Monmouth County, New Jersey, is rapidly emerging as a major player in the film industry, earning the moniker “Hollywood East.” This transformation is driven by a combination of generous tax incentives, diverse filming locations, and a growing pool of skilled professionals.
At a recent “Let’s Talk Film In NJ” event held at Bell Works in Holmdel, industry leaders gathered to discuss the county’s rising prominence in film and television production. George Kolber, a Rumson resident and producer of “Miranda’s Victim,” which was shot entirely in Monmouth County, boldly predicted, “Monmouth County, New Jersey is going to become Hollywood East”.
Netflix’s Game-Changing Investment
Netflix’s decision to establish its East Coast flagship production location at Fort Monmouth marks a significant milestone for the region. The streaming giant is investing $900 million to develop a state-of-the-art production studio campus, which will include 12 soundstages and various production support facilities. Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, expressed excitement about making New Jersey “an international center for studio production”.
Growing Industry Infrastructure
New Jersey currently boasts nearly 70 operational soundstages, with another 70 expected to be completed by 2026. This infrastructure, coupled with the state’s diverse filming locations, has attracted major productions like “Severance,” which has filmed at Bell Works in Holmdel.
Educational Initiatives and Workforce Development
To support the growing industry, educational institutions are stepping up. The New Jersey Film Academy, in collaboration with community colleges like Brookdale, is offering credential tracks in various aspects of film production. These programs aim to create a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the burgeoning film industry.
Economic Impact and Opportunities
The film industry’s growth is creating a ripple effect across various sectors. From catering to real estate, numerous ancillary industries are benefiting from the influx of productions. Moshe Gross, CEO of Reset Locations, highlighted the unique spaces in Monmouth County and the cooperation of local officials as key factors attracting filmmakers.
Looking Ahead
With Netflix planning to open its full facility at Fort Monmouth in 2028[7] and other production companies setting up shop across the state, Monmouth County is poised for continued growth in the film industry. As George Kolber optimistically stated, “It won’t be long before we’re bigger than Hollywood”.
As Monmouth County continues to attract major productions and invest in education and workforce development, it is well on its way to becoming the movie capital of the East Coast, rivaling even the traditional stronghold of Hollywood.