Warner Bros Studio History I A Detailed Look

The Harry Potter era: 2000-2012

• Leavesden was chosen in 2000 for its vast aircraft hangars, offering the scale needed to build and maintain full-sized sets throughout the entire series.
  
• Warner Bros. transformed the space into a complete working studio, gradually establishing Leavesden as the production base for all eight Harry Potter films.
  
• Departments such as costume, creature effects, and props were permanently housed on-site, allowing every element to be developed, stored, and reused over the ten-year timeline.
  
• Unlike rented sets, most structures were built to last, anticipating sequels, making Leavesden a landmark in Warner Bros Studio history.
  
• More than 600 crew worked year-round, turning the site into a bustling creative ecosystem where set design, filming, and post-production happened under one roof.
  
• When filming ended in 2010, Warner Bros. saw value in keeping the sets intact. The studio was purchased and converted into a visitor experience showcasing the craft behind the Harry Potter films. 
  
• Years of planning led to the launch of a public studio tour on 31 March, 2012.
  
• Original sets like the Great Hall and Gryffindor Common Room were preserved. Over 4,000 props and costumes were displayed from the start.
  
• The opening day included speeches from cast and crew members, including Tom Felton, Julie Walters, Mark Williams and many more!