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 in west Hertfordshire around 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Welwyn Garden City and approximately 18 miles (29 km) northwest of central London, just north of Watford.
Leavesden Studios is one of only a few places in the UK where large scale productions can be made. The studios contain approximately 500,000 sq ft (50,000 m²) 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 at Pinewood was fully-booked with other productions. They gutted the factory and turned it into a studio. This process is shown on the 2006 DVD special features.
As well 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)
- Sleepy Hollow (2000)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) (known in USA 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)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2008)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
The studio is linked to the Sohonet media network.