A major film and television production facility being built in Newark has secured $101 million in financing, marking another significant step toward expanding New Jersey’s rapidly growing film industry.
Lionsgate Studios Newark, which is being developed by Great Point Studios with Lionsgate as its anchor tenant, received the financing through New Jersey’s Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE, Program.
The $101 million loan was arranged through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Nuveen Green Capital and will support energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements at the new studio complex.
The project is being built on approximately 12 acres at the former Seth Boyden housing site in Newark’s South Ward.
Once completed, the studio is expected to include six soundstages along with production offices, set-building facilities, equipment storage and other services needed for large-scale film and television productions.
The overall project is estimated to cost approximately $194 million.
According to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the new financing will help pay for several major sustainability improvements, including a 1.1-megawatt solar power system, seven electric vehicle charging stations and energy-efficient lighting, electrical and HVAC systems.
Water conservation measures are also planned as part of the project.
The studio is expected to become one of the largest additions to New Jersey’s expanding film and television production infrastructure.
Developers estimate that Lionsgate Studios Newark will create more than 600 long-term production and support jobs and generate more than $800 million in annual economic activity for Newark and the State of New Jersey.
The project also includes a significant local hiring commitment.
Once the studio becomes operational, approximately 70 percent of its full-time jobs are expected to be reserved for Newark residents. Those positions are expected to include jobs in maintenance, engineering, administration, security, landscaping, janitorial services and other departments.
During construction, developers have also committed to having Newark residents perform 40 percent of total construction worker hours.
The project could have an impact far beyond the studio itself. Large film and television productions typically generate additional spending at local restaurants, hotels, transportation companies, equipment suppliers and other businesses.
New Jersey has been working aggressively in recent years to attract more film and television production through tax incentives and investments in studio infrastructure.
According to NJEDA, film production spending in New Jersey reached an estimated $834 million in 2024, surpassing the previous state record of $701 million set in 2022.
Lionsgate Studios Newark will join several other major studio developments that are positioning New Jersey as an increasingly important production center on the East Coast, including Netflix’s planned studio complex at Fort Monmouth and 1888 Studios in Bayonne.
The Newark facility also has a strategic location. It is only minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport and roughly 25 minutes from Manhattan, giving production companies access to both New York City and New Jersey while operating from a large purpose-built studio campus.
Great Point Studios will own and operate the facility, while Lionsgate has committed to becoming its long-term anchor tenant.
Construction officially began in December 2025, and the studio is currently expected to open in 2027.
For Newark, the project represents more than another large development. City and state officials are betting that the growing film industry can create a new source of long-term employment and investment while establishing Newark as one of New Jersey’s major centers for film and television production.
Sources: Jersey Digs, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, NJPAC.
By NJ RADAR Team