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.

This summer, the Newbie Film Academy Summer Camp is opening its doors to children eager to immerse themselves in the magic of movie-making. The camp provides a vibrant, hands-on environment where kids not only discover the basics of filmmaking but are given practical opportunities to develop and showcase their new talents under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

Building Essential Skills

Campers dive straight into the filmmaking process, participating in workshops that span the entire spectrum of film production. The curriculum covers core skills such as:

• Screenwriting: Crafting stories, developing characters, and understanding structure.
• Directing and Acting: Exploring creative vision, leadership, and performance—both behind and in front of the camera.
• Cinematography: Learning to operate cameras, compose shots, and understand lighting.
• Editing and Sound Design: Using professional software to cut footage, add effects, and create polished, finished projects.
• Collaboration: Film is a team effort, so campers work in groups to bring projects to life, learning communication and teamwork along the way.

Learning by Doing

At Newbie Film Academy, learning is an active process. Kids and teens script, direct, shoot, and edit their very own short films, using real industry tools and receiving mentorship from instructors who are working filmmakers. They engage in fun challenges such as storyboarding workshops, production sprints, and even film critique sessions, where they present and discuss their work for constructive feedback. By the end of their time at camp, each participant walks away with a completed film and newfound confidence in their storytelling abilities.

Practicing for the Industry

In addition to technical skills, campers also develop crucial soft skills for the film industry—like creative problem-solving, managing production deadlines, expressing ideas effectively, and building self-confidence through public speaking and presentations. The camp experience fosters an inclusive, supportive space where every child’s perspective matters and every story deserves to be told.

A Showcase for Young Talent

The summer camp culminates in a showcase event, where families and friends are invited to screen the completed films, celebrating the creativity and hard work of all participants. This public display not only honors campers’ achievements but encourages them to continue their journey in filmmaking, inspired and prepared to take on greater creative projects in the future.

At Newbie Film Academy Summer Camp, every child gets to be a storyteller, a creator, and a member of the next generation of filmmakers—learning skills that last a lifetime and building memories along the way.

Attending a major film festival for the first time—or even as a seasoned pro—can be intimidating, especially if you don’t have invites to exclusive parties or don’t know what to expect. But the truth is, the film festival experience is far more open than many newcomers realize.

Just Show Up: The Power of Presence

The number one rule is simple: show up at the festival. Even organizers and industry insiders often don’t have a full grasp of the final event schedules until the last minute, so don’t worry if you’re missing invitations or are unsure about what’s happening where. Opportunities for networking and connections have a way of revealing themselves once you’re on the ground.

Tap Into Official and Unofficial Events

Film festivals typically offer a wide range of official events—screenings, panels, and meetups—accessible with a purchased badge or through accreditation. Major festivals like Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, and Venice also feature a vibrant scene of unofficial events hosted by talent agencies, film trade magazines (like Variety, Deadline, Screen International), or even festival-adjacent businesses. Keep your ear to the ground and you’ll quickly discover after-parties and mixers as people you meet invite you along.

Host Your Own Gathering

Don’t just wait for invitations—consider throwing your own small gathering or party. Even a simple coffee meetup or casual drinks can provide currency for networking. Bring people together and you’ll often get reciprocal invites, expand your network, and be remembered as a connector.

Be Yourself—Even If You Don’t Have a Film

One common anxiety is not having a project screening at the festival. Don’t worry: if someone asks “Do you have a film in the festival?” and you don’t, simply answer honestly—“I’m here to support, learn, and be part of the industry.” Use it to turn the conversation back to them and ask about their experience. Networking at festivals is about genuine connection, not just self-promotion.

Know the Dress Code and Festival Culture

Each festival has its own vibe. Do a little research and check event photos before attending. For example, Cannes is glamorous and formal—dressing up is encouraged—while Sundance is more casual and practical due to the cold. Respect event dress codes as you would for a major celebration or ceremony—think of it as the movie industry’s version of attending a wedding.

Leverage Hotel Lobbies and Common Spaces

If you find yourself without invitations, head to the major hotel lobbies (especially in festival cities like Berlin or Cannes). Industry deals get made in these hotel cafes and bars. By buying a coffee and hanging out, you can overhear about new events, meet people organically, and become part of the festival’s informal hub of activity.

Conversations Are Easy—Everyone Is There to Connect

Unlike regular bars or clubs, everyone at a film festival has something in common—a passion for film. Starting a conversation is easy, and you never know who you might be chatting with: an acclaimed director, a producer, or an emerging actor. Keep an open mind, be authentic, and remember that your next career-changing connection might be just a casual conversation away.

Bottom Line: The best way to network at a film festival is simply to immerse yourself, be approachable, and say yes to new opportunities as they arise. Bring positive energy, ask genuine questions, respect local customs and dress codes, and let the spontaneous spirit of the festival guide you. Often, expecting nothing leads to everything you need.