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The basics:

• $125M Lionsgate Newark studio breaks ground as NJ’s first purpose-built film and TV facility
• Project expected to generate 600+ permanent jobs, $800M in annual economic impact
• Developers commit to major community benefits, training programs and local hiring
• 12-acre complex to include soundstages, offices, full on-site production services

Officials marked the start of construction of Lionsgate Newark film studio – New Jersey’s first purpose-built film and television production facility – during a Dec. 11 groundbreaking ceremony at the Temple of Hip Hop in Newark.

The $125 million project, located in the South Ward, is set to open in 2027. Great Point Studios will own and operate the studio, while long-term anchor tenant Lionsgate will receive naming rights. Key stakeholders include New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Newark Housing Authority.

The commencement of construction marks another major step for the state’s booming film and television production sector. This project also provides the opportunity to revitalize Newark’s South Ward neighborhood and create lasting job opportunities for Newark residents.

“This initiative is more than just a film studio; it is a profound commitment to the future of Newark and to the future of the film industry in New Jersey,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “I am proud of the work that our administration has done to attract leading entertainment companies, such as Lionsgate, to our state. This growing sector will drive economic growth by creating thousands of new jobs, supporting local businesses, and bringing meaningful investments to the community.”

Working with residents

The ceremony featured a slew of government officials, leaders and key stakeholders, including the signing of a Community Benefits Agreement. The document outlines the studio developers’ commitment to ensuring that the facility will benefit both the city and South Ward residents through job creation, new educational programs and other initiatives.

“Lionsgate Newark is set to be a major driver of opportunity and artistic innovation for our city,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “From the opportunities presented by the construction phase to the long-term careers the studio will sustain in rapidly growing industries, this project represents a genuine collaboration with the people of Newark.”

Key project details include:

• Spans 12 acres on the site of the former Seth Boyden Housing complex
• Features multiple soundstages, production offices, set-building facilities, and full on-site production services, such as grip/electric, equipment storage, catering, props, parking, security and more
• Matrix Development will serve as the project developer and Gensler signed on to lead architecture and master planning
• Developers estimate the project will generate more than 600 permanent production jobs. They predict an annual economic impact of over $800 million
• Developers will invest $300,000 in dedicated community funding for the South Ward. Then, once the project is completed, Great Point will contribute grants to 10 local community organizations totaling $200,000. It will also contribute an additional $100,000 to the South Ward Environmental Alliance for environmental improvements and green-jobs programs
• During construction, 40% of total worker hours will be dedicated to Newark residents
• Developers committed to offering 25% of total construction contracting to Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and 7% to Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs)
• Once operational, the studio will reserve 70% of its full-time employment opportunities – spanning maintenance, engineering, janitorial, administrative, landscaping, security and other departments – for Newark residents. They will also receive priority consideration when applying for all studio jobs
• Studio will maintain an ongoing local-vendor preference policy during operations to support the city’s small businesses
• Studio project partners intend to collaborate with the Newark Board of Education to develop film, television, broadcast and related industry curricula for the city’s students, as well as training and apprenticeship programs for its young people. Great Point Studios and NJPAC will help develop these educational programs.
• NJPAC also committed to producing and presenting at least 15 arts and community in the South Ward annually

‘The ideal environment’

Great Point Studios founder and CEO Robert Halmi said New Jersey has become one of the most exciting places for film and television production.

“And this project builds on that momentum,” said Halmi. “The state’s strong support and smart incentives have created the ideal environment for a world-class facility like this. Lionsgate Newark will strengthen the state’s growing production industry and create meaningful opportunities for Newark residents.”

Lionsgate Newark will strengthen the state’s growing production industry and create meaningful opportunities for Newark residents.
– Robert Halmi, Great Point Studios founder and CEO

“This new studio will become a hub of content creation for Lionsgate’s projects, and we’re excited about the opportunity to partner with the South Ward community to make this neighborhood a new focal point for the entertainment industry,” said Lionsgate Executive Vice President & Head of TV Production Joel Meyer.

“Creating new jobs for Newarkers and providing career training opportunities for young people in the TV and film industry are two unique and transformative deliverables that Lionsgate Newark will make possible for our community,” said NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber. “The unprecedented investment that Lionsgate and Great Point Studios are making in our city will provide life-enhancing pathways to success to our residents.”

“Not only will the studio bring jobs to the South Ward, but the organizations behind this project are showing themselves to be good neighbors already by offering this level of support to our community groups and our schools,” said Patrick Council, the Newark City Council member who represents the South Ward. “Lionsgate Newark will serve as an economic engine that will drive so many positive changes for our community and for Newark as a whole.”

Watch the Lionsgate Newark press conference here (provided by NJPAC):