Netflix breaks ground transforming former NJ Army base, Fort Monmouth, into $1B production studio
(Cover photo: New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and New Jersey Speaker Craig Coughlin at the groundbreaking ceremony for Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth)
On May 13, mega-streaming service Netflix hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, marking the start of construction for our new state-of-the-art production facility to be built on the former military site, Fort Monmouth.
Netflix plans to invest $1-billion to transform the 292-acre former US Army installation into a premier East Coast production hub. The development will feature 12 cutting-edge soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, with additional areas dedicated to supporting film uses and community amenities. The site is surrounded by the communities of Eatontown, Tinton Falls and Oceanport, New Jersey. It is about five miles from the Atlantic Ocean and about a 52 mile drive south of Manhattan.
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“Netflix is proud to invest in American innovation and the creative community,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “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. Over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the US economy and hired more than 140,000 cast and crew members. And we’re excited to continue our investment in the US and New Jersey in the coming years.”
After Sarandos’ remarks, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy took the stage and emphasized the project’s economic and cultural significance for the state. “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,” said Governor Murphy. “The Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth further solidifies New Jersey’s reputation as a global leader in film and television production, attracting some of the world’s top filmmakers and creators to the state. We are grateful to Netflix for choosing New Jersey as its new home on the East Coast and for committing to an investment that will fuel economic growth, generate thousands of new jobs, and bring more patrons to our local businesses.”
Local leaders echoed his sentiments, including 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 expressing their support and excitement for the redevelopment.
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy also attended, joining the chorus of support afterward. “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,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “As a global leader in entertainment and innovative storytelling, Netflix has completely re-shaped the industry as we know it today. While I look forward to seeing more New Jersey landscapes grace screens around the world, I am even more excited for the economic potential this studio brings to our state. From thousands of good-paying jobs to new opportunities for local businesses, expanded education and more, this state-of-the-art facility will create lasting benefits for the residents of our state for many years to come.”
The plans for the new production studio date back to 2022 when Netflix first announced their intention to transform Fort Monmouth, a property that had been largely vacant for over a decade, into an economic engine. The project is expected to create a substantial number of permanent production jobs and construction-related positions, thereby boosting employment opportunities in New Jersey.
Over the past three years, Netflix worked with the cities of Eatontown and Oceanport, as well as Monmouth County, to secure approvals for the initial phase of the proposed Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth. Demolition is expected to take around 13 months, and the studio is projected to open in 2028. However, further approvals are required before Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth can fully undertake construction.
With this groundbreaking, Netflix officials say they’re not only building a studio, they’re also strengthening their ties with the community and paving the way for a vibrant production ecosystem in New Jersey.
For more on yesterday’s groundbreaking, see the video below.
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(Source: Netflix)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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