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What are the room hire rates and minimum spend requirements for film and photography bookings?

Room hire rates vary by space and duration, with examples including Queen Elizabeth II room at £1,150 + VAT for 8:30am-5pm with a minimum catering spend of £600 + VAT. The Great Room costs £3,000 + VAT for 6pm-10pm, while Prince Philip room is £1,400 + VAT for 6pm-11pm with £1,100 + VAT minimum catering spend. Weekend bookings require approximately £12,000 + VAT to open the house as RSA House is normally closed weekends.

What are the capacity limits and layout options for each filming/photography space?

The Great Room accommodates up to 200 reception style or 180 theatre, Queen Elizabeth II room holds up to 40 reception or 30 theatre, Prince Philip room fits 60 reception or 56 theatre, and Benjamin Franklin room supports 150 reception or 100 theatre. The Vaults can accommodate up to 220 reception or 160 exhibition style, making it suitable for larger productions.

What AV equipment and technical facilities are included or available for hire?

The Great Room includes built-in stage, customizable uplighters and audio-visual equipment, with a full AV package (data projector, screen, stage, lectern with microphone, handheld microphone, surround sound and AV technician for up to 8 hours) costing £940-£1,182 + VAT. Additional handheld or lapel microphones cost £68-£75 + VAT each, wireless uplighters are £22-£25 + VAT each (maximum 16), and TV screens cost £200 + VAT each.

Are there restrictions on external catering or dry hire for filming/photography events?

RSA House does not offer dry hire and does not permit any external catering. All events must include venue catering, with minimum catering spends ranging from £600-£1,100 + VAT depending on the space hired. This applies to all bookings including film and photography sessions.

What is the booking hold policy and contract requirements?

RSA House will hold dates for up to two weeks while you decide on the venue. If they need a decision sooner, they provide 48 hours notice to either confirm with a signed contract or release the date. For weekend events, hold periods may be up to five working days.

What are the standard operating hours and access times for filming/photography?

Standard venue hours appear to run from 8:30am-5pm for daytime events, with evening events typically from 6pm-11pm. Weekend access requires special arrangements and significantly higher costs (approximately £12,000 + VAT) as the house is normally closed. Setup time before events would need to be arranged separately.

What approval process is required for filming/photography content and organizations?

RSA House requires detailed information about the organization, event purpose, mission and values, themes of conversation, whether dignitaries or controversial figures will attend, plans for streaming/recording/broadcasting, press coverage, and confirmation that the event aligns with RSA's vision, mission and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments. This extensive vetting process applies to all bookings.

What unique features and historical elements are available in each space?

The Great Room features high ceilings, skylight with natural daylight, and six paintings by James Barry, plus hosted the first telephone demonstration by Sir Alexander Bell. Benjamin Franklin room has a chandelier designed by Troika representing bifocal lenses, and Churchill received the Albert Medal there in 1946. The Vaults feature exposed 18th-century brickwork and were originally wine cellars with direct Thames access.

Are there additional mandatory services or fees beyond room hire and catering minimums?

Beyond room hire and minimum catering spends, additional costs include AV packages (£940-£1,182 + VAT), individual AV items (microphones £68-£75 + VAT, uplighters £22-£25 + VAT, flipcharts £15 + VAT), and weekend opening fees (£12,000 + VAT). Service charges and VAT (20%) apply to all items.

What spaces work together and can be hired as combinations?

The Great Room and Benjamin Franklin room work hand-in-hand, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the catering space directly beneath the Great Room. Queen Elizabeth II room adjoins Prince Philip room on the 1st floor. The Vaults consist of four interconnecting spaces with their own Strand entrance, cloakroom and reception desk, making them suitable for larger productions requiring multiple areas.