Fort Monmouth, New Jersey — In a move poised to redefine the East Coast’s film and television landscape, Netflix has officially begun construction on a $1 billion state-of-the-art production facility at the historic Fort Monmouth site in New Jersey. This significant investment marks one of the largest commitments to the entertainment industry in the region’s history and is expected to spark a new era of creativity, economic growth, and cultural development.
The sprawling 292-acre campus will feature 12 cutting-edge soundstages spanning nearly 500,000 square feet, along with dedicated areas for film support services, educational initiatives, and community integration. The development, first announced in 2022, has now entered its active construction phase following years of collaborative planning with local and state officials.
A New Era for Netflix and New Jersey
Netflix’s latest project is not just about building studios—it’s about transforming Fort Monmouth, a long-vacant U.S. Army base, into a world-class media production hub. By investing in New Jersey’s rich cinematic heritage and geographic accessibility, Netflix is strategically placing itself closer to the creative capital of the world while unlocking major economic potential.
Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, shared his excitement at the groundbreaking ceremony, saying:
“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.”
Sarandos further noted that over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the U.S. economy and employed more than 140,000 cast and crew members.
Creating Thousands of Jobs and Billions in Output
The new Netflix production studio in New Jersey is projected to become a major driver of local and regional employment. Thousands of construction jobs will be created in the initial development phase, followed by permanent positions in production, post-production, logistics, and facility operations.
Beyond job creation, the economic ripple effect of this $1 billion project is expected to reach local businesses, restaurants, service providers, and educational institutions. By attracting world-class filmmakers, producers, and actors, the development is poised to stimulate a robust creative ecosystem in the Garden State.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy underscored the strategic significance of the development:
“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. This studio will fuel economic growth, generate thousands of new jobs, and bring more patrons to our local businesses.”
Reviving Fort Monmouth’s Legacy
Fort Monmouth, once a vital military installation, has largely remained dormant since its closure over a decade ago. Netflix’s redevelopment brings new life to the historic site, preserving its legacy while adapting it for modern use.
The first phase of the project will involve approximately 13 months of demolition before full-scale construction begins. Netflix has already obtained necessary approvals in collaboration with Eatontown, Oceanport, and Monmouth County. Additional permits are expected in the coming months, with a studio opening timeline projected for 2028.
The goal is to create more than just a filming facility. Netflix aims to build an immersive creative environment complete with public amenities and educational outreach, ensuring the studio remains closely connected to the local community.
Local and Statewide Support
The groundbreaking ceremony drew enthusiastic support from state and local leaders. Among them were 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 emphasized the positive economic and cultural ripple effects the Netflix production studio New Jersey project will bring to their communities.
First Lady Tammy Murphy echoed the excitement:
“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. From thousands of good-paying jobs to new opportunities for local businesses, this facility will create lasting benefits for the residents of our state for many years to come.”
Strengthening Community and Culture
Netflix’s engagement in New Jersey extends beyond infrastructure. The company has made concerted efforts to build bridges with local communities. This includes hosting supplier networking events, supporting the Count Basie Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival in Red Bank, and partnering with veteran-focused organizations like Soldier On and JBJ Soul Kitchen in 2023 and 2024.
These efforts showcase Netflix’s commitment to community development and inclusive growth. By integrating culture, education, and opportunity into the fabric of the studio’s operations, the streaming giant is planting long-term roots in New Jersey.
A Boost to the East Coast Film Industry
With 12 expansive soundstages and the latest in production technology, the Netflix production studio in New Jersey is poised to rival some of the largest filming complexes in the United States. Its location on the East Coast gives it strategic advantages for productions set in or around New York City, while avoiding the logistical and financial challenges of shooting in Manhattan.
The studio will also help balance the U.S. film industry’s geographic concentration, which has traditionally been focused in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Netflix’s investment may inspire other media giants to explore similar opportunities in the region.
Education and Talent Development
The construction of the new Netflix studio also holds promise for future talent in the film and television industry. By working with local educational institutions, trade schools, and film academies, Netflix plans to establish internship programs and training workshops that will equip aspiring creatives with practical skills and career opportunities.
This approach will ensure that the studio doesn’t just serve as a production hub but also becomes a talent pipeline for the state’s growing film economy.
Looking Ahead
With construction underway and community partnerships in motion, the Netflix Fort Monmouth studio represents a bold and visionary step forward for the entertainment industry on the East Coast. As the site transforms from a historic military base to a global production landmark, the people of New Jersey stand to benefit from increased investment, expanded cultural opportunities, and a strengthened position in the global media landscape.
By 2028, Fort Monmouth will no longer be a forgotten relic of the past but a beacon of innovation, storytelling, and economic opportunity.
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