To apply to film and photograph on the Canary Wharf Estate you need to do the following:
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Read all of the content on this page, including the terms and conditions.
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Fill in the Company Registration Form and the Film and Photography Application Form and email them to pressoffice@canarywharf.com
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If required, send a risk assessment, method statement and evidence of public liability insurance to pressoffice@canarywharf.com. See the FAQs section below for guidance.
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If permission is granted you will be emailed a permit. Print this out and bring it with you when you film or photograph at Canary Wharf. Please show it to security personnel if requested.
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For multiple requests, we may set you up on the e-permits system so you can apply online. If so you will be emailed log-in details and asked to follow the instructions.
If you have any additional questions, contact:
Hamish McDougall
Group Communications Manager
Canary Wharf Group plc
Phone: +44 (0)20 7418 2326
Mobile: +44 (0)777 9888 075
Email: Hamish.mcdougall@canarywharf.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I require permission?
You will require a permit for filming or photography on the Canary Wharf Estate if:
- The filming and photography is for professional use, sale, commercial gain or media reproduction; and/or
- you will potentially cause disruption or harm to people or property on the Canary Wharf Estate; and/or
- you are filming/photographing indoors in any of the common areas in the buildings (eg lobbies or shopping malls); and/or
- you are filming building entrances, shop fronts or any of the security arrangements in place.
You do not necessarily require a permit if:
- You are taking the images for solely amateur purposes and do not intend to reproduce them for media, sale or commercial benefit (for example you are a tourist, hobbyist or student); and
- your equipment is minimal (for example, nothing more than a camera and stationary tripod); and
- you are not causing any disruption, harm or potential harm to people, property or yourself; and
- you are outdoors; and
- you are not filming or photographing any building entrances or security arrangements.
Students are advised to carry with them a student ID and letter of introduction from their educational institution.
Why are permits required for filming and photography?
Canary Wharf is a privately owned Estate owned by Canary Wharf Group plc.
As owners of the Estate, we have a duty to ensure that any activity that takes place there including filming and photography is safe, carries the correct insurance, minimises disruption and does not compromise security.
What areas are part of the Canary Wharf Estate?
The 97 acre Estate is bounded by the River Thames in the West, Churchill Place and Wood Wharf in the East, North Dock in the North and South Dock in the South.
| Area: |
Apply to: |
| West India Quay and footbridge |
British Waterways |
| DLR and underground stations |
Transport for London / London Underground |
| South Quay and footbridge |
London Borough of Tower Hamlets Film Office |
| The area directly in front of the Western entrance to Jubilee Line Underground Station |
Transport for London / London Underground |
When applying, please be as specific as possible about the locations and subject you intend to film or photograph.
Download a map of the Estate here
How far in advance should I apply?
Applicants are advised to apply at least two working days in advance for projects not requiring a risk assessment and at least five working days in advance of projects that do require a risk assessment.
Urgent or same day requests, for example from news crews, will be dealt with if resource allows. If unsure, please call the Press Office for guidance.
What charges apply?
CWG typically asks for a charity donation for filming and photography on the Estate for professional purposes.
Half of this is donated to charities and the other half goes to the Canary Wharf Film Fund, which supports local not-for-profit film projects.
Do all film and photography applications get accepted?
CWG’s primary obligation is to the 100,000 workers, shoppers and travellers who come onto the Estate every day.
This means that non-essential filming and photography requests may be declined, and all filming and photography must minimise disruption and ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.
We typically take on filming and photography projects that have promotional merit to Canary Wharf and/or our retail and office tenants.
Please be as specific as possible in your application about the reasons you are undertaking the filming/photography and what the subject of your photography will be.
What are the health and safety considerations?
CWG views health and safety as being of paramount importance. If the filming or photography requires equipment in addition to a handheld camera and tripod, a method statement and site specific risk assessment must be completed along with the application form.
The laying of track is not permitted on the Estate.
Download a risk assessment guidance notes here and the risk assessment form here.
What insurance do I need?
Those wanting to film or photograph on the Estate should provide written evidence of personal liability insurance at a minimum of £10 million.
Where can I park at Canary Wharf?
Parking is permitted in the four underground public car parks at Canary Wharf, which have a height limit of two metres.
Permission to park on the Estate at street level is only given in very exceptional circumstances, and may be subject to additional charges.
What are the terms and Conditions?
I/we have read and will comply with the following terms and conditions:
- I/we will carry out immediately and without question or argument any instructions issued by any Canary Wharf Management Limited (CWML) Security Officer relating to fire, security or safety. I/we acknowledge that if the CWML Security Officer feels that any actions on my/our part or situations are unsafe, I/we will take immediate action to correct the situation.
- I/we will comply with all the requirements of the Risk Assessment provided for these operations as well as CWG safety requirements.
- We will use the images for the specified purpose only, and will seek CWG’s permission before using for other purposes
- My/our film/photography crew, their support teams and other staff will expected to act and behave with due thought for their own safety and the safety of other people.
- I/we know and understand my/our responsibilities to ensure the safety and well being of all persons who may be affected by our undertaking and accept the Duty of Care.
- I/we will obtain written permission from the retail outlet’s management to film or photograph specific retail outlets.
- I/we will obtain written permission from the tenant or building owner to film or photograph tenanted buildings with logos on the exterior
- My/our filming and/or photography being carried out on the Estate has the benefit of public liability insurance cover of at least £10 million.
- I/we will not permit smoking at any time on the roof or within the structure of any of the buildings on the Estate by me/us or by my/our cast and crew.
- My/our filming and photography will not involve or portray real or simulated violence, nudity or sexual activity, including the use of subjects solely clad in underwear or swimwear.
- My/our filming and photography will not take place in the shopping malls between midday and 2pm and between 4pm and 6pm.
- I/we have been made aware of the safety rules and procedures applicable to photographing, filming, broadcasting or producing while at Canary Wharf
- The images will only be used for the purpose described in my application and I will seek permission from Canary Wharf Group before using them for other purposes
I/we acknowledge that if I/we fail to comply with the requirements as stated above, or if the actions of my/our cast or crew should put persons at risk will be entitled to take whatever measures may be necessary, even to the extent of stopping all filming, photography or related work. I/we understand that should filming, photography or related work be delayed or stopped due to not complying with these terms and conditions, I/we will have no claim against Canary Wharf Group, its employees, contractors or agents and that I/we shall be liable for any damage caused to any property on the Estate or employees of CWG caused by the actions of me/us or my/our cast or crew.”
How do I log in to the e-permits system?
- Click the box below to confirm you have read and will comply with the terms and conditions.
- Click Proceed to login. Once logged in, proceed to ‘Create Request’ to initiate the application.
- Remember to use the ‘duplicate request’ button for applying for permits on multiple days.