New Jersey’s rapidly expanding entertainment sector reached a defining milestone this week as construction officially began on the Lionsgate Newark studio, the state’s first purpose-built film and television production complex. The $125 million development signals a major investment in both the creative economy and the future of Newark’s South Ward, positioning the city as a rising hub for large-scale content production on the East Coast.
Set across 12 acres on the former Seth Boyden Housing site, the studio is scheduled to open in 2027 and is expected to permanently reshape the state’s role in the film and television industry. The facility will be owned and operated by Great Point Studios, with Lionsgate serving as the long-term anchor tenant and naming partner. Additional stakeholders include the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Newark Housing Authority, reflecting a collaboration that blends economic development, arts leadership, and community investment.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held in December at the Temple of Hip Hop, marked more than the start of construction. It represented a broader commitment to workforce development, neighborhood revitalization, and long-term opportunity for Newark residents. State and local officials joined industry leaders to celebrate what is being described as one of the most consequential cultural infrastructure projects in New Jersey’s modern history.
Once completed, Lionsgate Newark will feature multiple soundstages, production offices, set construction areas, and comprehensive on-site services, including equipment storage, catering, security, and parking. Designed by Gensler and developed by Matrix Development, the complex is engineered to support full-scale productions without the need to leave the site, a critical advantage in today’s fast-paced production environment.
Economic projections underscore the scope of the project’s impact. Developers estimate the studio will generate more than 600 permanent production jobs and contribute upwards of $800 million annually to the regional economy. During the construction phase alone, 40 percent of all labor hours will be allocated to Newark residents, while minority- and women-owned businesses will receive a significant share of contracting opportunities.
Beyond the numbers, the project includes a sweeping Community Benefits Agreement aimed at ensuring that the South Ward directly shares in the studio’s success. Commitments include dedicated funding for local organizations, environmental improvement initiatives, and long-term local hiring requirements. Once operational, 70 percent of full-time studio roles—ranging from engineering and maintenance to administrative and security positions—will be reserved for Newark residents, with priority consideration extended across all departments.
Education and workforce training are central pillars of the studio’s mission. Project partners plan to work closely with the Newark Board of Education to develop film, television, and broadcast-related curricula, along with apprenticeship and training programs designed to prepare students and young adults for careers in the industry. NJPAC has also pledged to present a minimum of 15 arts and community programs annually in the South Ward, reinforcing the cultural dimension of the investment.
State leaders have framed the project as a cornerstone of New Jersey’s broader film and television resurgence, driven by competitive incentives and a growing reputation as a production-friendly destination. Industry executives echoed that sentiment, pointing to the state’s infrastructure, workforce potential, and proximity to major media markets as key factors behind the decision to build in Newark.
For Newark, the studio represents more than a new facility. It is a catalyst for sustained economic growth, creative opportunity, and community partnership—one that aligns artistic innovation with real-world benefits for residents. As cameras eventually roll and soundstages come alive, Lionsgate Newark is poised to become a defining symbol of New Jersey’s emergence as a serious player in the entertainment industry.
Readers interested in the continued growth of film and television production across the Garden State can explore additional coverage and features in Explore New Jersey’s dedicated Film & TV section, which tracks the people, projects, and places shaping the industry’s future.
