CrewHQ

Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (WBSL) has officially launched CrewHQ, a dedicated on-site training centre aimed at supporting existing film and television crews, opening up career pathways for people from all backgrounds, and nurturing the next generation of production talent. The centre’s primary focus is on “below the line” crew members working on Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) productions in the UK, including feature films and television shows, across divisions such as Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, and HBO.

A team of experienced industry professionals will lead activities at CrewHQ, offering bespoke training tailored to production needs, with the goal of developing a diverse, highly skilled workforce. By having access to the WBSL studio, support services, and WBD’s extensive production slate, CrewHQ will help create sustainable career pathways for new and established crew members alike.

Emily Stillman, Senior Vice President at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, said: “CrewHQ provides a dynamic training environment that allows us to respond rapidly to the demands of the industry. It also gives us the opportunity to use our resources and assets to help new entrants break into the industry, while removing barriers to ensure career pathways are open to a more diverse workforce.”

UK Culture Secretary, Lucy Frazer, also praised the initiative, noting: “The UK’s film and TV industry is world-renowned for its exceptional talent, both in front of and behind the camera. We are committed to unlocking the full potential of our creative industries, aiming to increase their value by £50 billion and support the creation of one million more jobs by 2030. CrewHQ will help achieve this by providing tailored training and creating career opportunities for individuals from all walks of life.”

Warner Bros. Discovery has already played a key role in shaping the future of the UK’s film and TV workforce through the UK Screen Sector Skills Task Force. CrewHQ will further this mission by inspiring and equipping the next generation of talent with the skills needed to thrive in the industry.

Samar Pollitt, Vice President of Physical Production, Film at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “This new training approach will have a significant impact on addressing the industry’s skills shortages. When productions identify specific areas where crew members need to upskill, we will deliver expert-led, tailored training that fits seamlessly around filming schedules.”

David Heyman of Heyday Films expressed his enthusiasm for CrewHQ, stating: “I’m incredibly excited about CrewHQ’s potential. By addressing skills development at every level—from entry roles to management—the programme is creating a much-needed, practical pathway into the industry. I look forward to supporting this initiative and witnessing the positive impact it will have on our business.”

Beyond on-site training, CrewHQ will also host career days to highlight the wide range of roles available in the industry, helping to inspire and guide the next generation of talent. Following a successful pilot careers day for Barbie, a second event focused on Wonka will be held in December. These career days are designed to open up opportunities for newcomers as well as individuals with transferable skills seeking to move into the industry.

Additional initiatives will include leadership and production training, funded placements, work-shadowing schemes, and upskilling programmes for existing crew members.

Earlier this year, WBSL announced plans to expand its facilities, with the addition of 10 new sound stages and an extra 400,000 square feet of production and support space. This expansion will increase the studio’s production capacity by over 50% and is expected to create 4,000 new direct and indirect jobs across the UK.