Netflix begins construction on $1bn production studio in New Jersey
The development will feature 12 cutting-edge soundstages totalling nearly 500,000 sqft, with additional areas dedicated to supporting film uses and community amenities.
Netflix has officially broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art production facility at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, marking the beginning of a $1bn investment to transform the former US Army base into a premier film and television hub on the East Coast.
Spanning 292 acres, the site will be developed into a cutting-edge campus that includes 12 advanced soundstages covering nearly 500,000 sqft. In addition to the production spaces, the facility will feature areas dedicated to film support services and community amenities aimed at integrating the site with the surrounding region.
Speaking about the new facility, Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, said: 'Netflix is proud to invest in American innovation and the creative community. We estimate that these studios will create thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents, billions of dollars in economic output, and many other cultural benefits to the region and state. Over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the US economy and hired more than 140,000 cast and crew members. And we're excited to continue our investment in the US and New Jersey in the coming years.'
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy took the stage and emphasised the project's economic and cultural significance for the state. 'As the birthplace of the motion picture industry, New Jersey couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Netflix — a name synonymous with 21st century entertainment — to the Garden State,' stated Governor Murphy. 'The Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth further solidifies New Jersey's reputation as a global leader in film and television production, attracting some of the world's top filmmakers and creators to the state. We are grateful to Netflix for choosing New Jersey as its new home on the East Coast and for committing to an investment that will fuel economic growth, generate thousands of new jobs, and bring more patrons to our local businesses.'
Local leaders echoed his sentiments, including Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr., Oceanport Mayor Thomas J. Tvrdik, New Jersey Speaker Craig Coughlin, Senator Vin Gopal, Senator Declan J. O'Scanlon Jr., and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, each expressing their support and excitement for the redevelopment.
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy also attended, joining the chorus of support afterwards. 'Today's groundbreaking of the Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth brings our vision of making New Jersey the premier destination for world-class film and television to fruition,' commented First Lady Tammy Murphy. 'As a global leader in entertainment and innovative storytelling, Netflix has completely re-shaped the industry as we know it today. While I look forward to seeing more New Jersey landscapes grace screens around the world, I am even more excited for the economic potential this studio brings to our state. From thousands of good-paying jobs to new opportunities for local businesses, expanded education and more, this state-of-the-art facility will create lasting benefits for the residents of our state for many years to come.'
Initially announced in 2022, the redevelopment plan aims to breathe new life into Fort Monmouth, which has sat largely vacant for over a decade. The project is expected to generate a significant number of permanent production and construction-related jobs, making it a major economic engine for the region.
In preparation for the development, Netflix collaborated over the past three years with officials from Eatontown, Oceanport and Monmouth County to obtain the necessary approvals for the first phase of the studio. Demolition is anticipated to take approximately 13 months, with the studio projected to open in 2028. Additional approvals are still needed before full-scale construction can commence.
Netflix has also made efforts to engage the local community throughout the planning process. The company hosted supplier networking events to connect with area vendors, participated in the Count Basie Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival in Red Bank, and supported veteran-focused initiatives such as cookouts with Soldier On and JBJ Soul Kitchen in 2023 and 2024.
With the launch of construction, Netflix aims not only to build a premier production facility but also to strengthen its relationship with New Jersey communities and help cultivate a thriving regional film ecosystem.
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