Entertainment - Media News Watch originally published at Entertainment - Media News Watch
Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden. Discovery said on Thursday it plans to expand
The company said it anticipated the work to be completed in 2027.The expansion will boost the total stage count from 19 to 29 and the overall production space from 1.14million sq ft to 1.78million sq ft.This year’s number one film Barbie
shot on WBSL soundstages, as did HBO series
House Of The Dragon
, and the upcoming tentpole
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom.DC Studios co-chairmen and CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran will consult with the expansion team to ensure their ideas are incorporated into the new studio and production facilities.The expansion plan will extend WBSL’s positive economic contribution to the Leavesden community and across the UK. It is anticipated it will drive the creation of a further 4,000 new direct and indirect jobs across the UK and grow WBSL’s contribution to the UK economy by more than PS200m, raising the total value of film and television production at WBSL to in excess of PS600m annually.Simon Robinson, COO of Warner Bros. Discovery Studios said: “Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden has been internationally recognised for its outstanding sound stages and facilities. With this planned expansion, it will be the home of even more incredible storytelling in both film and TV projects.” We are proud to not only be growing our productions in Leavesden and making it the main hub for DC Studios, but also to be growing our economic and community contributions to the UK’s creative sector.”UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt 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.”
The expansion plan was developed in consultation with Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council with consideration for prioritising sustainability.Warner Bros. Discovery will launch its CrewHQ program later this year in order to foster workforce development in film production. CrewHQ will also support regional skills programmes and outreach educational support. It will also support careers events and entry level training.
Entertainment - Media News Watch originally published at Entertainment - Media News Watch
