Photography and Film from the edge of the UK
Shetland Location Scouting for Film & TV Production
Local expertise, dramatic landscapes and unrivalled access from one of the UK's most distinctive filming locations
Shetland is unlike anywhere else in the UK. Towering sea cliffs, wide open moorland, ancient stone structures, working fishing harbours, Norse heritage and some of the most dramatic skies in Europe all within a compact, accessible island group just two hours by air from Edinburgh or Aberdeen.
For productions looking for something genuinely different, Shetland delivers. And navigating it effectively requires local knowledge that no map or database can replace.
Initial Location Research
Remote research and consultation to assess whether Shetland suits your production's requirements. Includes overview of available location types, seasonal considerations, daylight hours and logistical factors before you commit to a recce trip.
Location Recces
On-the-ground recce photography and video across Shetland, covering specific location requirements identified by your production team. Delivered as a comprehensive photographic reference package including GPS coordinates, access notes and contact information.
Location Reports
Detailed written and photographic location reports formatted for production use, covering lighting conditions, access routes, parking and unit base options, proximity to facilities and any permissions or restrictions.
Permissions & Access
Shetland is largely privately owned crofting land, with a network of estates, local authorities and community bodies. Dave has established relationships across the islands and can advise on and in many cases facilitate access permissions and community liaison.
Logistics Support
Honest, practical advice on what production in Shetland actually involves accommodation capacity, freight and equipment logistics, ferry and air links, local crew and facilities, and seasonal planning.
Ongoing Production Support
Available to remain attached to a production throughout its Shetland shoot as a local fixer, unit stills photographer or drone operator providing continuity from pre-production through to wrap.
Why Shetland?
Productions that have filmed in Shetland include major BBC dramas, international documentary series and commercial campaigns for global brands. The islands offer extraordinary visual variety within a small geographic area, genuine remoteness without being inaccessible, and a local community experienced in and broadly supportive of screen production.
Shetland's unique light long summer days with near-constant golden hour, dramatic winter skies and the famous simmer dim gives footage a quality that is simply not replicable elsewhere in the UK.
Location Types Available
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Dramatic coastal cliffs and sea stacks
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Sandy beaches and turquoise waters
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Open moorland and peat bog
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Working fishing harbours and boatyards
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Norse and Pictish archaeological sites
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Traditional croft houses and stone buildings
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Industrial and energy infrastructure
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Lerwick town centre and Victorian commercial architecture
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Remote islands and uninhabited headlands
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Wind farms and renewable energy installations
Get in Touch
Planning a production in Shetland? Get in touch early even at treatment or development stage. The more lead time available, the better the locations we can find and secure for you.
Happy to have an initial conversation at no obligation.