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Leavesden Aerodrome

Coordinates: 51°41′36″N 0°25′11″W / 51.69333°N 0.41972°W / 51.69333; -0.41972
From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Leavesden Aerodrome, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 202515 sources
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
Company typePrivate
IndustryFilm production, Media
PredecessorLeavesden Aerodrome (former)
Founded1994
Headquarters
Leavesden, Watford
,
England, United Kingdom
Area served
Worldwide
OwnerWarner Bros.
Number of employees
300 (new jobs created in 2012 expansion)
Websitewww.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden

Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden is a film studio complex covering an area of approximately 80 ha (200-acre), situated in Leavesden, within the borough of Watford, Hertfordshire, part of the East of England. Originally known as Leavesden Film Studios and commonly referred to as Leavesden Studios or simply Leavesden, this media facility is owned by Warner Bros.. The site was formerly an aircraft manufacturing plant and airfield called Leavesden Aerodrome, which played a significant role in British aircraft production during World War II. The closest railway access point is King's Langley, located about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) away on foot.

The complex boasts around 50,000 m2 (540,000 sq ft) of adaptable space, encompassing sound stages, one of Europe's largest filtered and heated water tanks designed for stage productions, offices for production teams, workshops, and various support buildings. Additionally, it features an expansive 32 ha (79 acres) backlot with a 180-degree unobstructed horizon, ideal for shooting outdoor scenes. After undergoing a £110 million upgrade led by Warner Bros., the studios have become among the largest and most technologically advanced film production facilities worldwide.

While Warner Bros. holds ownership of the studios, all facilities are available for hire by external productions. Since taking over the premises, Warner Bros. has also launched a public exhibition called Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which attracts upwards of 6,000 visitors daily during peak periods. The site continues to operate a secure studio environment within the same complex.

Leavesden Aerodrome

Leavesden Aerodrome was established in 1940 through a collaboration between the de Havilland Aircraft Company and the Air Ministry in the village of Leavesden, situated between Watford and Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire.

Following the outbreak of World War II, construction commenced in 1940. The de Havilland company, headquartered nearby in Hatfield, secured a contract with the Air Ministry to manufacture the renowned Mosquito fast bomber. Since de Havilland’s existing facilities at Hatfield Aerodrome lacked sufficient space for the extensive hangars necessary to produce the large volume of aircraft demanded, the Ministry of Supply acquired a vacant plot from Watford Corporation at Leavesden. This site was then transformed into a substantial production complex. Due to the high costs involved, portions of the facility were leased to the London Aircraft Production Group and The Second Aircraft Group. These groups, operating under Handley Page, another aeroplane manufacturer based in Hertfordshire contracted by the Air Ministry, were responsible for producing the Handley Page Halifax heavy bomber. Consequently, by war’s end, Leavesden Airfield had become the world’s largest factory by volume.

Both aircraft models played vital roles for Britain during the war. Given the critical demand for aircraft production, many workers—many without prior experience or training—were recruited, with women eventually comprising over half of the workforce. An airstrip was constructed alongside the factory to facilitate testing and delivery of completed aircraft. Despite undergoing two significant refurbishments, the runway and control tower still exist today as preserved elements of the site’s heritage. Presently, the runway serves as the primary roadway through the complexTemplate:Update inline, while the control tower functions as an observation lounge.

After World War II, de Havilland acquired full ownership of the aerodrome. Over subsequent decades, ownership passed through several entities including Hawker Siddeley from 1959, until ultimately coming under Rolls-Royce. Under Rolls-Royce stewardship, helicopter engine design and manufacturing continued on-site. Notably, the RTM322 engine—used in UK Apache, Merlin, and NH90 helicopters—was developed at Leavesden as a joint venture with France’s Turbomeca. The airfield also accommodated small commercial business aircraft due to its proximity to both the M1 and M25. However, by the early 1990s, with British manufacturing in decline, Rolls-Royce divested its interests and relocated operations to Bristol. Unable to secure new ownership, Leavesden Aerodrome was largely abandoned by 1994.

At various times, the following units were stationed here:

Leavesden Studios

In 1994, the production of Eon Productions' James Bond installment GoldenEye faced a significant challenge: Pinewood Studios, their usual filming location, was fully booked with other projects and unable to accommodate the series' return after several years of legal delays between MGM and Eon Productions. With limited time to secure a suitable venue for constructing extensive sets, the filmmakers identified the vacant Leavesden site. The expansive and tall aircraft hangars proved ideal for transformation into film stages. Eon Productions leased the premises for their shoot, converting the former factories into sound stages, workshops, and administrative offices necessary for a functional film studio. This transformation process is documented in the 2006 DVD special features. The production team humorously dubbed Leavesden "Cubbywood" in tribute to Albert R. 'Cubby' Broccoli, Eon's longtime producer, reflecting their admiration for the vast facility now at their disposal.

