Warner Bros. have opened their studio at Leavesden Studios today. It is the only film studio to be owned by a major Hollywood studio but will be available for use by other companies from anything ranging from commercials to feature films.

The new studio is spread across a secure 200-acre site and houses a collection of some of the largest sound stages in the UK spanning over a quarter of a million square feet, including one of the largest heated underwater filming tanks in Europe. In addition, the site provides an unrivalled, clear horizon 100 acre back-lot, one of the most extensive in Europe, which can be adapted for any production need.

Alongside the sound stages, which range in size from 10,000 to 36,000 square feet, are a series of workshops and a unique multi-function building, ideal for costume, props, camera, grip and all support services requirements. Moreover, there is a selection of fully furnished en-suite dressing and hair and make-up rooms, which are also adjacent to the stages, ensuring easy, covered and secure access to sets. Private, custom-built production suites offer impressive combinations of offices, open work areas and meeting rooms with WiFi throughout the whole facility.

In addition, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden has set up an on-site production rentals division, which will provide the film and TV industry with lighting equipment, scaffolding and production supplies for any stage or location shoot.

A few Warner Bros executives have talked about the impact this studio will have on the UK film industry.

Josh Berger President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. UK, Ireland and Spain, said: “Alongside a growing UK film, TV and games production slate, the opening of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden clearly demonstrates the company’s commitment to the UK and underlines our belief in the world-class talent that resides on these shores. As well as helping to generate inward investment and create new jobs both locally and nationally, this significant infrastructure outlay – probably the single biggest the UK film industry has witnessed in decades – will further amplify the UK’s reputation as the go-to place for film and TV production.”

Dan Dark, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, commented, “Drawing on Warner Bros.’ unparalleled studio-operating experience, we have spent the last 18 months building a state-of-the-art facility that will provide clients with a highly functional and contemporary environment within which to film. The feedback we’ve already received from the production community has been overwhelmingly positive.”