Filming on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is sometimes referred to as ‘England in a Nutshell’ and with its huge variation in landscape and terrain it’s not hard to see why. We’ve got everything from pebbly secret coves and vast sandy beaches to golden fields and quaint streets lined with thatched cottages, making it the perfect backdrop for any film or media project. When you’re on the Island, all these beautiful and varied scenes lie within a 23 mile radius, making for an easily accessible film set.

The weather should hold out too – the Isle of Wight has its own microclimate! It has been recorded over the years that the Island has more hours of sunshine than the rest of the UK, so you’re likely to have more clear days for filming and the wet weather equipment can stay at home! To add to the great climate and look of the landscape, we have a wide range of trusted creative services available on the Island, from professional camerapersons and models to stills photographers and recording studios. If you’re looking for the perfect retreat to get the creative juices flowing whilst having access to a range of experienced creative professionals, the Isle of Wight has got it covered.

Find the perfect backdrop...

Coastal

Being an Island naturally means we’re surround by coastline! We’ve got stunning sandy beaches as well as quaint, pebbly coves and bays located at various points along the coastline.

• Compton Bay is well known for its surf and vast sands, making it the perfect destination for beach lovers in the summer and a great place to take a bracing walk in the winter.
• Appley Beach at Ryde offers miles and miles of sandy shores as well as its very own tower that looks over the sea. The bright golden sands conjure up pictures of the Caribbean rather than the UK.
• Steephill Cove is one of the Isle of Wight’s most idyllic seaside locations. This very small, pebbly cove lined with quaint coastal cottages is a favourite with visitors and residents and provides stunning views out over the English Channel.
• Freshwater Bay is a pebbly beach surrounded by chalky cliffs and stacks and is steeped in history. Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Julia Margaret Cameron made the Island their home in Victorian times and were central figures in the famous ‘Freshwater Circle’. The bay lies beside Tennyson Down, a large grassy hill where Tennyson loved to walk in search of inspiration for his poetry.

Towns & Villages

The Isle of Wight is a great place to see chocolate-box thatched cottages and quaint roads harking back to yesteryear!

• Winkle Street is known as one of the wonders of the Isle of Wight! The street is made up of a row of picturesque cottages opposite a stream and fields.
• Shanklin Old Village is a picturesque olden day village made up of stone, thatched buildings leading down to a magical chine. The roads are lined with small, local shops and at the centre of the town is a thatched pub!
• Cowes is a hive of activity in the summer months when it hosts one of the world’s largest sailing regattas Cowes Week. The high street of this popular sailing town is lined with local shops and excellent cafes (with some larger chains) and is a great place to visit to soak up the Island’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
• Newport is the Isle of Wight's central town and the main shopping destination. A number of cafes sit alongside the River Medina, which runs through the town. On the outskirts of Newport lies Carisbrooke, a small village particularly famous for its medieval castle!

AONB

Did you know that half of the Isle of Wight is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? As well as stunning beaches and quaint towns and villages, we have untouched green fields and lowland aplenty.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The whole of the Isle of Wight (including the waters around the Island) is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

To become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a region needs to show that people and the natural environment are coexisting harmoniously. Put simply, the Isle of Wight can demonstrate to the highest level that there is a balanced relationship between people and nature and, that in spite of the modern-day pressures brought about by the progress of human beings, nature continues to thrive here.

Services

If you’d like to make the Isle of Wight the home of your next media project, take a look at some of the services we have to offer below. Many creative professionals choose to make the Island their home due to its separation from the mainland and its inspirational natural beauty, so you won’t be stuck for resources whilst you’re here.

FilmWight

FilmWight is the Isle of Wight’s official film office, recognized by Creative England and The Filming in England Partnership, and operated with the endorsement of Isle of Wight Council, with assistance from Arts Council England and Wightlink.

The Island is an undiscovered gem: a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve only two hours from London. Nowhere in the UK has as many varied locations within easy reach of each other: period villages and towns, grand stately homes, modernist architecture, derelict buildings, commercial and industrial sites, vineyards, seaside piers and miles of expansive cliffs and beaches. 

Of particular interest are the locations and landscapes that can double for other countries. With the Island’s microclimate, providing more sunlight hours than any other UK location, post Brexit, producers have an excellent alternative to filming overseas - in addition to reducing their carbon footprint.

For more information about filming and content creation on the Isle of Wight including:

• Identifying and accessing locations.   
• Facilitating licensing and permissions.
• Providing, and signposting, local specialist support services. 
• Arranging preferential travel rates and accommodation (including free travel for scouting trips and highly advantageous rates for productions).

…please visit www.filmwight.com or contact the IW Film Officer dave@filmwight.com / on 07790 951101

Isle of Wight Film Fixers

Isle of Wight Film Fixers provides a one stop place for your production. Their team of professionals know the industry and have local knowledge so they know what will work for you. They can assist you to find what you need whilst keeping within your budgets as well as offering free recce's. See their ever growing catalogs of what you might need. 

Isle of Wight Locations

Isle of Wight Locations have an ever growing location catalog for what you need. They are able to show you that the Isle of Wight has so much more than just amazing views. 

Island People Agency

Island People supply Island based models, actors, supporting artist and PR staff. Book now.

Accommodation

Looking for somewhere to stay? We’ve got a wide range of accommodation available to suit all party sizes and budgets from hotels and hostels to self-catering cottages and B&Bs. View our accommodation page to browse the entire list and take a look at some of the Island’s best things to do in between shoots!