Leavesden Film Studios
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Leavesden Film Studios is a film and media complex constructed on the site of the former Rolls-Royce factory at Leavesden Aerodrome, which was an important centre of aircraft production during World War II. It is situated south of Wellwyn Garden City in north Hertfordshire and approximately 45 miles northwest of central London, just outside Watford. The exact position is: 51°41'36.64" N, 0°25'11.45" W. The growth of film-making in the area has brought an increase in modelmaking and set construction.
Leavesden Studios is one of only a few places in the UK where productions can be made on such a large scale. The studios contain approximately 500,000 sq ft of flexible space which includes stage space, production office space and support buildings, along with an extensive 80 acre backlot which offers a 180 degree uninterrupted horizon which can be used for exterior sets.
The 1995 James Bond film Goldeneye was the first film to be filmed at Leavesden. The site was acquired as the series traditional home as Pinewood was fully-booked with other productions. They gutted the factory and turned it into a studio. This process is shown on the Goldeneye DVD special features (2006 release).
Aswell as numerous commercials and music videos, other films made in the vast converted hangars have included:
- Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)
- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) (Additional shooting)
- Sleepy Hollow
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) (also known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
The studio is linked to the Sohonet media network.
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