Netflix CEO, Gov. Murphy In Eatontown Friday Touting Netflix Studio

EATONTOWN, NJ — Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos was in Eatontown Friday, where he was joined by Gov. Phil Murphy to spread the word that Netflix is indeed moving forward on building what will be its largest film studio lot in the world on the old Fort Monmouth U.S. Army base.

Netflix says it will spend $848 million to build a state-of-the art film production facility on 292 acres, connecting the towns of Oceanport and Eatontown. Netflix also says it will build 12 soundstages, plus studio backlots and office space. Newly reported today is that new, affordable housing units may also be built as part of Netflix's plan.

“This campus is no longer a painful reminder of economic decline," said Murphy, standing in front of the abandoned U.S. Army base, which was shut down in 2011. "With this facility, many of our hard-working and talented residents will have the opportunity to participate in the film and television industry right here in our state."

Over the past six years, Gov. Murphy has worked with the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission to create a film incentive program — which means tax breaks given to movie and TV show producers to film movies in the Garden State. Recent TV shows and movies filmed in New Jersey include "West Side Story," "Severance" and "Joker." Construction is also currently underway on a new Lionsgate film and production facility in Newark.

Just this Tuesday, Oct. 31, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) was required by law to begin a 45-day public comment period to allow the Netflix deal to go through.

This is where the public can weigh in and give their thoughts on Netflix's proposal.

On Friday, Gov. Murphy signed a letter approving FMERA’s meeting minutes, which will now send the Netflix proposal to the towns of Oceanport, Eatontown and Tinton Falls for approval and public comment.

“While nothing can truly fill the void left behind by the loss of the Army at Fort Monmouth, I am happy that we are seeing major progress in its redevelopment,” said Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico, Jr.

Once the state and local approval process has been finalized, the Netflix studios will be built in two phases over the course of several years.

“Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth will drive significant economic growth and create meaningful job opportunities for people in New Jersey," said Sarandos. “While we still have a lot of work to do, we're excited to continue partnering with Gov. Murphy, local officials, and the community as we work to transform this historic space into a world-class production facility.”

Sarandos said the Netflix NJ studio will create 1,500 permanent movie-making jobs in Central New Jersey.

Netflix's Massive NJ Studio Takes Big Step Forward, Report Says (Nov. 2)

Netflix Approved To Open Massive NJ Film Studio: How It Will Look (Dec. 21, 2022)