New Jersey Welcomes Netflix’s Major Studio Development

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Netflix has begun construction on a $1 billion production complex in New Jersey, solidifying its commitment to expanding media operations on the East Coast. The facility, located on the site of the former Fort Monmouth Army base, spans 292 acres and represents one of the largest investments of its kind in the region.

The move is designed to boost local economic development while reinforcing New Jersey’s status as a competitive alternative to traditional media strongholds like Los Angeles and Atlanta. As Netflix deepens its original content production, the Fort Monmouth site is expected to become a flagship studio capable of serving multiple high-budget productions simultaneously.

Economic and employment impact could ripple across the state

The scale of Netflix’s investment is matched by its potential to reshape New Jersey’s labor market. The company projects the creation of around 3,500 construction jobs during the initial phases and 1,400 permanent positions once the studio is operational. These jobs will span a range of fields, from set design and lighting to post-production and administrative support. For Monmouth County, the studio promises to infuse millions of dollars into the local economy.

Netflix’s development plans include 12 soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet. Beyond the primary filming infrastructure, the site will also offer spaces dedicated to production support, including post-production suites, backlot areas, and administrative offices. The layout suggests a comprehensive production ecosystem that can accommodate everything from scripted series to feature-length films.

Community features are also part of the blueprint. Recreational and cultural amenities are expected to be incorporated into the site’s final design, maintaining the balance between commercial use and public engagement. This approach reflects Netflix’s intention to integrate with local communities while reinforcing Fort Monmouth’s identity as more than just a production campus.

A long-term development project with phased delivery through 2028

The project’s rollout is phased, with demolition and site preparation expected to take around 13 months. Vertical construction and infrastructure installation will follow, pushing the anticipated opening to 2028. Given the complexity of the site and the scale of redevelopment, the timeline reflects a careful planning process coordinated between Netflix, local contractors, and state agencies.

Netflix is expected to maintain operational control of the studio for at least 10 years under agreements with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The terms ensure the facility’s continued use and job creation well into the next decade while also aligning with state development goals.

Government incentives and local support drive feasibility

In a bid to attract the streaming giant, New Jersey offered $387 million in Aspire tax credits. These incentives were approved by the state economic development authority on the condition that Netflix meet employment and operational benchmarks. Such programs are part of a broader strategy to reclaim New Jersey’s place as a media production destination, capitalizing on its proximity to New York City and a growing pool of skilled talent.

State officials have consistently emphasized the cultural and financial value of the project. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has publicly supported the studio, citing it as a model for how media investment can revitalize former military or industrial sites without displacing existing communities.

For Netflix, the Fort Monmouth project is more than a regional play. It marks a pivotal expansion on the East Coast, giving the company geographic diversity in its production footprint. With studios already operating in California, New Mexico, and overseas, this addition reflects the growing need for decentralized content creation infrastructure.

As competition intensifies among streaming platforms, owning physical production assets gives Netflix a logistical edge. It allows for greater control over timelines, talent, and technology. Moreover, the New Jersey studio places Netflix within striking distance of major markets and talent pools along the Northeast Corridor.

Sources:

• New Jersey BIZ