The UK has long been a hub for some of the biggest names in the film industry, and now Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is set to solidify its place in British filmmaking history. Tonight, at a glamorous reception in the Speaker’s House, UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer will celebrate the success of WBD’s latest venture: the biggest selling film of 2023, shot and recorded not in Hollywood, but in Hertfordshire.
Frazer, alongside esteemed TV talent, lawmakers, and WBD executives, will highlight the significant contributions made by the U.S. conglomerate to the UK film sector. Over the past five years, WBD has produced an impressive portfolio of over 300 television series, 27 feature films, and 23 video games. The Culture Secretary will also announce WBD’s plans for a major expansion of Leavesden Studios, located in Hertfordshire, which will create an additional 400,000 square meters of studio space, generating a boost of £200M ($253M) for the economy and creating 4,000 jobs.
Frazer will proudly proclaim that the biggest film of 2023, Barbie, was not brought to life in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood but rather crafted and recorded in Hertfordshire. This trailblazing achievement showcases the thriving film industry outside the confines of traditional filmmaking hubs. Frazer believes that the success of companies like WBD has the power to encourage other production companies to choose the UK as their filming location, proudly displaying the coveted “Made in Britain” label.
Frazer is passionate about collaborating with companies like WBD to unlock the full potential of the UK’s creative industries. The UK government recognizes the immense value of this sector and is committed to providing support and opportunities for growth. The reception at Speaker’s House is just one example of the close relationship between the UK government and WBD, following a similar event held for the British Film Institute (BFI) last year.
WBD’s journey in the UK has not been without its challenges. In their submission to the Culture Committee’s film and TV inquiry, WBD advocated for an end to British laws that place restrictions on the duration distributors can require cinemas to screen their films. Additionally, WBD, alongside industry giants like Pinewood and Sky, has raised concerns about a proposed “studio tax” in the UK. Their efforts to reform the nation’s tax credit system were met with success, thanks to the support of the British Chancellor.
As WBD continues to make its mark on the UK film industry, the future looks promising. With ambitious plans for studio expansions and a commitment to nurturing the creative industries, the UK is poised to become an even more attractive destination for filmmakers. The recognition and investment brought by companies like WBD pave the way for a vibrant and prosperous future for UK filmmaking.