Top 5 Places to Find a Film Crew for Hire in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)
Looking to hire a film/camera crew in the UK?
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For more info on our crewing options, check out our crew page here.
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What’s in this blog?
1. Introduction to the UK film & TV crew market
2. Types of film & TV crew you can hire in the UK
3. How to choose A film & camera crew In the UK?
4. How much does a film & TV crew cost In the UK?
5. Can you rent a film crew in the UK
6. How do I find a crew for my film production?
7. Top 5 places to find a film crew in the UK
8. Who hires a film crew on a film set?
9. Conclusion
Introduction to the UK Film & TV Crew Market
The UK has a thriving freelance film crew market, with many experienced and talented professionals available to work on a variety of projects.
Freelance crew members can offer flexibility, expertise, and cost savings compared to hiring a full-time crew for a production.
However, it's important to carefully vet and select crew members to ensure that they have the skills and experience needed to deliver high-quality work.
Here Now Films is one of the UK’s leading film crew agencies offering a variety of different film crew roles and types, all with a 10 hour standard day!
Types of film & TV crew you can hire…
There are so many types of crew, for a detailed list of crew types visit our crew page.
The average daily cost for crew members depends on their experience and the demands of the project.
For example:
A production assistant may cost around between £100-£450 per day.
A cinematographer could cost anywhere from £500 to £1,000 per day or more.
Here's a more detailed section covering the different crew types, their responsibilities, and average daily rates:
Director of Photography (DoP):
Responsible for the visual aspects of the production, including camera placement, framing, and lighting. The average daily rate for a DoP in the UK ranges from £500 to £3,000.
Check out our ‘What is a Director of Photography?’ blog for more info.
Camera Operator
Operates the camera and works closely with the DoP to capture the desired shots. The average daily rate for a camera operator in the UK is around £250 to £500 not including the cost of gear rental.
Check out our ‘What is a camera operator?' blog for more info.
Vision Mixer
Responsible for switching between camera feeds and creating a live mix of the footage. The average daily rate for a vision mixer in the UK is around £500 to £1,000.
Live Stream Op/Engineer
Responsible for live streaming a production, ensuring the signal is stable, and troubleshooting technical issues. The average daily rate for a live stream op/engineer in the UK is around £500 to £1,000.
1st Assistant Camera
Assists the camera operator and DoP with setting up and operating the camera, and ensuring the focus is correct. The average daily rate for a 1st AC in the UK is around £250 to £400.
Check out our ‘What is a Camera Assistant?' blog for more info.
2nd Assistant Camera
Responsible for supporting the 1st AC with camera setup and operation, and managing equipment. The average daily rate for a 2nd AC in the UK is around £200 to £300.
Lighting Camera Operator
Similar to the DoP, but specializes in lighting and camera operation. The average daily rate for a lighting cameraman in the UK ranges from £500 to £1,000.
Check out our ‘What is a Lighting Camera Operator?' blog for more info.
Sound Recordist
Responsible for capturing clear and high-quality audio during the production. The average daily rate for a sound recordist in the UK is around £250 to £500.
Check out our ‘What is a Sound Recordist?' blog for more info.
Boom Operator
Assists the sound recordist by holding and positioning the microphone boom pole. The average daily rate for a boom operator in the UK is around £200 to £300.
Gimbal Operator
Specializes in operating gimbal-mounted cameras, which allow for smooth and stable camera movement. The average daily rate for a gimbal operator in the UK ranges from £250 to £500.
Editor
Responsible for editing and post-production of the footage. The average daily rate for an editor in the UK ranges from £250 to £500.
DIT (Digital Imaging Technician)
Responsible for managing the data from the camera and ensuring its safe storage and backup. The average daily rate for a DIT in the UK is around £250 to £400.
Check out our ‘What is a DIT?' blog for more info.
It's important to note that these rates can vary depending on the experience and expertise of the crew member, as well as the specific requirements of the production.
It's always best to budget carefully and negotiate rates based on the individual needs of your project.
How to choose film & camera crew
As a video production agency in the UK, the single most important factor when hiring is a good reference.
We want to know for a fact, that the person turning up will:
Turn Up
Know what they are doing
Be a good team player
Be professional at all points
After all, you’re putting your entire production on the line for this person.
We help production find vetted, professional crew, for more info take a look at our UK Film Crew Hire page.
How much does it cost to hire a film & camera crew in the UK?
The cost of hiring a film crew in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the crew, the length of the shoot, and the complexity of the project.
On average, you can expect to pay between £500-£2,500 per day for a basic crew.
And up to £10,000 per day for a larger, more complex production.
However, it's important to remember that cost should not be the only factor when selecting a film crew.
It's essential to find a crew that can deliver high-quality work and help bring your vision to life.
Can you rent a film crew?
While you can't necessarily "rent" a film crew, many freelance crew members are available for short-term contracts and can be hired on a project-by-project basis.
This can offer a cost-effective solution for productions that don't require a full-time crew.
How To Find Quality UK Crew?
Looking for crew? Here are five popular options to consider:
Here Now: Here Now are one of the UK’s most trusted video production companies and a solid option for any crew hire needs. With a huge roster of talented talented crew that they use for their own productions you can guarantee quality assurance and good rates.
Mandy.com: A job board specifically for the film and TV industry, with listings for crew members, actors, and production companies. Use the keywords "film crew for hire UK" to find relevant listings.
Shooting People: A membership-based platform that connects independent filmmakers with crew members, actors, and other resources. Use the keywords "film crew for hire in Bristol" or "film crew for hire in London" to find crew members in those locations.
The Unit List: A subscription-based service that provides job listings, industry news, and networking opportunities for the UK film and TV industry. This platform is a great option for finding both crew members and production companies.
LinkedIn: This professional networking platform can be a great way to find crew members with specific skills and experience. Search for keywords such as "film crew," "cinematographer," or "sound engineer" to find potential candidates.
Referrals and Recommendations: Don't underestimate the power of personal referrals and recommendations from other industry professionals. Ask colleagues, friends, or other filmmakers for recommendations on crew members they have worked with and trust.
Top 5 Best Places to Find a Film Crew in the UK
London: With a thriving film industry, London is home to many talented and experienced crew members across all departments.
Bristol: Known as the "Hollywood of the West," Bristol has become a popular destination for film and TV productions, with many skilled crew members available for hire.
Manchester: Another hub of the UK film industry, Manchester has a vibrant creative scene and a large pool of talented crew members.
Glasgow: The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow has a growing film industry and many skilled crew members available for hire.
Belfast: The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast has become a popular destination for film and TV productions, with many skilled crew members available for hire.
Who hires the crew on a film set?
The hiring of a film crew typically falls under the responsibility of the production company or producer. It's important to clearly communicate your needs and expectations to the production company or producer, who will then be responsible for hiring the appropriate crew members.
Conclusion
Hiring a film crew in the UK can be a complex process, but with the right selection criteria and resources, you can find a talented and experienced team that can help bring your project to life. By considering factors such as experience, availability, technical skills, and reputation, you can select a crew that can deliver high-quality work and help ensure the success of your production. And with the top five best places to find a film crew in the UK, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
