Is the van silent enough for sound recording?

The van has no engine running when parked, as the freezers run on battery. That removes the biggest source of noise. Equipment inside the van may make a little sound, so if it is in shot during dialogue, talk to us and the sound team about what is needed.

Can the van be used as a picture vehicle?

Yes. The vans have classic Mr. Whippy and Wall's livery, one red and one cream. Tell us about the scene, the period and any changes the art department wants, and we will tell you what is possible. We can also keep the van closed and dressed as part of the set, with no service at all.

Can you work long or early shoot days?

Shoot days often start early and run long. Share the call sheet and expected wrap time, and we will quote for the hours needed. Early calls and long days are part of what shapes the quote. We will also plan the drive so we are on time for an early call.

Ice cream van hire · London & Home Counties

Ice cream van hire for film and TV

A battery-powered ice cream van, silent while serving, for crew catering at unit base or as a picture vehicle in shot.

Get a quote 020 8088 5431

Ice cream vans turn up on screen more often than you might think: a summer street scene, a seaside flashback, a music video or an advert set in a park. Productions also book them off camera, as a treat for the crew on a hot day at unit base or a wrap-day thank-you. Film and TV work is one of the occasions we cater for, in front of the camera and behind it.

On set, the biggest advantage of battery-powered serving is silence. Once parked, there is no engine ticking over to keep the freezers cold, so sound recordists do not need to ask for the van to be switched off between takes. With the engine off, there is no exhaust in shot or near cast and crew. The van is ULEZ compliant across London, which helps with locations in central and inner boroughs.

Productions work on call sheets and tight schedules. Tell us the call time, the unit base or location address, any parking instructions and who our contact is in the locations or production team. We will arrive on time, park where we are told and stay out of the way until we are needed. If the schedule changes, as it often does, a call to us is all it takes.

Why our vans suit it

Silent while parked on setNo engine runs while the van is serving or parked. Sound teams can record without having to ask for a generator or engine to be cut.
Picture-ready vansClassic livery in red or cream gives art departments a recognisable British ice cream van without the need to dress one.
Crew catering made easyAt unit base, the van serves the crew between set-ups, with nothing to plug in and no fumes near catering or the trucks while we serve.
Documents for locationsInsurance, hygiene rating and risk assessments are ready for the locations team and any council filming office.

Planning ice cream for film and tvPractical tips

Confirm picture or catering

Tell us whether the van is a picture vehicle, crew catering, or both. A picture vehicle may need specific livery, a driver on standby and no serving at all.

Share the call sheet

Call time, unit base location, parking notes and a contact name are what we need. We will plan the journey around them.

Mind the filming permit

Filming in public places usually involves a council filming office. Make sure the van is included in the permit or parking arrangements where needed.

Plan around continuity

If the van appears across several scenes or days, tell us. We will keep the same van and the same look for continuity.

Schedule crew service

For crew catering, agree a window around lunch or a natural break, so the van does not pull people off set during a take.

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Questions people ask

Is the van silent enough for sound recording?: The van has no engine running when parked, as the freezers run on battery. That removes the biggest source of noise. Equipment inside the van may make a little sound, so if it is in shot during dialogue, talk to us and the sound team about what is needed.
Can the van be used as a picture vehicle?: Yes. The vans have classic Mr. Whippy and Wall's livery, one red and one cream. Tell us about the scene, the period and any changes the art department wants, and we will tell you what is possible. We can also keep the van closed and dressed as part of the set, with no service at all.
Can you work long or early shoot days?: Shoot days often start early and run long. Share the call sheet and expected wrap time, and we will quote for the hours needed. Early calls and long days are part of what shapes the quote. We will also plan the drive so we are on time for an early call.

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