The UK film industry is about to witness a major transformation. In an exclusive event hosted by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer is expected to celebrate the success of the biggest selling film of 2023, highlighting the fact that it was “made and recorded in Hertfordshire – not Hollywood.” This event, which will be attended by TV talent, lawmakers, and WBD executives, signifies the growing influence of WBD in the UK and underscores its significant contributions to the sector. Moreover, Frazer will emphasize the expansion plans of WBD’s Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, which will not only boost the local economy but also generate thousands of jobs.
With over 300 television series, 27 feature films, and 23 video games produced in the past five years, Warner Bros. Discovery has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the UK entertainment industry. The success of the company’s productions has not only propelled Hertfordshire into the global spotlight but has also sparked a desire among other companies to associate their productions with the “Made in Britain” tag. Frazer is expected to express her enthusiasm for collaborating with companies like Warner Bros. Discovery to unlock the full potential of the UK’s creative industries.
One of the major announcements at the event will be the expansion of Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire. This expansion, adding an impressive 400,000 square meters of new studio space, is projected to inject an additional £200 million ($253 million) into the economy while creating around 4,000 jobs. These new facilities will not only attract more high-profile productions but will also provide a significant economic boost to Hertfordshire and the surrounding regions.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s active participation in political and regulatory discussions in the UK highlights its commitment to championing the interests of the film industry. The company has been vocal about its concerns regarding British laws that restrict the period distributors can require exhibitors to screen their films. Additionally, WBD, along with industry stalwarts like Pinewood and Sky, has raised concerns over the UK film “studio tax.” The positive response from the British Chancellor to WBD’s call for adjustments to the nation’s tax credit system further demonstrates the company’s influence and standing in the UK film landscape.
The imminent success of a film made and recorded in Hertfordshire presents a turning point for the UK film industry. Traditionally dominated by Hollywood, this shift highlights the increasing prowess of UK-based production houses and studios. As Hertfordshire becomes a focal point for ambitious film projects, it not only puts the region on the map but also strengthens the UK’s reputation as a global filmmaking hub. Talented artists and filmmakers from both the UK and around the world will be drawn to the abundant opportunities that Hertfordshire and its growing film industry offer.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s reception at the Speaker’s House in Parliament signifies a significant milestone in the rise of Hertfordshire as the new Hollywood. With speeches from UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and the presence of industry luminaries, this event celebrates the success of the UK film industry and highlights the pivotal role played by Warner Bros. Discovery in shaping its future. As Hertfordshire’s film industry continues to thrive and attract blockbuster productions, the UK is poised to become a formidable force in global filmmaking, rivaling even the glamour of Hollywood.