In a significant move for the UK's film and TV production sector, Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to transform Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (WBSL) into a major production center for DC Studios.
The expansion initiative, set to kick off in the second quarter of 2024, will introduce 10 new sound stages and an extra 400,000 square feet of production space. This move is set to surge WBSL's production capability by over 50%. The ambitious project is forecasted to conclude in 2027.
Upon completion, the total stage tally at WBSL will jump from 19 to 29, while the cumulative production area will grow from 1.14 million square feet to a whopping 1.78 million square feet.
WBSL's acclaim is evident with top productions like the chart-topping film "Barbie", HBO's "House Of The Dragon", and the much-anticipated "Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom" being shot there.
For this venture, DC Studios' top brass, James Gunn and Peter Safran, will liaise with the expansion crew, ensuring that their visions seamlessly blend with the revamped facilities.
This strategic enlargement is predicted to enhance WBSL’s economic footprint in the Leavesden locality and throughout the UK. It's poised to spawn an additional 4,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities nationwide. Furthermore, the economic contribution of WBSL to the UK is projected to soar by over £200 million, bringing the annual worth of its film and TV production to a staggering £600 million.
Simon Robinson, Warner Bros. Discovery Studios' COO, voiced his enthusiasm: “WBSL stands out globally for its top-notch facilities. With this expansion, we're set to elevate our narrative capabilities for both cinema and TV. We take pride in bolstering our operations in Leavesden, cementing its status as DC Studios' epicenter, and amplifying our contributions to the UK's creative realm.”
Jeremy Hunt, the UK Chancellor, chimed in with praise: “UK’s creative muscle is evident with our productions gracing screens worldwide. Warner Bros. Discovery's ambitious blueprint for Leavesden reiterates their faith in the UK, promising job opportunities and economic growth. It ensures that UK-produced content will persist in enchanting audiences globally.”
Crafted in collaboration with Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council, the expansion blueprint is designed with a sustainable approach in mind.
Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery is set to roll out the CrewHQ initiative, aiming at fostering talent development in the entertainment industry. WBSL will also house a training hub to upskill its crew and cultivate diverse talent, while the CrewHQ initiative will enhance regional skill sets, provide educational assistance, and offer entry-level training.
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