One thinks of Hollywood as encompassing sunshine, sea and beautiful people, but tinseltown looks set to move to an unlikely part of the world; a 200 acre site outside Watford, which is set to become a new global hub for filmaking.
Leavesden studios, where hugely successful films like 'Harry Potter' and 'The Dark Knight' were made by its owner Warner Bros, have received a $150m investment from the company, in a boost to the British film industry that could see other studios scrambling to invest in British film.
The facilities in the refittted studios host nine massive stages, the biggest heated underwater filming pool in Europe, 12 production workshops and a gigantic open area with a clear view of the horizon, ensuring that whatever a director requires when making the latest blockbuster, he'll get.
Hollywood has recently reignited a love affair with British film making, with notable Oscar wins for British films including 'The King's Speech' and 'Slumdog Millionaire', and Hollywood's biggest stars, like Andrew Garfield and Robert Pattinson being Brits too.
According to Variety, the UK, Ireland and Spain president of Warner Bros Josh Berger said: "Alongside a growing U.K. film, TV and games production slate, the opening of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden clearly demonstrates the company's commitment to the U.K. and underlines our belief in the world-class talent that resides on these shores," indicating his plans to turn the studio into a Mecca for film making, and increasing the chances that stars will be spending more time in Britain rather than on the US west coast.
If Warner and others continue to invest in the industry it could see Watford become an unlikely rival to Hollywood, as according to Business Review, Hollywood insiders love the profesionalism and quality of British film crews.
PHOTOS: A tour of the studios Harry Potter attraction
Source: www.entertainmentwise.com
Cristiano Ronaldo 'can be Nick Powell's inspiration at Man Utd' - BBC News
Nick Powell can use Cristiano Ronaldo as an inspiration to succeed at Manchester United, according to Crewe director of football Dario Gradi.
"It's a big step from our league to the Premier League, but Sir Alex Ferguson told him to accept the challenge," Gradi told BBC North West Tonight.
"He threw the challenge down to Ronaldo when he came as a kid, and Ronaldo rose to it, so why not [Powell]?"
Powell, 18, completed his transfer to Old Trafford on Tuesday.
BBC Radio Stoke reports an initial fee of £3m will be paid for the England Under-18 international, with the deal potentially rising to £6m depending on his success and appearances.
Portugal captain Ronaldo was also 18 when he joined United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, and had six successful years at Old Trafford before his world-record £80m transfer to Real Madrid three summers ago.
Powell's wonder goal wows Wembley
And former Crewe boss Gradi, who gave a 16-year-old Powell his senior debut in August 2010, believes the teenager can take further heart from the progression of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Arsenal youngster started for England in their opening group match of Euro 2012 against France on Monday, less than a year after helping Southampton win promotion from League One.
"[Oxlade-Chamberlain] is only a year or so older and probably not any more gifted, but obviously has shown that he can play in the Premier League, which Nick hasn't," said the 70-year-old, who was succeeded by Steve Davis as Alex manager in November.
Crewe-born teenager Powell scored 16 goals for the Alex last season, including a stunning 25-yard volley in the League Two play-off final victory over Cheltenham at Wembley last month.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment