New Jersey is strengthening its production infrastructure with recent agreements with Netflix and Lionsgate, offering more opportunities for filmmakers in the area.
By partnering with Netflix and Lionsgate, New Jersey has made the bold decision to repurpose disused properties into production facilities for filmmakers. Ultimately, this brings more opportunities than ever before to Garden State.
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On December 21st, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced that Netflix had been chosen as the winning bidder to redevelop the long-abandoned former Army base in Fort Monmouth. This remarkable opportunity is located roughly 50 miles east of Trenton and could significantly boost N.J.’s economy.
On the same day, Lionsgate revealed its partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to progress a plan for establishing Lionsgate Newark Studios. This venture is anticipated to result in up to 600 jobs and around $800 million of economic impact for Newark and the state.
“This transformative investment will serve as a cornerstone in our efforts to create a thriving industry from whole cloth,” said Murphy of the Netflix plan for the sprawling Fort Monmouth property. “As a result of nearly a billion dollars in film production spending, New Jersey will further solidify its status as an emerging national leader in the television and film industries. Additionally, Netflix’s substantial direct investment will stimulate job creation and spark an entirely new ecosystem of housing, hotels, and ancillary businesses and services, bringing with it countless additional jobs and boosting the regional economy.”
Netflix and the state are thrilled to announce that Fort Monmouth will be getting an influx of investment due to a significant project. This massive venture is set to create more than 1,500 “permanent production jobs” and over 3,500 construction-related positions. Netflix has pledged a total of $848 million in capital investments for this nearly 300-acre parcel which will eventually house 12 sound stages plus additional spaces dedicated to production offices and support facilities. The proposed campus is set to become a vibrant hub of activity with numerous “community amenities.” That’s because Fort Monmouth has been left idle for over ten years. This presents an excellent opportunity to create something unique and beneficial in our community.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO and chief content officer, foresaw the possibilities of a studio that Netflix would own. “Boost the local and state economy with thousands of new jobs and billions in economic output while sparking a vibrant production ecosystem in New Jersey.”
Lionsgate has been a game changer in New Jersey as the state’s very first “purpose-built” T.V. and film production facility. As one of three official studio partners with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Lionsgate was granted valuable incentives to produce movies and shows within N.J. limits. With their tax credit applications including salaries up to $60 million dependent on project size—a substantial increase from previously only being able to list expenses of up to $15 million—Lionsgate is setting an invaluable example for future productions across all states.
In May, the ambitious Lionsgate Newark studio project was unveiled in collaboration with Great Point Studios and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Spearheaded by veteran producer Robert Halmi of GPS, this groundbreaking plan will revolutionize local film production and media arts!
Last September, the groundbreaking for a state-of-the-art 350,000-square-foot studio began on the site of Seth Boyden public housing complex in Newark’s East Ward. With five soundstages and an array of post-production amenities, including props, set building services, and catering facilities, this dynamic development is anticipated to be completed by 2024. Already it has been deemed iconic due to its expansive footprint that promises access to top-notch infrastructure not easily accessible elsewhere.
“This is a wonderful development for the many entertainment industry workers and performers in New Jersey and for the state itself,” said Halmi. “It could not have come about without the help of Governor Phil Murphy, who recognized the importance of this vast project to Newark, the state, and the region.”
Lionsgate and Great Point Studios have already made their mark on the industry with their shared facility in Yonkers, N.Y., Lionsgate Studios Yonkers.
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