Filming
Opened in 1873 as an entertainment venue for Victorian London, Alexandra Palace has been at the centre of extraordinary events for nearly 150 years. Our story is intertwined with that of broadcast: home to BBC television for decades, the world’s first regular public television service was transmitted here in 1936, direct from the East Wing studios. Where once they broadcast Muffin the Mule, experimented with Colour TV and launched BBC2, we now play host to everything from Top Gear to The X Factor, The Death of Stalin to Charlie Wilson’s War, Wireless Connect 360 festival to Idiot Prayer: Nick Cave Alone at Alexandra Palace. Find out more about our full range of filming services below.
Filming at the Palace
Locations & Studio Space
Alexandra Palace’s rich history adorns the fabric of our Grade II listed building, providing a unique multi-location site for productions. We have nine interlinking and flexible indoor studio spaces including The Great Hall and West Hall, exquisite Victorian Theatre and lofty Ice Rink plus 196 acres of park and woodland areas, all set against a panoramic view of London’s skyline. With plenty of pillar free, flexible space to build multiple sets in one room, black out, road level access, rigging facilities plus opportunities for long tenancies, our studios are available for film, TV, music videos, advertising campaigns and more.
Top gear case study
Streaming
As a legendary gig venue and having recently reopened our Victorian Theatre, frozen in time since its doors were closed in the 1930s, Ally Pally is a fascinating backdrop for virtual events. In 2020 we have been at the forefront of live streaming, working alongside our partners to bring the live music experience to thousands. Our Theatre played host to the critically acclaimed Wireless Connect, an interactive, virtual 360 degree festival experience with our VR partners Melody VR: this was the first of its kind and broadcast across the US, UK and Europe. And in the height of lockdown we collaborated with Nick Cave and his team to bring his intimate, haunting performance in the West Hall to thousands, all tuning in simultaneously worldwide. All of our spaces are available for streaming of theatre and live performance, as an organisation we are passionate about bringing the thrill of live entertainment to people during these challenging times.
Production Services
We provide a range of additional services to support the film, television, theatre, performance and entertainment industries. With up to 1200 car parking spaces on site, Unit Base can be provided as part of a shoot or standalone hire if you are filming elsewhere. All of our spaces can be hired for rehearsals; recent tenancies include the BBC Concert Orchestra in the Theatre and Dancing on Ice within the Ice Rink. Our spaces can also be turned into wardrobe space, production offices, holding areas, green rooms and more.
Stills Shoots
Alexandra Palace has endless options for stills shoots, from neoclassical and marble interiors to lofty glass atriums, faded Victorian grandeur in our Theatre to industrial red brick backdrops to beautiful parkland overlooking all of London. We work with brands on a range of advertising and editorial campaigns, having recently partnered with North Face, Flannels and Vestiaire.