ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXDoes anyone know of a train platform location that can be used for free?
6 years, 3 months ago - Steve George
I'm looking to film a short film based entirely on a train platform anywhere in the UK (preferably Midlands but willing to travel). Nothing fancy needed, it's really just a couple of people talking. I know Network Rail don't allow filming on their platforms, we have approached one of the heritage railway lines and they quoted £250 for the day which admittedly isn't much but we really have a very small budget as it is. Any help/advice/suggestions much appreciated.
Thanks.
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6 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
In film terms, £250/day is effectively free. I appreciate it's money you'd rather spend elsewhere, but you might need to write around the problem if you can't haggle them down or find cheaper. Maybe you can shoot single operator B-Roll for a couple of hours for £100 and do the rest with similar colour defocussed backdrops or greenscreen studio? By the time you do that, though, £250 would seem like good value :-/
6 years, 3 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy
As you mentioned heritage lines, I presume you'd prefer a period feel? Well, dotted around the country are converted train stations, often now residences that retain their original look. Many are offered for holiday rental I did the quickest of googles and found https://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/trains-train-stations / https://www.quirkyaccom.com/green-lane-carriage / https://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/trains-train-stations/Alpine-Apartment-Number-6 / https://www.historic-uk.com/Blog/Top-10-Stays-For-Railway-Enthusiasts/ https://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/luxury/property/quirky-onetime-train-station-home-for-sale-in-shropshire-with-two-vintage-holidaylets-perfect-for-a119636.html /
6 years, 3 months ago - Richard Anthony Dunford
£250 a day is super cheap these days I'm afraid. I approached TFL about booking an underground station a while back and they quoted £2,000-£3000 before VAT and staff costs. That's not per day either... that's per hour and that was for one of their abandoned stations no longer in use.
6 years, 3 months ago - Marlom Tander
The Heritage lines are all volunteer run and funded. 250 really is very little, it's more a "show us you appreciate us and the fact that we're putting ourselves out for you" thank you payment rather than a profit centre.
6 years, 3 months ago - Matt Thompson
I filmed at a heritage line at Bo' Ness and it cost about £250 a day - they have to pay for a volunteer trained in health and safety. It did look very period which was a problem for long shots. If I was doing it again I would have cut in 'guerilla' shots on real train platforms. If you just have two people talking you could do a lot of guerrilla shots and if necessary post dub dialogue. best of luck! Matt
6 years, 3 months ago - Daniel Johnson
There are a few derelict places around, right?
6 years, 3 months ago - Jessica Barker-Wren
Theres a small suburban station platform in Exeter, Devon called Polsloe Bridge, unmanned gets scant business. I would just do it, but I am well guerilla, isn't it.nI'm also wiling to bet there is something similar near you in the burbs.
6 years, 3 months ago - John Lubran
The Heart of Wales that runs between Swansea and Shrewsbury is a part of the national network and especially lovely. Once into the countryside there are several quite substantial and unmanned stations.
6 years, 1 month ago - Paul Thomas
Ask @geofftech on Twitter
6 years, 1 month ago - David Roberts
I can recommend Hever Station in Kent. Rarely any passengers let alone staff.
6 years, 1 month ago - Paul Pastore
Any station along the old B train line in Brooklyn would be available. May not be completely deserted, but they are empty pretty much between 10 A.M -2 P.M. ant weekday. Best are weekends. It depends on what you are shooting.
6 years, 1 month ago - Tim Benjamin
Check out the very comprehensive list of abandoned (and operational) stations near you at: http://www.railaroundbirmingham.co.uk
- it's a trainspotter website and what that lot don't know about filming for free at stations isn't worth knowing! Just put on your anorak and get your notepad out and nobody will bother you while filming, at least B-roll :-)
6 years, 1 month ago - Gary Stevens
Have you tried The Severn Valley Railway in Bridgnorth they might allow you to use the platform it's obviously got the authentic look
6 years, 1 month ago - Gary Stevens
Have you tried The Severn Valley Railway in Bridgnorth they might allow you to use the platform it's obviously got the authentic look?
6 years, 1 month ago - johnnie oddball
Bluebell line in sussex just past crawley or try vintage lines who have old train rides as they always up for helping film makers