Filming in the DO banner

The Data Observatory is a visually immersive space featuring ultra-high-definition 4K resolution screens, making it a striking and dynamic backdrop for filming. While it’s not a professional studio, the Data Observatory has been used by a range of media outlets and organisations to create compelling visual content.

How to book the DO for filming

Follow the booking process

To request filming in the DO, please follow these steps:

  1. Contact us by sending an email to:
  2. Complete the paperwork:
  3. Understand the fees:
    • Internal filming for outreach purposes benefits from a preferential rate
    • External organisations are subject to a standard filming fee
  4. Coordinate with Imperial’s media team:
  5. Review Imperial’s filming guidance:

Planning a Custom Demo?

If your filming involves a custom visual or interactive demo on the Data Observatory screens, please refer to our DO Demo Guidance. 

We require at least 2 weeks’ notice to prepare and support this.

Important Notes

  • The DO is not a filming studio: we do not provide studio lighting, and the screen refresh rate and image quality cannot be adjusted.
  • However, the 4K screens offer a visually rich and impactful setting that enhances filmed content.

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The following examples highlight the DO’s versatility as a filming location for science communication, outreach, and media production.

Data Observatory in the media

On the BBC's 'The Sky at Night', Professor Chris Lintott is on a virtual field trip to Mars with Professor Sanjeev Gupta.

Dr Chris van Tulleken investigates a mysterious virus that could cause the next pandemic, one scientists think will be deadlier than Covid-19.

Professor Sanjeev Gupta on ITV news talking about new research that shows "a tantilising hint of potential life" on Mars.

BBC Click's Spencer Kelly catches up with astronaut Tim Peake about the history of space exploration, the pioneers who helped us get there and what the future could hold.

Xander Engineers tackle big data at the Data Observatory

Ahead of World Mental Health Day 2017, The Duke of Cambridge visited the DO to see the impact of the Heads Together Campaign.