Filming at ExCeL London

Two routes to permission

ExCeL splits filming permission by location. Inside a licensed event space, the event organiser manages filming and photography under its own policies, and no ExCeL permit is needed, although the organiser's permission is. Outside licensed spaces, including the boulevard, shared areas and the external estate, ExCeL issues the permit itself.

The estate is defined broadly. ExCeL's filming terms treat the venue as the building and the land immediately around it, including the dock edge and water space. If a shot strays beyond that land, the request goes to the relevant landowner, such as Transport for London, rather than to ExCeL.

A permit is needed for professional equipment, for external and internal shots of the venue, and for anything that could disrupt people or property. Most permits are granted, but ExCeL can revoke one at any time, and staff may stop filming that infringes privacy, captures restricted areas or disrupts operations.

Permit timings and paperwork

Applications go through ExCeL's online form and can be made up to three months ahead. Allow up to three working days for review; the result comes by email. Filming on the estate is free of charge, and crew should carry the permit and ID because security may ask to see them.

• Public liability cover of £5 million applies to photography and to filming with up to ten crew.
• The filming limit rises to £10 million for up to 20 crew or ten tenancy days, and to £20 million above that.
• If the permit gives no times, access runs from 09:00 to 18:00.
• Only handheld or tripod-mounted cameras and microphones are allowed under the permit terms.
• Fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited, and no alterations may be made to the venue.

Power, load-in and site safety

ExCeL's filming terms state that it is not required to provide power, utilities or security at the locations you film. Crews working under a permit should therefore plan on batteries. For a shoot inside an event, power and vehicle access depend on the show, so the organiser's exhibitor manual is the document to follow for electrical orders, delivery slots and build times.

The venue's exhibitor guidance asks anyone on site during build and breakdown to wear a high-visibility jacket and safety shoes. It also says work outside published build-up and breakdown times is not permitted, which matters if you want an empty-hall shot before doors open.

Drones

All drone operations on the campus need written authorisation from the venue, and the guidance points to the nearby London City Airport as a reason for the tight control. Expect to need a professional operator, stakeholder permissions, health and safety assessments and specialist insurance. ExCeL asks people to discuss drone work with it before applying, and each request is judged on its merits.

Recurring shows

ExCeL's calendar includes World Travel Market London, The Business Show London, International Confex, the London EV Show, Event Tech Live, Cisco Live, The PA Show and the London Book Fair. Each has its own organiser and may set its own filming rules, so a clearance from one show says nothing about the next.

Practical tips for a shoot here

Get the organiser's written position before you book talent or a crew, and ask directly about multi-stand shots, interviews in aisles and any exclusive media partner. If you also want an exterior establishing shot, apply separately for the ExCeL permit, as permission from a show does not cover the estate.

Fame Crew can match a local videographer or photographer once the brief is clear. Share the show name, stand number, permit status and insurance limit at the outset so the crew's kit and paperwork fit the rules in force.