Film & Camera Equipment Rental/Hire in London: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)
Introduction
Welcome to the world of film equipment rental in London!
If you're a filmmaker, you know how important it is to have the right equipment for your projects.
Luckily, London has some great places where you can rent film equipment.
In this guide, we'll introduce you to the top rental spots in the city. Whether you need cameras, lights, or other gear, these places have everything you need to bring your ideas to life.
As a video production company in London we know a thing or two when it comes to renting kit!
So, let's dive in and discover the best places to rent film equipment in London, and get ready to create some amazing films!
What’s in this blog?
1. Top 9 Best Film Equipment Rental Companies In London
2. Wedio
3. The Kit Room
4. Shift 4
5. Shoot Blue
6. Cameraworks
7. SLVision
8. ProMotion Hire
9. VMI Camera Hire London
10. London Video Camera Hire
11. Conclusion
Top 9 Film & Camera Equipment Rental Companies In London:
It’s a hard list to create as there are a lot of different companies offering a great all-round kit rental service but this list below is our best attempt to make a useful and honest display of what London has to offer.
1) Wedio
Are you in search of specific equipment that you can't seem to find at traditional rental houses?
Wedio offers a vibrant equipment rental platform tailored for filmmakers and photographers. This platform serves as a marketplace where individuals can showcase their equipment available for rent, and you have the opportunity to engage in direct negotiations with the equipment owner.
Whether you require an interview lighting setup or audio equipment for an upcoming shoot, you can conveniently discover a wide array of options, even at the last minute. Wedio boasts an extensive catalog of 18,000 listings spanning across the UK and EU regions. Additionally, Wedio aims to create a community, encouraging members to network, connect, and collaborate.
With an extensive inventory of cameras and filmmaking gear, Wedio is your one-stop destination for nearly all your equipment needs. It's worth noting that you may need to personally pick up the equipment from the owner's location.
2) The Kit Room
The Kit Room, founded by production professionals, offers trusted equipment rentals. With industry expertise, competitive prices, and comprehensive support, they cater to a range of productions. Clients include major broadcasters, production companies, and renowned agencies. Count on The Kit Room for top-notch equipment, prompt issue resolution, and a smooth production experience. Trust them as your reliable rental partner.
3) Shift 4
For over 30 years, Shift 4 has been a reliable supplier, supporting a wide range of productions. With branches in London and Manchester, they offer cinematography expertise for features, dramas, commercials, and broadcast TV. Their extensive equipment range includes cameras, lenses, sound, lighting, and grip categories. Shift 4's strong relationships with manufacturers keep them ahead in technology. They provide advice, demos, training, engineering, support, and crewing services. Trust Shift 4 for seamless project execution.
4) Shoot Blue
Shoot Blue, a London-based independent camera and lighting equipment rental house, caters to cinematographers, filmmakers, and digital content producers.
Shoot Blue offers a comprehensive range of cutting-edge cameras, lenses, accessories, and grip equipment. Their focus on large-sensor, digital cinematography aligns with the latest industry trends and technological innovations.
As a full-service rental supplier, Shoot Blue excels in managing all aspects of camera and lighting equipment requirements. They stock renowned brands like ARRI, Sony, Canon, Zeiss, Cooke, Angenieux, Fujinon, and RED.
In addition to their camera offerings, Shoot Blue's dedicated film lighting rental department provides a wide array of lighting fixtures, stands, grip equipment, textiles, and power solutions. With their ability to handle both lighting and camera needs, Shoot Blue stands out as a convenient one-stop rental house.
5) Cameraworks
Every hire matters, regardless of scale. Their commitment ensures consistent and dependable support for client shoots, from small content projects to full camera and lighting packages for TV dramas.
With an extensive inventory of 2000+ rental products, they've completed 20,000+ hires across feature films, broadcasts, commercials, and fashion films. Their inventory constantly expands to cater to diverse needs and enhance service.
Clients range from production companies, freelance videographers, and agencies to broadcasters, photographers, and marketing departments. They provide accessory-packed kits and meticulously maintain equipment for flawless performance.
Transparent customer feedback matters, reflected in their 'excellent' Trustpilot rating (4.9/5) and customer reviews. Join them on your filmmaking journey, and experience unwavering support for your technical requirements.
