Manchester is a city of massive industrial heritage and the epicenter of modern culture, deeply steeped in its constantly changing urban landscape. This is a great place for anyone looking to capture the essence on video. Whether it be music videos, short films, or social media content, Manchester offers the perfect mix of iconic locations and underground hotspots. From abandoned industrial sites to vibrant street art, this guide goes through the top public and private spots to shoot striking clips in Manchester.
Iconic Public Places to Shoot Clips
Manchester boasts several visually interesting public places, ranging from ancient to modern, which give just the right feel to any project.
1. Northern Quarter
With its eclectic mix of independent businesses, colorful murals, and gritty backstreets, the Northern Quarter is probably Manchester’s most popular filming location.
Best for: Urban, street-style shoots, music videos, and fashion content.
Hot spots: Graffiti walls in Stevenson Square, old-school vibes on Tib Street, and the retro-styled Afflecks building.
Permission required: Generally, no permits are needed for casual shoots, but larger productions may require council approval.
2. Castlefield
For those after a mix of industrial grit and picturesque waterways, Castlefield provides a pretty backdrop with cobbled streets, red-brick warehouses, and historic canals.
Best for: Historic and cinematic shots, atmospheric night shoots, and moody reflective scenes.
Notable spots: Castlefield Bowl, the bridges along the canal, and the Roman fort ruins.
Permission required: Public areas are open to filming, but drone use may require special permissions.
3. MediaCityUK
MediaCityUK, with its location at Salford Quays, is a hotbed for digital creativity coupled with modern architecture, lending it as a perfect background for futuristic and corporate-style content.
Best for: Corporate videos, interviews, and tech-focused content.
Notable spots: The BBC and ITV buildings, the futuristic pedestrian bridges, and the striking waterfront skyline.
Permission required: Public spaces are free to use, but filming near buildings may require prior arrangement.
4. Ancoats
Once an industrial powerhouse, Ancoats has transformed into a trendy neighborhood with a mix of old mills and modern developments. The raw brickwork and urban feel create an ideal contrast for creative visuals.
Best for: Indie style videos, artistic concepts, and street photography-inspired shoots. Noticeable locations: Cutting Room Square, Beehive Mill, and abandoned factory facades. Permission required: No permissions are required to shoot from outside in public areas. 5. Manchester Central Library and St. Peter’s Square NEO-classical grandeur combined with Manchester Central Library, and the surrounding contemporary architecture around St. Peter’s Square surely makes this place elegant for shoots. Best for: Documentary-style content, historical shoots, and formal videos.
Notable spots: The great columns of the library, the tramlines working their way across the square, and the nearlying Midland Hotel.
Permission required: Formal shoots inside the library require permission from Manchester City Council.
Cool Underground and Private Locations
For any video maker who wants to find something a bit more off the beaten track, Manchester has heaps of underground and slightly more obscure private locations that can make any production that little bit more special.
1. Victoria Baths
Known as Manchester’s ‘Water Palace,’ Victoria Baths is an architectural dream with stunning Edwardian tiling, stained glass, and ornate swimming pools.
Best for: Vintage-themed shoots, eerie aesthetics, and period content.
Access: Access is via private hire only. Prices vary depending on shoot size.
2. Mayfield Depot
This disused railway station turned creative space features a raw expanse of space-perfect for edge, industrial style shoots.
Best for: Music videos, underground club scenes, and grunge-inspired content.
Access: Private hire is possible through the events management, Escape to Freight Island.
3. Underground Tunnels (Great Northern Warehouse)
There are underground tunnels in Manchester, mainly around the Great Northern Warehouse. The locations of such tunnels provide shadowy pathways for creepy and atmospheric shoots.
Best for: Horror clip shootings, exploring urban footage, and suspenseful shooting.
Access: Private tours are allowed; special permission is needed to film there.
4. The Deaf Institute
This independent music venue is complete with unique vintage décor, quirky wallpaper, and intimate lighting. It’s the perfect stage for music-related shoots or retro-inspired content.
Best for: Live performance videos, intimate scenes, and alternative fashion shoots.
Access: Venue hire is available outside of regular event hours.
5. Salford Lads’ Club
Historic youth club immortalized on the album cover by The Smiths, this place is a perfect blend of nostalgia and culture for music and heritage projects.
Best for: Music documentaries, tribute videos, and local culture content.
Access: Private access can be arranged through the club’s management.
6. Hope Mill Theatre
Tucked away in the heart of Ancoats lies Hope Mill Theatre, an understated marvel offering an industrial chic base with brick faces and warmly embracing lights, perfect for the execution of a number of artistic projects.
Best for: Theater-based shoots, independent film projects, and creative conceptual videos.
Access: Available to hire subject to event schedules.
Tips for Video Makers Shooting in Manchester
Secure Permits Where Necessary: Most small shoots don’t require permits for public areas, but for larger shoots, it is recommended to contact Manchester City Council.
Be Mindful of Foot Traffic: Places like the Northern Quarter and Castlefield can get busy, so try to shoot early morning or late evening for the least amount of people around.
Consider the Weather: Manchester is known for its unpredictable weather; always have a contingency plan, especially when shooting outdoors.
Use a Professional Crew: Experienced videographers and production assistants bring out the ultimate from the dynamic locations in Manchester, meaning your shoot goes through hitch-free. Capture the Local Culture: From fashion and music to street art, there’s a strong cultural vibe that one can tap into, making everything quite authentic for your clips.
Conclusion
Manchester’s diverse urban landscape offers endless opportunities for the video maker, from iconic cityscapes to underground, undiscovered gems. From the bustling streets of the Northern Quarter to the atmospheric tunnels beneath the city, each location tells a different story and provides a unique backdrop for creative expression.
By navigating public and private spaces, the video maker takes advantage of Manchester’s amazing visual tapestry to capture something very distinctive that can show the rich character and charm of the city.
