Warner Bros. Announces Leavesden Studios Plans and Potter Set Tours in 2012

Warner Bros. have revealed their plans to redevelop Leavesden Studios into a "state-of-the-art filmmaking hub" and provide fans with behind-the-scenes tours of the Harry Potter sets.

Leavesden Studios which is located in Hertfordshire, England, has been home to the Harry Potter films for the past decade.

As part of the renovations, two new soundstages will be built to hold sets used in the Harry Potter films as well as numerous other film memorabilia. The behind-the-scenes tours of these soundstages are tentatively scheduled to begin around Easter 2012.

Early concept art of the new Leavesden can be seen at Empire Online.

Barry Meyer, Warner Bros. chairman and CEO expressed his excitement over the new project, saying:

"Our multi-million pound investment in creating a state-of-the-art, permanent UK film production base further demonstrates our long-term commitment to the skills and creativity of the UK film industry."

The project is expected to cost £100m, and will provide 300 new jobs in the filmmaking industry. In the past, Leavesden has also been used to film scenes from "The Dark Knight" and "Inception," both also Warner Bros. films.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Preview of Leaky's "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" Set Report; Full Report October 5th

Earlier this year, Leaky was among a number of fan sties to visit the set of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" film at Leavesden Studios just outside London, England. Our full set report will be online on October 5, but today we have a sneak peek at what we uncovered on the set. Enjoy!

Always aiming to improve on the previous films, the cast and crew of the "Deathly Hallows" films seem to be on track to outdo themselves once again. While walking through the expansive former factory complex which houses the animatronic creature creation lab, prosthetic and makeup studio, and props department, evidence is everywhere of just how serious they are to get it right. On set we were able to tour the entire production, as well as speak to many of the actors and crew members about bringing the final chapter of the "Deathly Hallows" books to the big screen. In our full set report, we can share full details about the sets, props, costumes, and creations the production has crafted to bring Harry's world to life.

Stay close to Leaky in the coming weeks for our full report, which will include full interviews with the cast and crew, a complete rundown of my set tour, as well as more about what to expect for the first part of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" film!

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" will be released in theaters November 19, 2010.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)