Netflix Kicks Off Hiring at Fort Monmouth as NJ’s Film & TV “Gold Rush” Begins
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Hollywood is no longer a cross-country flight away—it’s moving into the Garden State. From the historic streets of Paterson to the shores of Long Branch, New Jersey is undergoing a massive cinematic transformation. With billion-dollar investments from Netflix, Lionsgate, and Paramount, the “East Coast Hollywood” is officially open for business, and they are looking for local talent.
Netflix’s $1 Billion “Jersey Shore” Bet
The centerpiece of this boom is the redevelopment of the former Fort Monmouth army base. Netflix has officially begun its $1 billion expansion into Oceanport and Eatontown, a move projected to create over 1,500 permanent jobs.
While construction crews have been on-site since early 2023, the streaming giant is now shifting its focus to Studio Operations. Netflix recently posted leadership roles for its Jersey operations, including:
- Director of Studio Operations
- Manager of Studio Site and Services
When completed, this facility will feature 12 massive soundstages totaling 500,000 square feet, making it Netflix’s second-largest production hub in the world, trailing only their ABQ Studios in New Mexico.
Beyond Netflix: The “Big Four” Studios Transforming NJ
It isn’t just Netflix making waves. Several major projects are simultaneously breaking ground, creating a diverse ecosystem for film professionals:
| Studio | Location | Key Focus | Economic Impact |
| Netflix | Fort Monmouth | Blockbuster Films & Series | 1,500+ Jobs |
| Lionsgate | Newark | Full-service Production | $800M Annual Impact |
| 1888 Studios | Bayonne | Paramount-anchored Megastudios | 2,000+ Union Jobs |
| Filmology Labs | Paterson | AI-Driven & Mobile-First Media | 21 Production Stages |
Lionsgate & Newark: A Community-First Approach
In Newark’s South Ward, Lionsgate (in partnership with Great Point Studios) is revitalizing the former Seth Boyden site. This 12-acre campus will prioritize Newark residents for its 600 long-term positions, offering a direct pipeline for locals into the entertainment industry.
The Future of Tech: AI and Mobile-First in Paterson
Perhaps the most innovative project is Filmology Labs in Paterson. Spearheaded by E! Entertainment co-creator Alan Mruvka, this $250 million redevelopment of the Reinhardt Mill complex is built for the future of media. Unlike traditional soundstages, this facility focuses on AI-driven media and mobile-first content, proving that NJ is at the bleeding edge of creator-economy tech.
Why Now? The “Murphy Multiplier”
The surge is fueled by aggressive state tax incentives. In early 2025 alone, New Jersey supported 33 films with $126 million in Film Tax Credits. Former Governor Phil Murphy famously noted that for every $1 the state invests in film, it sees a $7 return in local economic activity.
Major titles already filming in the Garden State include:
- Happy Gilmore 2
- Here Comes the Flood (Starring Denzel Washington and Robert Pattinson)
- The Rip
How to Find Jobs in the NJ Film Industry
Whether you are looking for an entry-level production assistant gig or a six-figure management role, the window of opportunity is opening.