Film & Digital Media
New Jersey is emerging as a film and digital content hub, fueled by incentives and infrastructure.
New Jersey, the birthplace of the film industry, is rapidly becoming an East Coast hub for film and TV. Several studios are currently under development in New Jersey, marking a significant expansion of the state's film production infrastructure. Lionsgate is building a major studio in Newark, in partnership with Great Point Studios and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Lionsgate is constructing a 300,000-square-foot production facility in Newark's South Ward. The studio will include multiple soundstages, offices, and support spaces, aiming to create over 600 jobs and generate significant economic impact. Operations are anticipated to begin in late 2024.
In addition, the largest ground-up movie studio complex in North America will soon call Bayonne home. 1888 Studios, developed by Togus Urban Renewal will be the largest campus-style film and television studio facility in the Northeast. Spanning 58 acres, the complex will feature 23 soundstages ranging from 18,000 to 60,000 square feet, along with production support spaces, offices, and public amenities. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved tax credits for this transformative project in June 2024, with construction expected to be completed by 2026.
Among the several studios being developed, the Netflix Production Facility at Fort Monmouth was approved in December 2024. Netflix plans to invest over $900 million to transform the former Fort Monmouth Army base in Oceanport into a state-of-the-art production facility. The first phase includes four soundstages on a 29-acre plot, with future expansions featuring additional soundstages, office spaces, and amenities. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025.
In 2024, the industry employed more than 8,500 people, which will continue to grow as the state continues to advocate for a more inclusive and diverse business model in film and TV. Supported by a $4.7 million grant from the NJEDA, Carteret is developing a 1.2 million-square-foot movie production studio complex as part of a $1 billion waterfront redevelopment project. The facility will feature multiple soundstages, post-production facilities, and studio offices, with construction expected to create approximately 500 construction-related jobs and 2,500 permanent positions. It’s expected that by 2026, the motion picture industry in the state will amount to $1 billion per year. These developments reflect New Jersey's commitment to becoming a leading hub for film and television production on the East Coast.
From educational programs and workshops to networking events, the LDI provides these resources for skill development and training in the top occupations trending in film and media.
Additional learning opportunities offer insights into the latest trends and best practices in digital media and distribution. By participating in these courses and webinars, learners can stay ahead of industry changes, ensuring they are well-prepared to innovate and succeed in a dynamic, digitally-driven media environment.
The industry employs about 27,000 people, a number that continues to grow.
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