Tribute to Gary Nixon

Gary’s credits cover some of the most iconic films made at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, from the Harry Potter franchise to Barbie, and he will be very much missed by colleagues, cast and crew who he has worked so closely with over many decades.

Aside from his brilliant work in our industry stretching back to the early 1980s, Gary will be remembered for his love of his family and of Chelsea FC. Gary leaves behind his partner Donna, and his children with Debbie - his son, Josh, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a Financial Controller, and his two daughters, Kerri and Emma.

Alastair McNeil

Production Accountant

I write this not just as a colleague/employee of Gary’s but as a friend first and foremost.

I knew Gary from childhood as he was a friend of my Dad’s. He gave me my opportunity in the film industry as an accounts clerk on the first Harry Potter film. On and off, I spent the best part of 20 years working with Gary. I consider his son, Josh, one of my close friends, too. Gary was a warm, kind, generous human being. The office was never dull with Gary around, it was always a place where you be able to laugh or smile whilst getting the job done. He was a brilliant Accountant with his list of credits speaking for themselves. Accounting came naturally to him. The speed at which he could produce quick and accurate assumptions/projections was astounding. He never missed a trick. My family and I will all miss him dearly. He was a larger-than-life character who left an indelible mark on my life, and I’m sure countless others.

Gary, thank you for your friendship, the opportunities you gave me and a lifetime of happy memories.

I will miss you, and you’ll never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, my friend,

Ally

Jay Rosenwink

SVP, Physical Production Warner Bros Discovery

Gary was a fixture of the WB landscape for three-plus decades.

He was a part of our most successful franchise and our most successful box office release of all time, as well as countless other productions over his time. These are all amazing achievements for a man of very humble beginnings, working his way up through the Pinewood ranks to then pivoting to the world of freelance productions. He was a family man who loved the movies, travelling the world making them, with the occasional visit to Stamford Bridge thrown in for good measure. He was a social force who picked up long-term friends in most corners of the globe where he visited, and someone those friends would find hard to forget. A mind like a steel trap and financial excellence were the day-to-day routine for Gary. Working among teams of people, he helped bring through the ranks …as he had done himself previously.

It’s a fair assumption that Gary will be missed by all. Admired for his achievements, while not forgotten by his loved ones, friends, and colleagues. We are deeply sad by the loss of Gary, thrilled that we knew him and grateful that we got to go to the movies together.

With deepest love and respect,

Your other family at WBD x

Leigh Gettens

Production Accountant

I’ve known Gary for over 20 years, both personally and professionally. Growing up, I was very close friends with his son Josh, and as a teenager, I was lucky enough to be invited along to the occasional Chelsea match with them. Once we turned 18, I also got to enjoy the occasional evening in Gary’s company at the Stag and Hounds in Farnham Common. Just spending an hour with Gary, it was clear that he was a real pillar of the community — everyone knew him, everyone had time for him, and he had time for everyone. He had an infectious energy, a sharp sense of humour, and a genuine love for life. Wherever he went, Gary lit up the room — he was always the life and soul of the place.

Professionally, Gary gave me my first opportunity in the film industry, taking me on as an accounts trainee on Fantastic Beasts over ten years ago. I went on to work with him on all three films in the franchise, and I couldn’t have asked for a better boss or mentor. Gary had this incredible way of running a team — his management style was relaxed and natural, making the office feel like a place you wanted to be. He treated everyone in the team with respect and warmth, from trainees to his production accountant, and he had a real knack for getting the best out of people while making them feel like part of a family.

I’ll miss his big personality, his constant banter, and, of course, his ever-present Chelsea mug — I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone drink as much tea as Gary did. He was one of a kind, and I feel incredibly lucky to have known and worked with him.

Gary will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

John Trehy

Co-Producer, Warner Bros Discovery

Gary was a unique person in our industry. We worked together on the Harry Potter films and on some difficult foreign locations. He had a calm, capable approach to his work. The calmness was best shown when rats fell from a broken roof onto his desk in Calcutta. He worked on locations for long hours while often understaffed. The early years were devoid of computers and mobile phones. Poor communications made contact difficult with family and friends. The locations and long hours were a strain and had an adverse effect on all crew. Gary was always reliable, completely trustworthy and hard working. He was never heard to complain and just got on with whatever task he was presented with. Gary was also a good friend with a sense of humour that made many laugh. He helped to train and pass his skills on to many assistants who will  have appreciative memories of Gary. We may not see his likes again, but he will remain a guiding light to his successors. Gary’s 38 credits on IMDB are a testament to his long and illustrious career.

James Broom

Production Accountant

Over the last 10 years or so of knowing Gary, we worked on four productions together. All were great to work on, and anyone who worked for Gary would always want to work with him again. A generous, caring, funny man who looked out for and supported his team in any way he could. I’ve learnt from every FC that I’ve worked for, and none more so than Gary, something I am hugely grateful for. Away from the office, we spent many evenings together putting the world to rights over a couple of Amstels!

I have too many fond memories to mention. Gary will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A great boss, a great friend, a great man.

Georgie Sturrock

Props Buyer

Mr Gary Nixon, from Vodka Tuesdays at the Foresters, which consisted of every flavour we served. To the glitz and glam of accounts! Gary built the best team, filled with laughs and taught a lot of us everything we know; I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with Gary (& of course Josh). Fond memories of the Chelsea theme tune blaring through the corridor & a bucket of tea required every hour, on the hour. A lovely man.

John Udall

Production Accountant

Dear Gary, 

Wow, this is tough. After working with you for a continuous 5 1/2 years on the first four Harry Potter films, I felt that I got to know the real you. You were kind and warm-hearted and always greeted me in the morning with a big, welcoming smile. We all worked hard and at times under stress, but there was always time for the Gary interlude, where laughter and cheeky little wiggles seemed to lift the office and put a smile on people's faces. That, my friend, is a rare commodity for a boss. We have shared many a beer and occasional nights out and felt a hand of friendship that is rare to find in a place of work. Sleep well, my friend and may peace be with you on your final journey. 

John x