Watford MP Richard Harrington has welcomed Chancellor George Osborne’s praise of Warner Bros.’ investment in Watford and the hundreds of jobs that it will create.
In a speech at an Olympics business event the Chancellor announced that the first film to be filmed at the new Leavesden Studios in Watford is expected to create 500 new jobs and further investment in the local and national economy.
George Osborne said:
“Film tax breaks have brought billions of pounds of investments and thousands of new jobs to the UK, and they are very much here to stay.
A great example of this investment is the £100m that Warner [Bros.] has invested to create a world class studio at Leavesden.
And I’m pleased to be able to reveal today that the first film shot at Leavesden Studio will be a major production starring Tom Cruise and our own London-born Emily Blunt.
This will create over 500 jobs – many of which will be in digital and special effects.
This is a great example of how our tax policies are creating the right environment for investment and innovation. “
Warner Bros.’ investment in Watford has had a massive impact on the local and national economy both in the creation of the Harry Potter Studio Tour and the new film studio, operational this year.
Richard Harrington said:
“Today’s announcement made by the Chancellor is fantastic news for Watford and a great example of how investment in the town is transforming the local area and the national economy.
“I was delighted that Warner Bros. chose Leavesden in Watford to be their home, and through both this investment and measures taken by the Government to support the Film industry, Leavesden is at the forefront of the British Film Industry and pivotal in creating new jobs and further investment in to the area.”