Did you know Leavesden has transformed from wartime aerodrome to a dream factory? Leavesden in Watford is more than just a location. It is a place with a rich history. Today, we will explore Leavesden. We will journey through its fascinating past, from aircraft production to a world-renowned film studio.
Leavesden’s story began as Leavesden Aerodrome. This was during World War II. The Ministry of Defence acquired the site to support the war effort. It became a production base. Thousands of aircraft were built here. These included Halifax Bombers and Mosquito combat aircraft. These planes were vital to the British war effort.
After the war, in 1946, the De Havilland Aircraft Company took over. Later, in 1967, Rolls-Royce bought the site. They continued building aircraft and helicopter engines. The factory provided jobs for hundreds of locals. However, in 1992, the factory closed. 1600 jobs were lost. The site remained empty for two years.
Then, in 1994, Leavesden found a new purpose. The James Bond production team was looking for a location. They needed somewhere to shoot “GoldenEye”. Pinewood Studios was fully booked. Leavesden’s huge hangars and airfield were ideal. “GoldenEye” became the first film shot here. A new era began.
Leavesden Studios was born. The former factory was converted into a film production facility. Its reputation grew. Many high-profile movies were filmed here. These included “Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace” and “Sleepy Hollow”.
In 2000, Warner Bros. leased the site. They used it to produce all eight “Harry Potter” films. For a decade, Leavesden was home to the boy wizard. The site was transformed into a magical world.
Warner Bros. recognized the potential of Leavesden. In 2010, they purchased the 200-acre site. It became their first studio outside the US.
In 2012, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden opened its doors. Over £150 million was invested. The site became a state-of-the-art film production facility. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London opened. It is called “The Making of Harry Potter”.
“The Edge of Tomorrow” was the first film shot at the newly opened studio. Warner Bros. continued to invest in the studio. It expanded to include 19 stages and two filming tanks. A post-production facility was added. Leavesden created jobs. It boosted the local economy.
In 2013, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge officially opened Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. This was twenty years after its conversion from aerodrome to film studios.
Leavesden has a post-production facility since 2019. It is called Warner Bros. De Lane Lea. It has a 48-seat 4K screening room. There is a VFX review theatre. Grading and dailies suites are also available. It connects to Warner Bros. De Lane Lea’s facility in Soho.
Leavesden has evolved. It adapted through wartime, industrial change and cinematic innovation. It remains a vital part of the community. Leavesden continues to create movie magic.