Netflix has officially commenced construction on a cutting-edge production facility at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, signaling the start of a $1 billion investment aimed at transforming the former U.S. Army base into a premier film and television hub on the East Coast.

Covering 292 acres, this site will evolve into a modern campus featuring 12 advanced soundstages that total nearly 500,000 square feet. Beyond production spaces, the facility will include areas designed for film support services and community amenities, fostering integration with the surrounding region.

Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, expressed, “Netflix is proud to invest in American innovation and the creative community. We anticipate that these studios will generate thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents, billions in economic output, and numerous cultural benefits for the region and state. Over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the U.S. economy and employed over 140,000 cast and crew members. We are excited to continue our investment in the U.S. and New Jersey in the years ahead.”

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy highlighted the project’s economic and cultural importance for the state, stating, “As the birthplace of the motion picture industry, New Jersey is thrilled to welcome Netflix — a name synonymous with 21st-century entertainment — to the Garden State. The Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth further cements New Jersey’s status as a global leader in film and television production, attracting top filmmakers and creators to our state. We are grateful to Netflix for choosing New Jersey as its new East Coast home and for committing to an investment that will drive economic growth, create thousands of new jobs, and support our local businesses.”

Local leaders echoed these 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, all expressing their enthusiasm for the redevelopment.

First Lady Tammy Murphy also attended, adding her support: “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. As a global leader in entertainment and innovative storytelling, Netflix has transformed the industry as we know it. I look forward to seeing more New Jersey landscapes on screens worldwide and am excited about the economic potential this studio brings to our state. From thousands of well-paying jobs to new opportunities for local businesses and expanded education, this state-of-the-art facility will provide lasting benefits for our residents for years to come.”

Initially announced in 2022, the redevelopment plan aims to revitalize Fort Monmouth, which has remained largely vacant for over a decade. The project is expected to create a significant number of permanent production and construction-related jobs, positioning it as a major economic driver for the region.

In preparation for this development, Netflix has collaborated over the past three years with officials from Eatontown, Oceanport, and Monmouth County to secure the necessary approvals for the first phase of the studio. Demolition is expected to take around 13 months, with the studio slated to open in 2028. Additional approvals are still required before full-scale construction can begin.

Netflix has also made strides to engage the local community throughout the planning process. The company hosted supplier networking events to connect with local vendors, participated in the Count Basie Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival in Red Bank, and supported veteran-focused initiatives such as cookouts with Soldier On and JBJ Soul Kitchen in 2023 and 2024.

With the commencement of construction, Netflix aims not only to establish a premier production facility but also to strengthen its ties with New Jersey communities and foster a thriving regional film ecosystem.