Luton Borough Council

Filming in Luton

We welcome film companies to our town, both to locate here and to film. Parts of Luton look and feel similar to parts of London, both in terms of make up of population and the actual built environment.

With our great transport links we are only half an hour from London, and our prices are incredibly competitive.

Luton has a long history of nurturing creative business, which stretches back to the 17th century when the town became synonymous with the hat making trade. Its creative economy has diversified over the years and now boasts a thriving community of businesses, supported by tailored accommodation and a university which is one of the leading players in the UK.

The town is a prime location for creative businesses looking to set up or grow, and offers advantages including:

a wide ranging supply chain
easy access to a broad customer base
excellent infrastructure
world class skills

Luton is also home to one of the biggest one day carnivals in Europe and the UK Centre for Carnival Arts.

Open all

Filming in parks and recreation grounds

Luton has over one hundred and forty areas of green open space, ranging from pocket parks and green spaces to some of the larger parks and recreation grounds. If you wish to film in one of the larger parks or recreation grounds, you will be required to submit a physical plan marking the area you wish to film in.

See the 'parks and open spaces in Luton' page for more details.

Filming at the airport

For information about filming at London Luton Airport, please see the information page on their website: Filming & photography at the airport

Filming rates for Luton Council property and locations

Applications received more than five working days before the date of filming.

Small scale productions (less than 10 crew members)

Up to one hour - £200
Half day rate (between one and five hours) - £460
Full day rate - £800

Large scale productions (10 or more crew members)

Half day rate (between one and five hours) - £1,375
Full day rate - £2,350

Discounts

Student filming as part of a recognised academic course - 100 per cent discount on receipt of evidence and application form
Charities - 100 per cent discount on receipt of evidence and application form

Proof of public liability insurance of at least £10m for the period of filming will be required and a risk assessment for all sites.

VAT applicable as standard

Filming in any of Luton’s parks will incur an additional fee of £50
Hourly rate for advice - M graded officers - £910 ++ per hour/part thereof

Please note: the above fees do not include road closure charges or temporary traffic orders. Charges for other direct costs may apply.

For applications received up to five days before the date of filming a 10 per cent surcharge on fees will apply.

Filming application timeframes

Applications need to be received based on the below timeframes.

3 months notice for major/large scale productions
2 months notice for medium scale productions
5 to 10 days notice for small scale productions

Please note: applications not giving at least this notice may not be processed in time and will incur a 10% surcharge on fees.

If you are looking for a shorter turnaround time, please request a call back from a member of the filming team by emailing [email protected] to discuss.

Lights, camera, action!

Your home could be just what filmmakers are looking for, whether it’s a flat or a suburban semi, modern office or manor house. If your property is based in England outside London and could accommodate filming, find out more and register on Creative England’s free database or call 020 8324 2311 for more information.

Registration is also free for local facilities and crews, so whether you are an experienced professional or new entrant, an established business or start-up company, register on the database so we can put productions in touch with you.

Application to film

To film in Luton, please complete the Apply to film in Luton form by selecting the button below

Apply to film in Luton