Following the completion of GoldenEye, Leavesden Studios—renamed by its owners—quickly gained popularity as a filming location. It hosted several major productions, including the 1997 release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the first of the Star Wars prequels, as well as Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow.

The Great Hall set from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, inspired by Christ Church’s Hall in Oxford[1][2]

By 2000, Heyday Films secured use of Leavesden on behalf of Warner Bros. for the production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Over the following decade, every film in the Harry Potter series was based at Leavesden Studios.

While other productions—primarily Warner Bros.' projects—occasionally utilized parts of the studios, much of Leavesden remained dedicated to the permanent sets constructed for Harry Potter. Notably, films such as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Sherlock Holmes incorporated some of these sets due to their fitting Victorian-era ambiance. Nonetheless, during this period it became evident that certain aspects of the studio required enhancement; none of the sound stages were fully soundproofed, and aging World War II-era ceilings were prone to leakage during rain.

One prominent outdoor set built on Leavesden’s backlot was a street lined with ten houses (five on each side), created specifically to depict Privet Drive in the Harry Potter films.

On 21 March 2010, a fire broke out on one of the Hogwarts sets during filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. Fortunately, damage to the set was minimal.

As production on the final Harry Potter installment neared completion in 2010, Warner Bros. announced plans to acquire Leavesden Studios outright as their permanent European production base—the first studio acquisition in Europe since Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s purchase in the 1940s.

Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden

Logo of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
Entrance to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter at Leavesden

In November 2010, Warner Bros. finalized the acquisition of Leavesden Studios, where they had operated for more than a decade, and revealed intentions to invest over £100 million in upgrading the facility, subsequently renaming it Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. This acquisition established Warner Bros. as the sole Hollywood studio maintaining a permanent production base within the United Kingdom.

The extensive redevelopment project primarily focused on transforming stages A through H into modern sound stages, outfitting them with cutting-edge production technology. These upgraded stages involved adapting existing structures, while preserving original elements such as the former aerodrome’s runway and control tower, along with the foundational architecture of all buildings on site. The comprehensive renovation was completed by 2012, allowing the studios to resume operations for both film and television productions.

As part of this transformation, Warner Bros. constructed two brand-new soundstages, designated J and K, specifically to host a permanent public exhibition titled Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. This development generated approximately 300 new employment opportunities within the surrounding community. Presently, the attraction is dedicated entirely to showcasing the production of the Harry Potter films and houses numerous sets, props, and costumes from the series. It officially opened to visitors in early 2012.

The first motion picture filmed at the newly refurbished Leavesden Studios was Edge of Tomorrow. Although owned privately by Warner Bros., the studio’s soundstages are available for lease to various film and television projects.

On 30 June 2014, Warner Bros. announced plans to expand Leavesden Studios further by adding three new advanced soundstages along with an additional 10,000 m2 (110,000 sq ft) of office space. This announcement occurred during an event celebrating the Creative Industries, hosted by Prime Minister David Cameron, and attended by WB CEO Kevin Tsujihara and WB UK Managing Director Josh Berger. The expansion included one large soundstage measuring 3,250 m2 (35,000 sq ft) and two smaller stages each covering 1,575 m2 (16,950 sq ft), complemented by 1,860 m2 (20,000 sq ft) of adjoining office facilities, all completed by late 2014. Concurrently, filming began on the live-action feature The Legend of Tarzan at the studio. Following these upgrades, Leavesden Studios ranks among the largest and most technologically advanced secured film production centers worldwide.

Royal inauguration

Nearly two decades after the transformation of the site from an aerodrome into film studios, and more than a year following the completion of extensive renovations, the facility was formally inaugurated on 26 April 2013 by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. During their visit, they were joined by the Duke's sibling Prince Harry and author J. K. Rowling, who had been unable to attend the official opening event the previous year, along with other distinguished guests. Invitations to experience the Studio Tour were extended to several hundred individuals supported by various charities on that day. The royal party explored both the tour and the production studios, examining costumes and props from Christopher Nolan's Batman films, before officially inaugurating the premises.[3][4]

Fire incident in 2019

On 10 July 2019, a blaze erupted within one of the studio's sets, requiring emergency teams approximately 15 hours to bring under control. The fire caused damage to a set used in the production of the HBO television show Avenue 5.[5][6]

Productions

Among the films that utilized these studios are the following:

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

Several television series have utilized these studios, including:

In addition, footage for theme park attractions created at these facilities includes:

Moreover, these studios have supported numerous music videos and commercials, notably contributing to the production of Jamiroquai's visual for "Deeper Underground."

Studio tour

Main article: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Potter's cottage in Godric's Hollow

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a permanent exhibition located in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, England, offering visitors an insider look at the production of the Harry Potter film series.

