Filming in Southend-on-Sea

"We are committed to making filming as easy and efficient as possible. Our system means that you only have one initial point of contact for filming requests."

With our world famous Pier, thriving seafront, fabulous foreshore with 7 miles of beaches, cliff top gardens and fantastic views over the estuary, Southend-on-Sea is a popular location for TV and film production companies, regularly featuring in documentaries, game shows, commercials, TV dramas, soaps and feature films.

However we have so much more to offer filmmakers including beautiful park and woodland, the olde worlde atmosphere of Old Leigh village with its quaint cobbled streets and fishing heritage, a diverse urban landscape including 60s and 70s style buildings and modern architecture, and a whole range of styles of residential property. For inspiration take a look at our images throughout the website or view our locations list!

Southend-on-Sea has its own airport which is extremely film-friendly, excellent train links to London, is only 50 minutes by car from London and is close to Action Underwater Studios (Basildon) with easy access to both Three Mills (London) and Elstree Studios (Hertfordshire). There is also a range of accommodation available to suit all production budgets.

We are keen to welcome filmmakers and happy to assist productions interested in filming in the Borough. We can often help filmmakers find privately owned or managed locations that meet your specific requirements, so if you need assistance with sourcing a location, please contact us.

We also work closely with Screen East, the regional screen agency, who can conduct comprehensive locations, crew and facilities searches both in Southend-on-Sea and the surrounding area. They have an extensive network of police, highways and agency contacts, and are experienced at handling a whole range of production enquiries. To contact Screen East email locations@screeneast.co.uk, T: 01923 495051 or visit their website at www.screeneast.co.uk.

To film on Council property and land you will need to obtain a permit from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. Instead of calling different departments within the Council for things like permissions to film, parking and road closures, you simply follow the procedure below and the request will be processed on your behalf.

Simply complete our on-line application form and we contact you about your request!

Fees & Charges

Please note: Fees do not apply to individuals taking stills or videos for their own personal use.