🎬 Lights, Cameras & Rainbows: Filming on the Thames with Thames RIB Experience

07 January 2026 /

• Filming
• River Thames
• TRE News

Behind the scenes of a cinematic O2 Priority shoot on London’s most iconic river

Back in October, before the colder months truly set in, the team at Thames RIB Experience was busy working alongside an exceptional film crew on what would become one of the most visually striking commercial shoots we’ve ever supported.

Our vessels were chosen to feature in a high-profile production promoting the O2 Priority rewards scheme, showcasing London from the River Thames in a way only experienced river operators can deliver.

🚤 Professional Preparation at Tower Millennium Pier

The day began at Tower Millennium Pier, where cast, crew and Thames RIB Experience staff met early to prepare for filming. As with all commercial shoots, safety came first.

Every individual onboard was fully briefed, kitted with appropriate safety equipment, and guided by our highly experienced skippers and crew. Camera equipment was carefully secured, filming positions were agreed in advance, and both the hero boat and tracking boat were prepared to operate safely and efficiently within Thames river regulations.

Once cleared, the boats departed outbound toward The O2 Arena, just as the autumn sun began to drop, bathing the river and skyline in warm golden light, a perfect natural setting for the shoot.

London’s riverscape is officially recognised as a major filming location, with productions required to follow formal processes and safety regulations set out by organisations such as Film London
👉 https://filmlondon.org.uk/filming-in-london

and the Port of London Authority (PLA)
👉 https://pla.co.uk

🎥 Filming on a Working River

Filming on the River Thames requires deep operational knowledge, constant communication, and flexibility.
During the outbound journey, both filming vessels were temporarily placed into a holding pattern due to river traffic control restrictions, caused by the arrival of a cruise liner manoeuvring into the London Cruise Terminal.

Thanks to our crew’s close coordination with the Harbour Master and river authorities, the pause was handled smoothly and professionally, ensuring the safety of all river users, cast, crew, and vessels at all times.

Any filming on the tidal Thames requires formal permission, careful planning, and coordination with river authorities, guidance which is clearly outlined by the Port of London Authority’s filming, photography and events regulations:
👉 https://pla.co.uk/filming-photography-and-events-tidal-thames

🌈 An Unscripted Moment

What could have been a routine delay turned into an unforgettable moment.

While waiting for clearance, a stunning rainbow appeared over the Thames, arching across the skyline. Cameras were instantly raised ( by the film crew, our team, and even the actors) capturing a rare, once-in-a-lifetime scene that no storyboard could ever plan.

It was a reminder that while filming demands precision and planning, the Thames still has the power to surprise.

⭐ Why Productions Choose Thames RIB Experience

This shoot perfectly demonstrates why Thames RIB Experience is trusted by professional production teams:

• ✔ Fully licensed and Thames-compliant vessels
• ✔ Highly experienced skippers and crew
• ✔ Strong working relationships with river authorities
• ✔ Safe, stable platforms for filming and tracking shots
• ✔ Proven experience supporting commercials, photography and media projects

Safety, professionalism and adaptability are at the core of everything we do, allowing creative teams to focus on capturing the perfect shot.

🔗 HAVE A LOOK AT OUR FILMING PAGE

🎬 Planning a Shoot on the Thames?

Whether you’re filming a commercial, brand campaign, photoshoot or media production, Thames RIB Experience provides reliable, professional filming support on the River Thames.

👉 Contact our team to discuss filming charters, tracking boats and bespoke production requirements.

Tags: commercial filming, film support boats, filming on the Thames, London film locations, O2 Priority, professional filming London, river filming London, Thames filming charter, Thames RIB Experience