Opened to the public in early 2012, the launch event featured appearances by numerous cast and crew members from the Harry Potter movies.[11][12]

Visitors typically spend around three and a half hours exploring the tour, which can accommodate up to 8,000 guests each day.[13] Although Warner Bros. produced the Harry Potter films, this experience is not designed as a theme park because the rights to create one were sold to Universal Studios.[13]

While the main tour is self-directed, visitors can opt for guided tours at an extra fee.[14]

Creation

Following the success of the first film in 2001, Warner Bros. began planning a dedicated attraction for the Harry Potter franchise and started preserving props and sets that were no longer in use during filming.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

The overall design and layout of the tour were developed by the Los Angeles-based Thinkwell Group, working closely with Warner Bros. and key members of the film production team such as Production Designer Stuart Craig, Set dresser Stephenie McMillan, Creature Designer Nick Dudman, and Special effects supervisor John Richardson.[15] The exhibition exclusively features sets, costumes, and props originally created for or utilized in the Harry Potter films. Highlights include iconic locations such as the Great Hall, Dumbledore's Office, Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, Gryffindor Common Room and Boys' Dormitory, Hagrid's Hut, as well as a detailed 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts Castle.

The Hogwarts model at a scale of 1:24 displayed within the studio

Reception

Since its debut in 2012, TripAdvisor has consistently ranked The Making of Harry Potter as the top-rated attraction worldwide every year.

Expansions

Warner Bros. has maintained a dynamic schedule of special seasonal features, including themes such as Dark Arts, Magical Mischief, and Hogwarts in the Snow. Certain exhibits, like the Wand Choreography Interactive and the interior of the final No. 4 Privet Drive Exterior set, gained such popularity that they have been retained beyond the conclusion of their original seasonal runs.

In January 2015, the attraction unveiled its inaugural expansion: a dedicated Platform 9¾ area. Here, guests can board the authentic carriages positioned behind the Hogwarts Express steam locomotive featured in the films. This setup includes the GWR 4900 Class 5972 Olton Hall—dressed as 5972 Hogwarts Express—alongside the British Rail Mark 1 train used on screen, all brought to life through the expertise of John Richardson and his special effects team. Additionally, a green screen experience offers visitors a glimpse into what it feels like to work on the films from an actor’s perspective. This new section opened its doors in late March 2015.

The tour at Warner Bros. Studios Burbank has been rebranded as Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, having formerly operated under the name Warner Bros. Studios VIP Tour. Warner Bros. has enhanced this tour by introducing additional amenities and expanded visitor options.

The most recent expansion launched in Summer 2023 with the opening of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Harry Potter fans boost Oxford Christ Church Cathedral" Archived 15 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine. BBC. 25 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "Visitor Information: Harry Potter". Christ Church, Oxford. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  3. ↑ "Royals enjoy a wizard time on Harry Potter studio tour". Watford Observer. 26 April 2013. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  4. ↑ "Photos: Duke and Duchess at Inauguration of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden". Denver Post. Archived from the original on 10 May 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  5. ↑ "Warner Bros Studios fire: Crews tackle blaze for 15 hours". BBC News. 11 July 2019. Archived from the original on 11 July 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  6. ↑ Wiseman, Andreas (11 July 2019). "HBO's 'Avenue 5′ Set Damaged In Fire At Warner Bros' Leavesden Studios In UK – Update". Archived from the original on 29 September 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  7. ↑ Ritman, Alex (19 February 2018). "5 London Studios Hollywood Loves". TheHollywoodReporter. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  8. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (3 September 2020). "'The Batman' UK Production Halted Temporarily After Positive Coronavirus Test". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  9. ↑ Lang, Brent (19 August 2020). "Robert Pattinson's 'The Batman' Resuming Production in September". Variety. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  10. ↑ 2025 film and high-end TV productions shooting in the UK and Ireland: latest updates
  11. ↑ "Harry Potter Message Boards :: SnitchSeeker.com - Powered by vBulletin". www.snitchseeker.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  12. ↑ "Cast & crew attend Warner Bros Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter grand opening - SnitchSeeker.com". www.snitchseeker.com. Archived from the original on 25 September 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Sabbagh, Dan (10 June 2012). "Josh Berger on Leavesden film studios: Harry Potter's new chamber of secrets". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
  14. ↑ "Warner Bros. Studio Tour London's accessibility guide to the tour". YouTube. Archived from the original on 7 October 2016. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
  15. ↑ "Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter | Thinkwell Group | Experience Design CompanyThinkwell Group, Inc". Archived from the original on 21 November 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2013.

External links

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HHatfield AerodromeTThinkwell GroupDDe Havilland MarineRRichard Clarkson
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