Something big is coming to New Jersey — and not just figuratively.
Netflix has officially broken ground on its highly anticipated, one-million-square-foot production hub at Fort Monmouth, bringing the magic of movie-making back to the state where it all began. Scheduled to open in 2028, this sprawling studio campus represents more than just an expansion for the streaming giant. It’s a bold investment in New Jersey’s creative future and a major milestone in the transformation of Monmouth County.
This new facility is not just about lights, cameras, and action — it’s about revitalization, economic growth, and job creation on a massive scale.
Lights, Camera, Garden State!
When finished, Netflix Studios at Fort Monmouth will stand as the company’s flagship East Coast production center. Spanning roughly 292 acres across Eatontown and Oceanport, the studio complex is expected to house 12 state-of-the-art soundstages, expansive backlots, an office building, and an entire ecosystem of production support facilities designed to handle everything from indie films to major blockbusters.
But this is more than just a creative playground. This is a transformational economic engine. Netflix estimates the project will generate approximately 5,000 new jobs — including 3,500 construction roles during the buildout and 1,500 permanent positions in production and studio operations once the facility is up and running.
A Revival at Fort Monmouth
The Fort Monmouth site itself is a comeback story. Once a major U.S. Army base, the land had sat underutilized for years after its closure. But now, it’s set to become a creative and economic powerhouse, bringing life back into this once-thriving property.
Already, new businesses have begun opening around the site, and residential development is breaking ground nearby. These new homes and local ventures will support — and benefit from — the influx of creative professionals, crews, and industry specialists who will work at the Netflix campus.
What was once military housing may soon become the backyard for production designers, writers, makeup artists, and lighting technicians — a sign of how deeply this project is reshaping the local landscape.
Why New Jersey?
New Jersey has been quietly positioning itself as a rising star in the world of film and television. With its unbeatable proximity to New York City, diverse scenery, growing production infrastructure, and aggressive tax incentives, the Garden State is rapidly becoming one of the most desirable filming locations on the East Coast.
Thanks to the state’s Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which offers up to 35% in tax credits with bonuses for diversity hiring, the state has seen a surge in production activity. In fact, since the program was revived and expanded, over $2.4 billion in qualified spending has poured into New Jersey, generating more than 19,000 jobs and putting the state firmly on the industry’s radar.
Netflix’s long-term commitment includes occupying a New Jersey-based facility for at least a decade — giving them access to even greater benefits, including a 40% tax credit on future productions filmed in the state. It’s a strategic move that ties the streaming giant to New Jersey’s creative growth well into the next decade.
A Boost for Local Businesses
The ripple effect of a project like this can’t be overstated. Local restaurants, coffee shops, dry cleaners, lumberyards, electricians, caterers, and countless other businesses stand to benefit from the day-to-day demands of running a large-scale production facility.
Whether it’s a grip truck that needs urgent repairs or a film crew looking for lunch, Netflix’s presence will directly support local businesses across Monmouth County. Add to that the hundreds of new residents, the rising demand for services, and increased property values — and you have a revitalization story that goes far beyond entertainment.
A Hollywood Legacy, Reimagined in New Jersey
While some may be surprised to see Netflix planting such deep roots in the Garden State, those familiar with film history know this is more of a homecoming than a bold leap. The very origins of American cinema can be traced to New Jersey — from Thomas Edison’s Black Maria Studio in West Orange to the early silent films made in Fort Lee, long before Hollywood became the global filmmaking capital.
Now, over a century later, New Jersey is poised to reclaim its place in the spotlight.
What’s Next?
With Netflix pouring $900 million into Fort Monmouth, this is just the beginning. As the soundstages rise and camera crews prepare to roll, New Jersey is becoming more than a backdrop — it’s becoming the destination for modern filmmaking on the East Coast.
For residents, this means opportunity. For businesses, it means growth. For the state’s creative community, it means jobs, exposure, and collaboration on a global stage.
And for all of us who call New Jersey home, it means one thing: The future is rolling… and it’s filming right here in our backyard.
Ready to Explore?
Stay tuned for more updates as Netflix Studios at Fort Monmouth takes shape. Whether you’re looking for your next career opportunity, a new home near the action, or simply want to explore a region undergoing exciting transformation, Monmouth County is one to watch.
This isn’t just movie magic — it’s a new chapter in New Jersey’s story, and it’s already in production.
