Is New Jersey Becoming the New Hollywood

Nina Steiner TenantRepLA 310-487-2982

“The motion picture industry was born in New Jersey; Fort Lee was Hollywood before there even was a Hollywood.”

Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey

The film industry is shifting, and this time, the spotlight’s not on Los Angeles or Atlanta. It’s New Jersey that’s catching the camera’s eye. With tax incentives, new studios, and major players like Paramount and Netflix moving in, the Garden State is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing production hubs in America.

This isn’t just a trend, it’s a transformation. Let’s break down why Hollywood is going East.

A Short Story of How It Started

Not long ago, New Jersey’s film history was a forgotten footnote. Ironically, it’s where motion pictures were born, Thomas Edison built the world’s first film studio in West Orange back in the 1890s. But for decades, production left for California’s sunshine and sound stages.

Fast-forward to today: studios are circling back. After years of losing projects to other states, New Jersey rebooted its film incentive program in 2018. The results? Record production numbers, new studio construction, and billions in economic activity.

Why Studios Are Choosing New Jersey

Tax incentives alone don’t create a film movement, but they definitely roll out the red carpet. The state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program offers up to 40% back on qualified production expenses, one of the most competitive in the country. Add diverse locations and proximity to New York City, and you get a winning production formula.

 Key factors attracting studios:

• Massive tax credits: Up to 40% in film and digital media tax breaks, plus bonuses for hiring local workers.
• Record-breaking production spending: $833 million in 2024 across 500+ productions.
• Diverse landscapes: Urban skylines, small towns, beaches, and forests — all within two hours.
• Strategic proximity: Minutes from Manhattan’s talent and post-production resources.
• Workforce investment: Training programs prepare local crews for steady employment.

Big Names Are Moving In

It’s not just indie filmmakers setting up shop, major studios are planting permanent roots.

In 2024, Paramount signed a 10-year lease at 1888 Studios in Bayonne, a 1.6-million-square-foot complex designed to rival Hollywood’s best. Meanwhile, Netflix broke ground on a 500,000-square-foot campus at Fort Monmouth, and Lionsgate partnered with Great Point Studios to build a 253,000-square-foot facility in Newark. 

Recent studio deals fueling the boom:

• Paramount + 1888 Studios (Bayonne) – 10-year lease, 285,000+ SF, 58-acre campus.
• Netflix (Fort Monmouth) – 500,000 SF film campus under construction.
• Lionsgate (Newark) – 253,000 SF production facility with long-term commitment.
• Studio Partner Program (NJEDA) – Up to 40% tax credit for studios leasing 250,000+ SF for 10 years.

These deals aren’t just headlines, they represent long-term investment, job creation, and industry infrastructure that’s reshaping the state’s economy.

What’s Driving the East Coast Film Boom

Behind every studio expansion is a strong economic story. New Jersey’s strategy isn’t just about attracting films—it’s about building a permanent creative economy. Dozens of “Film-Ready Communities” have streamlined permits and embraced production as a driver for local growth.

Here’s what’s fueling the momentum:

• Lower costs: Filming can be up to 25% cheaper than in New York City.
• Simplified permitting: Designated communities fast-track production approval.
• Infrastructure growth: New soundstages and post-production facilities open annually.
• Skilled labor pool: Local universities and trade programs train new film professionals.

Hollywood East: The New Reality

Streaming platforms have changed the game, more shows, shorter production cycles, and demand for year-round facilities.

Studios can’t rely solely on Los Angeles anymore. They need regional hubs that balance cost, quality, and access to talent.

New Jersey checks every box.

Producers can shoot in urban backdrops, small towns, and scenic coasts without ever leaving the state. It’s efficient, affordable, and just across the river from New York City.

For a state that launched the first motion picture studio over a century ago, it’s a historic comeback story.

The Ripple Effect on Real Estate and Business

Every new studio campus triggers a wave of commercial demand.

 Here’s what follows studio development:

• Office space: Needed for production companies, writers, and post teams.
• Industrial space: For set construction, costume storage, and logistics.
• Retail & hospitality: Restaurants, hotels, and cafes benefit from crews and talent.

In short: where studios go, entire communities thrive. Developers and brokers are now looking at secondary markets near Bayonne, Newark, and Fort Monmouth to meet the growing need for support space.

Lessons for Real Estate and Economic Growth

New Jersey’s film resurgence offers lessons for any region aiming to attract creative industries:

• Incentives drive commitment. Tax credits tied to square footage and lease term attract serious tenants.
• Long-term leases stabilize markets. Studios often sign for 10+ years, ensuring steady occupancy.
• Public-private collaboration matters. Developers and policymakers aligned their goals early.
• Spillover effects are real. Film production drives retail, housing, and service growth nearby.

This is economic development through storytelling. and New Jersey’s script is working.

What’s Next

More studios are on the way. Towns like Newark and Bayonne are already expanding infrastructure to accommodate future film, streaming, and advertising production. Suburban areas are being scouted for auxiliary facilities, from warehouses to creative offices.

It’s no longer a question of if New Jersey becomes “Hollywood East.” It’s how big the industry will grow , and how quickly surrounding communities can adapt to the opportunity.

Final Takeaway

New Jersey’s rise as a film powerhouse proves that Hollywood isn’t defined by geography, it’s defined by innovation. The Garden State’s success shows what happens when creativity meets smart policy and long-term investment.

For real estate professionals, developers, and business leaders, this new wave of film production is more than entertainment—it’s a case study in how industries evolve, relocate, and thrive.

Because sometimes, the next big scene doesn’t roll in Hollywood. It starts right here in New Jersey.

If you are looking for space in New Jersey for your film business, contact me.

Nina Steiner TenantRepLA 310-487-2982

I have broker partners nationwide.

 

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