighting departments to deliver smooth, creative motion and secure builds.
Also known as: Film Director
APA Max Day Rate: £897
APA Hourly Rate: Not listed
Our directors guide the story from concept to screen. Working with cast and crew across departments, they shape the tone, pacing, and emotional impact of each scene.
1st Assistant Director
Also known as: 1st AD
APA Max Day Rate: £755
APA Hourly Rate: £76
The 1st AD keeps the shoot running smoothly. From scheduling and logistics to on-set discipline, they ensure the production stays efficient and on time without compromising quality.
Also known as: Line Producer
APA Max Day Rate: £897
APA Hourly Rate: Not listed
Our producers manage every stage of the project –budgets, crew, logistics, and timelines. They bridge creative and commercial goals, delivering films that meet the brief and the budget.
Production Manager
Also known as: PM
APA Max Day Rate: £585
APA Hourly Rate: Special rules apply
Production managers coordinate the operational side of shoots. They manage call sheets, crew bookings, equipment logistics, and on-the-day problem solving.
Also known as: PA
APA Max Day Rate: £411
APA Hourly Rate: Special rules apply
PAs handle day-to-day crew support, helping with kit moves, errands, paperwork, and everything in between. They’re the hands-on helpers who keep the wheels turning.
Also known as: Set Runner
APA Max Day Rate: £228
APA Hourly Rate: Special rules apply
Runners are the engine room of any set. They keep communication flowing, manage pickups and deliveries, and solve practical issues at lightning speed.
Hair & Make-Up Artist
Also known as: HMU, MUA
APA Max Day Rate: £371
APA Hourly Rate: £37
Our HMU artists ensure talent look their best on camera. From light touch-ups to full transformations, they maintain continuity and finesse from take one to wrap.
Also known as: Production Fixer
APA Max Day Rate: Custom
APA Hourly Rate: Custom
Planning a shoot from abroad? Our fixers handle everything: permits, crew, transport, locations, catering, and equipment – ensuring your UK production runs like clockwork.
Our London Office
Address:
Here Now Films,
124 City Rd,
London, EC1V 2NX
Hours:
Monday–Friday
9am–6pm
How to find the London Office?
Our office is based in central London in a place called Shoreditch, just a short walk North of Liverpool Street Station. Whether it’s video production, or our film crew services, we deliver everything we do across the UK from this base.
Parking: No parking on site
Nearest tube station: Old Street Tube Station
Useful Resources:
The Film Crew Blog // Stories & case studies from our UK film crew agency.
“I Wonder…” – Delivering a National TVC for Twycross Zoo
Earlier this year, we partnered with Twycross Zoo to produce a 30-second TV commercial for their Easter campaign. The goal: inspire families to visit, introduce their new brand platform Wild Discovery, and create a broadcast-quality ad that felt calm, cinematic, and full of wonder. The Creative The spark came from a single word buried in…
Corporate Film Crew Hire for FDJ UNITED: Behind the Scenes in Wimbledon
Earlier this month, our crew was back on the ground in London — this time in Wimbledon — supporting a returning client, FDJ UNITED, for a set of internal interviews exploring workplace inclusion and neurodiversity. Working on behalf of creative agency WordAppeal (Paris), our role was to provide a full film crew hire package, delivering…
Sustainability Education at Scale: AimHi x PepsiCo at County Hall, London.
Last week, we found ourselves shooting just under the London Eye — in County Hall, one of the London’s most iconic buildings — for a very different kind of corporate video. Together with the team at AimHi Earth, we were commissioned to produce a testimonial-led case study film exploring their partnership with global sustainability giant…
Two Days Filming in Marylebone — with Hunter Design
Last week we wrapped a full-on two-day shoot in Marylebone, working with the team at Hunter Design on a new brand film for a flagship residential development commissioned by Westminster City Council. What We Did Our brief was to capture a sense of place. Not just the development itself, but the rhythm, feel and fabric…
Behind the Scenes with the New York Times.
We recently wrapped production on a pilot for the team behind The Athletic, part of the New York Times group — a fast-moving, interview-led concept that brought sport and storytelling together in a fresh and engaging format. Shot outside of Manchester on location in Cheshire, the one-day shoot featured a high-profile sports personality, live-action gameplay,…
Sky Seeding — Our First Film with The Woodland Trust
We’re really proud to share our first film with The Woodland Trust: a short documentary called Sky Seeding. It follows their first-ever drone seeding trial — a bold, slightly chaotic, and genuinely exciting attempt to rethink how we plant trees in places that are usually impossible to reach. Over the course of a week in…