Application process

Permission must be sought in advance for filming in Trafalgar Square. The first step is to contact the Squares Management Team (020 7983 4750) to discuss dates and availability.

You should then submit a complete the relevant forms.

The Squares Management Team assess completed filming applications via the following steps:

  • Availability confirmation and initial assessment of scale and any issues around public access for the shoot
  • Application form should then be sent to secure the requested time/date
  • Assessment by the GLA regarding application and plans submitted and confirmation of date requested and the agreed fee for the use of the square based on plans
  • When plans have been agreed by the GLA the filming is signed off and a permission letter is issued
  • Production company agrees to the terms and conditions set out in the letter and returns a signed copy to the GLA
  • Feedback from or to the GLA on any issues after the shoot is completed in the form of a debrief email

Fees and charges

The basic fee for filming and photography on Trafalgar Square is £500 (+VAT) per hour and is charged from arrival to departure from the square and on an hourly basis. This fee allows applicants exclusive use of the square for the agreed period and means that no other activities take place during the period. A reduced rate is available for charities, students and some other activities. There is also 24 hours a day Heritage Wardens service on site and contractor support on the square during regular contractor hours which can include access to power, wet downs and cleaning on the square.

Filming that may have a larger impact on the square could incur a fee of up to £1,000 (+VAT) per hour. This is on the occasions where the activity requires the closure of the square for larger shoots and public access to the space is greatly restricted. Large film shoots will need to be discussed in detail as early as possible with the Squares Management Team.

Cancellation process

There is also a cancellation process for filming and this is dependant on how close a cancellation is to the agreed date and whether time has been spent by the GLA on assessment of the application. Further information is included in the terms and conditions for the use of the square contained in the application form.

Public Liability Insurance

A copy of Public Liability Insurance is required for the use of the square and the minimum requirement is £5 million cover value. For large scale or complex shoots £10 million cover value may be required and will be confirmed by the Squares Management Team during assessment of the application.

Copyright and waiver agreements

With regards to copyright of any images produced on or of Trafalgar Square the GLA does not or will not request revenues from the broadcast or publication of any material filmed or photographed on the square by applicants.

GLA representatives are not permitted to sign any waivers or agreements with regards to the use of filming or photography on the square. The GLA grants permission to applicants to have an activity on the square for the time agreed with the GLA.

Availability

There is one-to-one support from the Squares Management Team in ascertaining available dates on the square. Mondays to Fridays are often ideal times for filming and photography due to the large number of events on the space at weekends and bank holidays. The quietest period on the square during the day is in the morning if a shoot requires greater control of the space and the control of the public in the frame.