Fort Monmouth Reimagined: Netflix Breaks Ground on $1 Billion New Jersey Studio

The cameras haven’t rolled yet—but Hollywood magic is already being made in Monmouth County. Netflix has officially broken ground on its long-awaited, billion-dollar East Coast production hub at Fort Monmouth, breathing new life into one of New Jersey’s most historic military installations.

Located across Eatontown, Oceanport, and Tinton Falls, the 292-acre former Army base is now being transformed into Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth—a state-of-the-art campus that will soon rival the world’s top production locations. With 12 cutting-edge soundstages, thousands of new jobs, and a vision to anchor New Jersey as a leader in film and TV production, this is more than a studio project. It’s a full-scale economic and cultural comeback story—and it’s happening right here in the Garden State.

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🎥 From Army Base to Hollywood Backlot

The Fort Monmouth Netflix project represents a unique transformation—where military history meets media future. Shuttered in 2011 after decades of service, the base left a significant gap in the local economy. But now, Netflix’s arrival signals the start of something new, ambitious, and future-focused.

The new studio will feature:

• 12 high-tech soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet
• Dedicated areas for post-production, production offices, and set construction
• Community-focused amenities and infrastructure improvements
• A projected 2028 opening, following a 13-month demolition phase

Once completed, the campus will serve as Netflix’s flagship production site on the East Coast—and a hub for storytelling, creativity, and job creation.

🎬 Why New Jersey, Why Now?

As Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said at the groundbreaking, the decision to build in Monmouth County was both personal and strategic. Born at Monmouth Medical, Sarandos called the moment “a homecoming” for himself—and for the film industry at large.

New Jersey’s rich cinematic history, dating back to Thomas Edison’s earliest film inventions, made it a natural choice. And with aggressive tax incentives, top-tier talent, proximity to New York City, and diverse filming locations—from beaches to skylines—New Jersey is quickly becoming the go-to state for film and TV production.

💼 Economic Powerhouse in the Making

The numbers behind the Netflix-Fort Monmouth project are as bold as any blockbuster:

• $1 billion total investment
• Thousands of new jobs across trades, construction, film production, and local businesses
• $387 million in tax credits approved through New Jersey’s Aspire Program
• Billions in projected economic output statewide

Local officials, including Governor Phil Murphy and Monmouth County leaders, hailed the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the region—and build a sustainable industry that lifts the entire community.

🌟 More Than Just a Studio

What sets this project apart is its community-first approach. Netflix has pledged to hire locally, support regional businesses, and create a pipeline for creative talent throughout New Jersey. From local florists and caterers to electricians and sound techs, the studio will have ripple effects across every corner of the local economy.

And beyond dollars and data, there’s a deeper story at play—one of restoration, rebirth, and hope. For the many families who worked at Fort Monmouth, who grew up nearby, or who watched it close its gates in 2011, this new chapter carries real emotional weight.

As Senator Declan O’Scanlon, a lifelong resident of the area, put it:

“This isn’t a greenfield project out in the middle of nowhere. It’s the rebirth of a very, very special place.”

🎞️ A New Jersey Hollywood Ending

What began as a military hub is becoming a media mecca. Fort Monmouth’s next act is big, bold, and destined to make headlines. And with Netflix setting the stage, it’s clear that New Jersey’s role in the film industry is far from just a supporting part—it’s leading man material.

Stay tuned as we follow the transformation of Fort Monmouth, from bulldozers to boom mics. And keep exploring the stories that are putting the Garden State back in the spotlight—one frame at a time.

👉 Read more about New Jersey’s booming film and entertainment industry here: Explore New Jersey – Film