Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden

Our History

The site of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden has a rich history and has led several fascinating lives since it was originally built more than 70 years ago. From wartime aircraft factory to today’s dream factory, this place has undergone plenty of changes over the years, while always remaining as central to the local community as it is today.

1940
LEAVESDEN AERODROME AND WORLD WAR II
The site begins life as Leavesden Aerodrome. Acquired by The Ministry of Defence to support the war effort, it’s transformed into a production base for thousands of aircraft, including Halifax Bombers and the Mosquito combat aircraft.
1940
LEAVESDEN AERODROME AND WORLD WAR II
The site begins life as Leavesden Aerodrome. Acquired by The Ministry of Defence to support the war effort, it’s transformed into a production base for thousands of aircraft, including Halifax Bombers and the Mosquito combat aircraft.
1946 - 1967
The De Havilland Aircraft Company
After World War II ends, manufacturing continues at the site, which is subsequently transferred to the de Havilland Engine Company.
1946 - 1967
The De Havilland Aircraft Company
After World War II ends, manufacturing continues at the site, which is subsequently transferred to the de Havilland Engine Company.
1967 - 1992
The Rolls Royce Era
Rolls-Royce buys the site in 1967 and continues to build aircraft and helicopter engines, employing hundreds of local people. After 25 years, the factory eventually closes in 1992, with the loss of 1,600 jobs. For the next two years the site stands empty.
1967 - 1992
The Rolls Royce Era
Rolls-Royce buys the site in 1967 and continues to build aircraft and helicopter engines, employing hundreds of local people. After 25 years, the factory eventually closes in 1992, with the loss of 1,600 jobs. For the next two years the site stands empty.
1994
Goldeneye
Unable to shoot their next 007 movie GoldenEye at Pinewood Studios, the James Bond production team discovers the unoccupied Leavesden site. Its huge hangars, airfield and uninterrupted vistas make it the ideal temporary location. GoldenEye becomes the first film to be shot here, and a new era begins.
1994
Goldeneye
Unable to shoot their next 007 movie GoldenEye at Pinewood Studios, the James Bond production team discovers the unoccupied Leavesden site. Its huge hangars, airfield and uninterrupted vistas make it the ideal temporary location. GoldenEye becomes the first film to be shot here, and a new era begins.
1994 - 2000
Leavesden Studios
The gates reopen and the factory is converted into a film production facility. As its reputation grows, the following years see it hosting many high-profile movie productions, including Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace, and Sleepy Hollow.
1994 - 2000
Leavesden Studios
The gates reopen and the factory is converted into a film production facility. As its reputation grows, the following years see it hosting many high-profile movie productions, including Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace, and Sleepy Hollow.
2000 - 2010
The Harry Potter Years
With Leavesden now established as an ideal setting for large-scale film productions, Warner Bros. leases the site for a decade, to produce all eight films in the Harry Potter series.
2000 - 2010
The Harry Potter Years
With Leavesden now established as an ideal setting for large-scale film productions, Warner Bros. leases the site for a decade, to produce all eight films in the Harry Potter series.
2010
Warner Bros. purchases the site
Warner Bros. found success in making large feature films in the UK and purchased the 200-acre site in 2010, becoming the first Hollywood major to establish its own studio outside of the US.
2010
Warner Bros. purchases the site
Warner Bros. found success in making large feature films in the UK and purchased the 200-acre site in 2010, becoming the first Hollywood major to establish its own studio outside of the US.
2012
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden opens
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden opens its doors, with more than £150m invested to create the purpose built, state-of-the-art film production facility, plus the tourist attraction, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter.
2012
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden opens
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden opens its doors, with more than £150m invested to create the purpose built, state-of-the-art film production facility, plus the tourist attraction, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter.
2012
The Edge of Tomorrow
The Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, is the first feature film to shoot at the newly opened Studio facility.
2012
The Edge of Tomorrow
The Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, is the first feature film to shoot at the newly opened Studio facility.
2013 - 2021
Investing in a state-of-the-art Studio
Warner Bros. continues to invest in the Studio facility, expanding to a total of 19 stages, two filming tanks and an on-site post-production facility. The site continues to create jobs and opportunities for the local community, making a considerable contribution to the area’s economy.
2013 - 2021
Investing in a state-of-the-art Studio
Warner Bros. continues to invest in the Studio facility, expanding to a total of 19 stages, two filming tanks and an on-site post-production facility. The site continues to create jobs and opportunities for the local community, making a considerable contribution to the area’s economy.
2013
The Royal Opening
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden is officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – almost twenty years after the site was converted from aerodrome to film studios, and over a year since the completion of the refurbished studios.
2013
The Royal Opening
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden is officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – almost twenty years after the site was converted from aerodrome to film studios, and over a year since the completion of the refurbished studios.
2019
Post Production Facility opens at The Studios
Warner Bros. De Lane Lea opens a post-production facility at the Studios, including a 48-seat 4k screening room, a VFX review theatre and grading and dailies suites. It offers full connectivity to Warner Bros. De Lane Lea’s renowned post-production facility in Soho, London.
2019
Post Production Facility opens at The Studios
Warner Bros. De Lane Lea opens a post-production facility at the Studios, including a 48-seat 4k screening room, a VFX review theatre and grading and dailies suites. It offers full connectivity to Warner Bros. De Lane Lea’s renowned post-production facility in Soho, London.