Netflix Breaks Ground on $1 Billion Movie Studio in NJ

KEY POINTS

Netflix broke ground on a new $1 billion film and TV studio at the former Fort Monmouth Army base in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

The production campus will have 12 advanced soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, a hotel, visitor attractions, and shopping.

Netflix announced it broke ground on a new film and TV studio at the former Fort Monmouth Army base in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Project Overview

The 292-acre site will become a state-of-the-art production campus with 12 advanced soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet. 

The project will also feature production offices, a cafeteria, retail shops, trailer parks, a helipad, a cinema, a hotel, visitor attractions, and specialized water tanks for film work.

Community amenities and public spaces are planned to integrate the studio with local neighborhoods.

Rendering of the entrance to Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth. Fort Monmouth, located in central New Jersey between the Shrewsbury River and Route 35, served as an Army installation from 1917 to 2011. Image: Netflix 

Timeline and Construction Details

Demolition of old structures is expected to take about 13 months, with full studio completion targeted for 2028.

Construction is expected to occur in two phases. The first phase includes a campus for actors and crews, plus four soundstages on the 29-acre parcel, the McAfee Zone.

The second phase, pending further approvals, will add eight more soundstages.

Economic Impact 

Netflix expects the project to create thousands of construction and permanent production jobs for New Jersey.

During construction, about 3,500 construction jobs in New Jersey are projected, with around 1,400 permanent positions once the studio is operational.

Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. said, “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 year,” Sarandos added. 

Project Cost and Incentives

Netflix is investing $1 billion in the project, with total development costs estimated at $1.21 billion.

The company has been awarded up to $387 million in New Jersey tax credits to support the development.

Historic parade grounds on the former Army base will be preserved as part of the redevelopment. 

Community Support

Local and state officials, including NJ Governor Phil Murphy, praised the project as a milestone that will help position New Jersey as a leader in film and television production.

Netflix engaged local vendors and hosted community events to build relationships with area residents and businesses. The new Netflix studio is set to become the company’s flagship East Coast production hub. 

 Construction economy news and insights you can act on.

Subscribe to our economic reports

About ConstructConnect

At ConstructConnect, our software solutions provide the information construction professionals need to start every project on a solid foundation. For more than 100 years, our keen insights and market intelligence have empowered commercial firms, building product manufacturers, trade contractors, and architects to make data-driven decisions, streamline preconstruction workflows, and maximize their productivity. Our newest offerings—including our comprehensive, AI-assisted software—help our clients find, bid on, and win more projects.

ConstructConnect operates as a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000.  

For more information, visit constructconnect.com