6) SLVision
With 25+ years of experience, SL Vision Ltd (SLV) is a leading provider of camera and film equipment rentals. Filmmakers, TV companies, and independent productions choose SLV for their knowledge, advice, and exceptional service.
SLV offers well-designed studios in Battersea with excellent soundproofing and ventilation. Choose the space that suits your needs.
Their diverse camera range includes Arri Alexa Mini LF, Sony Venice, Sony FX9, Arri Alexa Mini, and Alexa Plus. From £80 +VAT per day, you can rent Sony FS7, Sony FX6, Sony FX3, or smaller DSLR cameras. SLV even has an Aaton 16mm film camera. They offer lenses in various mounts, including Full Frame, S35mm, and S16mm PL, as well as Canon EF and Sony E mounts. Vintage lenses adapted for modern cameras provide a budget-friendly option.
SLV's film industry knowledge and friendly crew set them apart. As a small family-run company, they prioritize recommending the right tools, not profit. Contact SLV for rentals or advice and experience their exceptional service.
7) ProMotion Hire
Pro Motion, a vibrant trading division of Pixipixel Rental LTD, brings almost two decades of industry expertise to filmmakers across the UK. As one of the last independent rental companies offering combined camera and lighting equipment, Pixipixel stands out for its commitment to delivering a seamless experience. With state-of-the-art prep facilities and strategically located warehouses in London and Manchester, they provide the latest and most innovative gear, accompanied by exceptional service from their experienced and friendly team. Complemented by a highly technical team offering demos and training, Pixipixel ensures clients have the right tools for the job. Discover the limitless possibilities with Pixipixel—where excellence meets passion. Visit their website to explore their comprehensive range of services and experience filmmaking elevated to new heights.
8) VMI Camera Hire London
VMI, an award-winning rental company established in 1979, is based in London and Bristol (UK). They specialize in supplying digital camera packages for features, dramas, commercials, and documentaries. VMI offers the latest equipment, including Blackmagic Pocket 6K, Ronin 4D, Sony Venice, Phantom VEO 4K, Canon ME20 super low-light cameras, lighting, and grip.
As a certified living wage employer since 2019, VMI is committed to sustainability. They aim to become a net-zero company by 2030, showcasing their efforts in environmental impact reduction. VMI's dedication to sustainability earned them the Hero of Net Zero award at the International COP26 climate summit in 2021.
With a strong emphasis on fairness, equity, and being a responsible employer, VMI has received recognition as a Great Place to Work and won multiple awards, including Park Royal Business of the Year 2022. They prioritize ongoing training and development for their staff, demonstrating their commitment as an Investors in People Company.
9) London Video Camera Hire
Discover the right place for unbeatable prices on professional video camera hire at your fingertips! Whether in need of HD, 4K, or DSLR cameras, they offer a wide range of equipment to suit every need. With an array of options including Canon EF Lenses and ZEISS CP.2's, they ensure versatility and quality. From feature films to corporate videos, events, or documentaries, their comprehensive selection of video cameras and accessories, such as Canon C300 MkII, Panasonic GH5s, Sony FS-7, Canon EOS 5D MK II, Canon 5D MK III DSLR package, Canon XF305, Sony EX1R, Black Magic URSA Mini, Zoom H4 and H6 sound recorders, Sennheiser ME66 sound package, G3 Sennheiser radio mics, Sachtler 3 head light kit, Kinoflo Diva Lite 401, LED 1x1 Daylight, LED 1X1 BI Colour, Ringlight Mini Litepanels, LED Micro Pro Lite Panel, DEDO Octodome, ARRI 3 Head Kit, and Dedo Lighting Package, caters to all filming requirements. Their dedicated team is ready to assist, providing exceptional service and ensuring your video production reaches new heights.
Conclusion
So there we have it, there’s the top 8 best places to rent film and video production equipment in London. There’s heaps out there and the key for any production is knowing exactly what you need. Make sure you shop around, speak to a number of the providers above to get the best price for the equipment you need. Many of the rental houses will insist that you have ‘Hire In Equipment Insurance’ this is a special part of the insurance that insurance any rented equipment. Often you will need this in explicit writing and you can get this from your insurer by simply ringing them up.
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