Business
Netflix Breaks Ground on Massive New Studios in New Jersey
Netflix is making a bold move to reshape the future of filmmaking on the East Coast by breaking ground on a state-of-the-art production campus at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. This ambitious project represents a landmark $1 billion investment to transform a 292-acre former U.S. Army base into a powerhouse film and television hub unlike anything else in the region.

The Vision: Hollywood of the East
The new Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth campus will feature 12 cutting-edge soundstages, covering nearly 500,000 square feet, along with extensive backlot areas, post-production suites, and administrative offices. The site will also introduce community amenities, such as potential fitness centers, child care, and other local businesses, integrating the facility with the surrounding neighborhoods.
While the proximity to New York City gives Netflix direct access to the rich talent pool and resources of the Northeast, the New Jersey location benefits from significant state support. The project leveraged $387 million in Aspire tax credits and competitive media production incentives—up to 35% for production costs and 40% for digital post-production.These factors, combined with enthusiastic backing from local governments, helped Netflix realize this vision and outmaneuver traditional film capitals like Los Angeles.
Economic and Social Impact
Netflix’s investment is expected to be a game-changer for the Garden State. The studio complex is projected to:
- Create around 3,500 construction jobs in the short term and 1,400 permanent studio jobs once operational.
- Drive billions of dollars in economic output to New Jersey, while boosting local hospitality, retail, and service businesses.
- Deliver new educational and career pathways, especially for young filmmakers and technical talent in the area1.
New Jersey leaders, including Governor Phil Murphy, have hailed the studio as a return to the state’s roots as the “birthplace of the motion picture industry,” following the legacy of Thomas Edison. The move further solidifies New Jersey’s reputation as a hotspot for entertainment innovation.
Construction Timeline
Demolition and site preparation at Fort Monmouth began in May 2025, with a targeted opening in 2028. The first phase includes building a production campus for actors and crew, plus the first four soundstages, with the remaining infrastructure rolled out as additional approvals come in. This phased approach ensures the studio will grow alongside the region’s job market and production needs.
Rethinking Film Production
Netflix’s East Coast flagship isn’t just about size—it’s about a new model of movie-making. The company is exploring live experiences, immersive sets, and a hybrid campus concept complete with restaurants and attractions themed around signature Netflix content10. All of this signals Netflix’s commitment to not just creating content, but building a vibrant creative ecosystem.
The Big Picture
As fierce competition reshapes the streaming wars, Netflix’s investment in New Jersey is both a business decision and a cultural statement. Owning physical production facilities gives the streaming giant more control over costs, schedules, and creative output, while helping revitalize local economies and provide new opportunities for American workers.
Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth is poised to help New Jersey reclaim its status as a leading force in cinema—ushering in a new era, one blockbuster at a time.