TV & Film Floating Platform Hire

Some of the best camera positions are over or beside water where conventional land access is limited.

A modular floating platform can create a stable camera position closer to the action, with deck space configured around cameras, tripods, monitors, operators and associated production equipment.

Floating pontoons can provide temporary access for cast, crew and production teams where the location is separated by water or the bank is difficult to use.

Walkways and working platforms can be configured around the route, number of users, equipment and access points required by the production.

Platforms can be sized to provide space for suitable lighting, sound, monitoring equipment, generators, rigging components and other production equipment.

Proposed equipment and loads are reviewed during planning so the pontoon arrangement is appropriate for the intended use.

The pontoon itself can form part of the production, providing a base for temporary sets, props, scenic elements or other on-screen features.

Because the system is modular, the deck can be configured in different shapes and sizes and dressed to suit the creative requirements of the production.

Floating platforms can be used for presenting areas, performance stages, temporary catwalks, interview positions and other production or event features on the water.

The required deck area, audience interface, access, loading and edge-protection arrangements are considered as part of the project planning.

Productions working around boats or waterside locations may need a temporary boarding point, dock or jetty for crew and equipment.

Modular pontoons can be configured to provide practical access between the bank and the water, subject to the location, level changes and intended use.

Where a location is difficult to reach from land, modular pontoon components can often be carried to a suitable access or launch point and assembled on the water.

This can provide an alternative route to filming positions around rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, harbours and other waterside locations.

Where site conditions allow, floating platforms can be positioned or repositioned during the production using suitable ropes, work boats or propulsion arrangements.

FPS can also provide work-boat or safety-boat support as part of the agreed scope. For dedicated powered filming and camera boats, see our Media, TV & Filming Boat Hire page.

Cameras, lighting, crew, set pieces and production equipment can create very different loading requirements from one shoot to another.

Platform size, buoyancy, freeboard and the distribution of working loads are considered during planning. More complex arrangements can be supported by temporary works design and stability calculations where required.

Water safety is considered alongside the creative and operational requirements of the production.

Depending on the project, the floating access arrangement can include edge protection, gates, suitable access points, work or safety boats and other controls identified through the project RAMS and production safety plan.

Every location and production brief is different.

We consider factors including:

• Required camera and crew positions
• Platform size and deck layout
• Cast, crew and equipment numbers
• Working loads and set requirements
• Water depth, flow and changing levels
• Location access and launch points
• Edge protection and water-safety requirements
• Filming schedule, installation and removal programme

FPS provides a complete service from planning through to mobilisation and demobilisation.

Our team can deliver the modular pontoon system, assemble and position the required platform, install agreed ancillary equipment and return to dismantle and remove the system when filming is complete.

Our TV and film service can include modular floating platform hire, camera platforms, crew access, temporary docks, on-screen pontoons, UK-wide delivery, installation and removal, edge protection, work and safety boats and temporary works support where required.