Why you should film in Bristol

Bristol, a city steeped in history and bursting with creativity, has become a prime destination for filmmakers and production companies alike. Whether you’re planning a blockbuster movie, a gripping TV series, or an innovative short film, Bristol offers everything you need to bring your vision to life. Let’s explore why this vibrant city should be at the top of your list for your next filming project.

Stunning Locations

Bristol boasts an array of breathtaking backdrops that can cater to any genre or period. From its picturesque harbourside and iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge to its charming Georgian streets and modern cityscapes, Bristol provides a diverse range of locations that can transform into any setting you imagine. Whether you need a historical backdrop or a contemporary urban environment, Bristol has it all.

World-Class Facilities

Beyond its natural beauty, Bristol is home to numerous state-of-the-art film studios and production facilities. These spaces are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced professionals, ensuring that your production runs smoothly from start to finish. The city’s film infrastructure is designed to accommodate projects of all sizes, from independent films to major studio productions.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Bristol is at the forefront of technological innovation in the film industry. A shining example of this is Distortion Studios, our new virtual production studio. This facility represents the future of filmmaking, allowing creators to blend physical sets with digital environments in real-time on LED or green screen. It’s just one of the many ways Bristol is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in film and TV production. VP is a filming technique that can be used by everyone no matter the size of the production or scene. Which is why we wanted to bring VP to Bristol. Bristol has an incredibly rich history in film and TV Production, but one thing it was missing was a permanent VP studio, but we’ve now solved that problem, so Bristol really does have it all now!

Thriving Creative Ecosystem

The city is home to a vibrant community of VFX companies, production houses, and creative professionals. This ecosystem fosters collaboration and innovation, providing filmmakers with access to top-tier talent and services. From pre-production to post-production, you’ll find all the expertise you need right here in Bristol.

Support and Incentives

Bristol is known for its film-friendly attitude, with local authorities and organisations offering support to productions of all sizes. The city often provides assistance with location scouting, permits, and logistics, making the filming process as smooth as possible.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Beyond its technical offerings, Bristol’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit infuse every project with a unique energy. The city’s diverse neighbourhoods, vibrant arts scene, and innovative atmosphere can inspire and elevate your production in unexpected ways.

Location 

London is often the go-to city for filming in the UK but it doesn’t need to be! Despite being 118 miles from London, Bristol can be reached in just 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from London Paddington. Trains also run approximately every 15 minutes making it very easy to get to. The drive to Bristol from London is slightly longer, but can easily be done in under 3 hours. We are also well connected to the rest of the Southwest (Somerset, Devon and Cornwall), South Wales (Cardiff, Newport) and the Midlands (Birmingham).

Conclusion

It was for all of these reasons that in 2017 Bristol was named a UNESCO City of Film. It is one of just 26 UNESCO City of Films in the World. On top of this, Bristol won the City of Film Award at Cannes Film Festival. So by choosing Bristol as your filming destination, you’re not just selecting a location – you’re tapping into a city that breathes creativity and innovation. Whether you’re planning a small independent project or a large-scale production, Bristol is ready to help you bring your vision to the screen. And we’ve got it all- You can come for the on-set location and stay for the VFX knowledge, studio spaces, culture, innovation technology and so much more!

Come and experience why Bristol is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most sought-after filming destinations.If you want to talk to us about filming in Bristol, and virtual production, email pete@distortion.studio or call 0117 972 0081