Harry Potter and the Film Studio
This former aircraft manufacturing facility has become the base for one of the most popular fantasy film franchises of all time.
The set for Dumbledore's study is a permanent feature at the studio whilst the series is in production, as is the exterior set of Privet Drive. Hagrid's hut was also built on the backlot for 'Order of the Phoenix'.
Many parts of Harry Potter's world are either digitally created, or are intricate models. The footage of the models is shot either at Leavesden or at various special effects companies around the world. The actors are filmed against green-screen at Leavesden and then digitally composited with the model or other digital material to produce the final images we see in theaters.
There are also many real-life locations used by the Harry Potter series. Privet Drive was originally filmed on location, but was recreated on the backlot at Leavesden so that complex special effects shots could be achieved easily.
Among the many other locations are:
- Alnwick Castle, Northumberland (Hogwarts)
- Black Park, Oxfordshire (Hagrid's hut location in first two movies, Hagrid & dragons in 'Goblet of Fire', Hogsmeade Station in 'Order of the Phoenix')
- Christchurch College, Oxford (Hogwarts dining hall, Hogwarts staircase, cloisters).
- Divinity College, Oxford (Hogwarts hospital)
- Glencoe, Scotland (Hogwarts grounds in 'Prisoner of Azkaban')
- Harrow School (Flitwick's classroom in 2nd movie)
- Kings Cross Station (there's a photo opportunity by a wall signposted Platform 9¾).
- Lacock Abbey (Various sequences in the first two movies)
- Gloucester Cathedral (various sequences in the first two movies)
- Westminster tube station, London (visiting Ministry of Magic in Order of the Phoenix)