Why Film Studios Are Choosing New Jersey, the East Coast’s Entertainment Hub

What’s Driving Top Film Studios To Invest in New Jersey?  Incentives, Location & Talent 

Global entertainment leaders are choosing New Jersey.

Major, long-term investments in film production studios are now underway across the state, solidifying New Jersey as the premier East Coast hub for film and television. Studios currently being built include Paramount Sundance at 1888 Studios in Bayonne, Lionsgate in Newark, and Netflix in Monmouth County. Together, these projects are estimated to generate $900 million in annual economic impact and create thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents. 

Netflix Fort Monmouth: A $1B Film Production Hub in New Jersey 

Global streaming leader Netflix is transforming the former U.S. Army Installation Fort Monmouth into a sprawling production hub. The company plans to invest nearly $1 billion to build 12 soundstages totaling more than 500,000 square feet, in addition to office space, production services buildings, a theater, and visitor attractions.

Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth is projected to generate:

• $65 million in annual impact over 30 years.
• More than 5,000 jobs, including 3,500 construction and 1,500 production jobs.

The production hub will be located near major highways, including Route 35, with access to the Garden State Parkway, Route 18, NJ Transit rail, and international and private airports. 

While the facility is slated to open in 2028, the studio is already capitalizing on New Jersey’s premier location for major projects. Over the past year, Netflix has filmed more than 20 films and television shows in New Jersey, including Happy Gilmore 2 and The Irishman. Two Netflix movies filmed in New Jersey, 72 Hours and Office Romance, are also currently in production.

Lionsgate Newark: A Game-Changer for Local Communities

International film studio Lionsgate is partnering with local organizations to build Lionsgate Newark, New Jersey’s first purpose-built studio constructed specifically for film and television production. Located in Newark’s South Ward, Lionsgate Newark is supported by Great Point Studios, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and the Newark Housing Authority (NHA). The campus will include soundstages ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. 

With an annual impact of $800 million, Lionsgate Newark will bring unprecedented economic opportunities to Newark residents. The project will create more than 600 long-term jobs in the city, with more than 400 jobs reserved for Newark residents. In addition, 25% of construction contracting will go to Minority Business Enterprises and 7% to Women’s Business Enterprises, prioritizing community reinvestment and sustainability for thriving Newark-based industries.

Slated to open in 2027, Lionsgate Newark will be a community fixture. Great Point Studios is dedicating:

• $300,000 in funding to revitalize the South Ward
• $200,000 in grants to 10 community organizations
• $100,000 to the South Ward Environmental Alliance for environmental improvements and clean-energy programs

The production hub will offer convenient access to the world. Located just minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port of New York and New Jersey, the studio will be able to transport cast and crew, as well as pieces and props, with ease. Lionsgate Newark will also have access to NJ Transit buses and trains, Amtrak, and the PATH system via Newark Penn Station.

Paramount at 1888 Studios in Bayonne: The Largest Film Campus in the Northeast

A few miles south in Bayonne, Paramount Skydance is partnering with 1888 Studios to develop a 1.6 million-square-foot film and television production campus. Once complete, the project will be the largest film and TV facility in the Northeast and one of the largest in the nation. Paramount has already signed on as an anchor tenant. The campus will feature 23 “smart” soundstages ranging from 18,000 to 60,000 square feet with LED volume capture technology that will support productions of any size.

Located on Bayonne’s waterfront, the project will create $7 million in annual impact and 3,000 jobs. Just 30 minutes from Manhattan, 1888 Studios boasts an unrivaled location, with Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia Airports in close proximity. The campus will also be near NJ Transit and a future ferry terminal at the former Military Ocean Terminal.

1888 Studios will also include significant community reinvestment, including $50 million in public improvements such as a new park and waterfront walkway.

Why New Jersey Is Becoming a Leading Film & TV Production State

Why have so many of the world’s top studios expanded to New Jersey? The state offers everything a film production needs to thrive — a strategic location, diverse landscapes, ample talent, and competitive film and media tax incentives.

Studios can qualify for up to a 40% tax credit, plus an additional 4% for productions in designated distressed municipalities, creating opportunity for filmmakers while expanding economic opportunity for local communities. The diversity of New Jersey’s geography offers filmmakers urban skylines, serene shorelines, and lush greenery as backdrops. Plus, the region has the highest concentration of film crews outside of Los Angeles, meaning the talent filmmakers need is already here.

To learn more, check out Choose New Jersey’s film, TV, and digital media industry guide.