Warner Bros. has uneviled plans for an in excess of £100 million re–building and expansion program that will create Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden – a permanent UK film production base for the company. Barry Meyer chairman and CEO and Alan Horn president and COO made the announcement at Claridges Hotel. Warner Bros.' purchase makes it the only Hollywood studio to possess and operate its own production facility in the UK. Once complete Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden will enjoy one of the largest backlots in Europe represent approximately a third of the dedicated stage space for major film production in the UK and be able to accommodate a number of major Warner Bros. and third party film productions each year as well as TV and advertising productions. On the heels of that announcement Warner also announced that the Thinkwell Group a full-service experiential design and development firm will design and produce a one-of-a-kind behind the scenes look at the Harry Potter movie series which will by prior booking give the general public the ability to tour several of the original Harry Potter film sets at the studio where all eight movies were produced. There guests will have the opportunity to see many of the iconic sets costumes creatures and props and witness the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship that went into bringing the film series to life. Warner Bros. has used the studio facilities just outside Watford northwest of London since 2000 including the production of all eight Harry Potter films as well as many other recent Warner Bros. hits including The Dark Knight and Inception. As well as employing thousands of people year-on-year this involvement has attracted close to £1.9 billion in film production budgets equating to almost 40 percent of the UK's inward investment in film production over that time. Having received all necessary planning approvals from Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council Warner Bros. is now set to build on that contribution with the re–development of the 170 acre site that will see the refurbishment and expansion of the studio increasing its ability to provide for services such as visual effects prosthetics animatronics and film editing as well as expanding the external filming and production areas. This commitment will help to sustain the level of employment generated by the productions based at the studio of approximately 1500 jobs and the creation of around 300 more including building and specialist contractors. As part of the redevelopment two new sound stages will be built to house and display many of the iconic sets costumes creatures and props from various Warner Bros. films shot in the UK. Initially this will be a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter movie series and by prior booking will give the general public the ability to tour several of the original Harry Potter film sets at the studio where all eight movies were produced. There guests will have the opportunity to witness the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship that went into bringing the film series to life and discover the career opportunities that exist within this dynamic and growing industry. Meyer says For 86 years Warner Bros. has been intrinsically involved in film production in the UK. Our purchase of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and our multi-million pound investment in creating a state–of–the–art permanent UK film production base further demonstrates our long-term commitment to and confidence in the skills and creativity of the UK film industry. Horn says From Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 & 2 the roll call of movies made at Leavesden is nothing short of spectacular. Over the last decade it has been a place of incredible ambition boundless energy and unprecedented success and I'm delighted that we are going to build on that rich legacy with many more productions in the future. Josh Berger president and managing director Warner Bros. UK Ireland and Spain says At a time when investment in the UK is critical Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden is a significant endorsement of the creative talent here in the UK. It will generate jobs inward investment and interest in an industry that is respected the world over. Roy Button OBE SVP and managing director Warner Bros. Productions says It is fitting that as we reach the conclusion of the Harry Potter movie franchise — a series indelibly linked to Leavesden — we're extending and updating the studio and at the same time preserving some of the extraordinary film sets and props our teams have created for some of the most successful movies of recent times. Dan Dark SVP and managing director Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden says Our exciting re–development plans give us the opportunity to create a truly world class facility in the UK. We are grateful that Watford Council Three Rivers Council Hertfordshire County Council and the local communities recognize and value the contribution that Warner Bros. has already made in the area and we look forward to playing our part in sustaining and growing the region's reputation for filmmaking excellence in the coming years. Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden is expected to open in mid 2012. Warner Bros Entertainment www.warnerbros.com
