Northern England has been on many filmmakers' radar for years, but recently, it's been gaining even more recognition as one of the best filming locations, not just in the UK, but globally. Because of its incredible landscapes, competitive costs, and a wealth of skilled crew, it's the ideal location for productions looking to create high-end content without the high-end price tag. In this article, we'll go over why Northern England should be your next filming destination.
Diverse, Breathtaking Locations
Northern England is home to a huge variety of filming locations that can cater to every genre. The Lake District is full of stunning peaks and lakes, York has a certain historic charm, and cities like Manchester and Liverpool have beautiful industrial backdrops, and all of this proves that the North offers landscapes that are unique and bring depth and texture to any production. It's hard to find any international location that offers more than England's North does, regardless of whether it's for a period drama, modern thriller, or fantasy epic. If you want to browse some of the locations Northern England has to offer, you can check out our location gallery at the bottom of our UK page.
Cheaper than the South—and Beyond
London and other parts of Southern England have been very popular when it comes to film production, and that's because of their studios and pre-established reputation and connections. But what many producers don't know is that the North offers the same quality and texture, but for a fraction of the cost and without the nightmare that comes with working and traveling around the South. This doesn't only apply to the South. Shooting in Northern England can work out much cheaper than other locations, including the United States.
Very Appealing Incentives
The UK's film tax relief will increase to an incredible 40% in April 2025 (for films under £15M), but in addition to this, certain regional bodies like Screen Yorkshire and Creative England offer excellent rebates, grants, and support services for productions filmed in the region.
World-Class Infrastructure
Northern England isn't only limited to its beautiful locations but is home to top-tier production facilities, including sound stages, post-production houses, virtual production studios, and rental equipment services, many of which are our partners. This means the options for production companies are limitless, all without having to leave the region. So, if you think that Northern England is all peaks, lakes, and old villages, you're overdue a visit. You'll be shocked at what it has to offer. In fact, as this article is being written, streets are closed in Manchester for a new Netflix movie by the creator of Peaky Blinders. Everyone is starting to scout the area, and for good reason.
Highly-Talented Crew
The North is also home to some of the UK's most talented film crews. So much so, that many of them often travel to London for shoots, so why not come to them instead? People tend to be happier on set if they haven't had to travel for hours before the shoot, right? But all jokes aside, Northern England is a creative powerhouse that's only becoming more popular.
A Unique Character and Charm
Northern England has a certain character that you just won't find elsewhere. There's a reason that shows like Peaky Blinders and The Witcher have been shot in the North. It has such striking scenery, that when shot well, looks like its out of this world.
Northern England—Your Next Favorite Filming Location
With such a beautiful variety of locations, high-class facilities, and competitive costs, Northern England is quickly becoming the smart choice for production companies around the world. It doesn't matter whether you're making a UK-based film or an international project, the North has everything you need to bring your vision to life. If you have any questions or need further help, contact us today and we'll be happy to assist you.