Warner Bros. Discovery is to expand its UK film and television studio Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (WBSL), adding 10 new sound stages and 400,000 square feet of production and support space.
Groundbreaking on the project, which will grow the production capacity at WBSL by more than 50%, will begin in the second quarter of 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
The expanded WBSL will become a primary production hub for DC Studios.
DC Studios Co-Chairmen and CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran will consult with the expansion team to ensure that their ideas are incorporated into the new studio and production facilities.
The expansion will boost the total stage count from 19 to 29 and the overall production space from 1.14 million sq. ft to 1.78 million sq ft.
Recent film and television shows shot on WBSL soundstages include: the global phenomenon Barbie; HBO’s hit series House of the Dragon; and the upcoming film Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
It is anticipated that the expansion will help to create another 4,000 new direct and indirect jobs in the UK and grow WBSL’s contribution to the UK economy by more than £200m, raising the total value of film and television production at WBSL to more than £600m annually.
Simon Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery Studios, said: “Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden is globally-recognised for its exceptional soundstages and facilities, and with this planned expansion adding significant capacity and capabilities, it will be home to even more incredible storytelling for both film and television projects.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, said: “The enormous strength of our creative industries sees films and television shows made in the UK reaching cinemas and front rooms across the world, including Barbie and the House of the Dragon series. Warner Bros. Discovery’s ambitious plan to grow its Leavesden studio is a huge vote of confidence in the UK – creating thousands of jobs and growing our economy – and means that British-made entertainment will continue to delight and entertain global audiences.”
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