Lights, Camera, E20

East Village and the surrounding Olympic Park area have become a popular filming location. Our striking architecture and distinctive urban landscape attract world-class TV and film productions regularly.

The Star Attraction: All of Us Strangers (2023)

The exterior shots of Adam’s (Andrew Scott) apartment building were filmed at Insignia Point in East Village. Director Andrew Haigh chose the tower for its “new” and detached feel, perfectly reflecting the main character’s sense of isolation. Interestingly, high-resolution photographs of the actual East Village view were digitally projected for the interior scenes filmed on a soundstage.

The Comedy Heritage: Twenty Twelve & Twenty Twenty Six

The BAFTA-winning mockumentary Twenty Twelve, starring Hugh Bonneville and Olivia Colman, famously satirised the organisation of the London Olympics. Much of it was filmed when E20 was still a massive construction site.

The story continues with the sequel, Twenty Twenty Six, set to air in 2026. Filming has once again returned to Insignia Point, where parts of E20 were transformed into a convincing Miami street scene.

The Viral Stunt: Mous Phone Cases

London-based tech brand Mous chose Victory Park as the backdrop for their extreme phone case drop tests. Their viral marketing campaigns often feature new iPhones being dropped from massive heights onto our granite paving to prove their durability.

Blockbusters & Thrillers: Confirmed Sightings

• Black Widow (Marvel Studios): Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff was spotted filming near the Lee Valley VeloPark and Parklands. The venue’s futuristic architecture was a perfect fit for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• Slow Horses (Apple TV+): Various locations across the Olympic Park represent the “real” high-tech MI5 headquarters, providing a sharp contrast to the grubby Slough House office where the main characters operate.
• Gangs of London (Sky/AMC): The Park’s waterways and bridges have been utilised for this intense crime drama, framing the corporate facade of London’s underworld.

Filmed on our Doorstep: Honourable Mentions

• The Gentlemen (Netflix Series): The gritty garage, “Mercy’s Motor,” was filmed at a warehouse on Barber’s Road, which sits just on the edge of the E20 border.
• Spider-Man: Far From Home: While local rumours suggested the drone battle was filmed here, it actually took place at the derelict Millennium Mills in the Royal Docks (E16).

Practical info for residents

Filming is managed by the LLDC and GetLiving. When a major production arrives:

• Filming notices are usually posted in building lobbies 48 hours in advance.
• Access to paths or parks may be briefly redirected by location marshals.
• Productions are generally required to maintain quiet after 10:00 PM unless specifically permitted for night shoots.