Netflix Begins Building N.J. Movie Production Studio at Former Fort Monmouth Base

Netflix is set to break ground on a massive film and television studio at Fort Monmouth, a former 289-acre U.S. Army base in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The property is located near Route 35 in Eatontown and Oceanport.

According to an NJ.com report, the studio complex is expected to include 12 soundstages totaling approximately 500,00 square feet.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy's administration has supported the project, saying it could help New Jersey become the “Hollywood of the East.” 

The entertainment giant has navigated a multi-step process to put plans for the $903 million facility into action. Eatontown and Oceanport approved the project late in 2024 for obtaining state permits and beginning the first phase of construction.

According to NJ.com, Netflix's plans for the complex include adding production and office buildings, a cafeteria, retail shops, studio trailer parks, a helipad, a theater, a hotel, visitor attractions, and water tanks for film productions. Phase one of construction involves building a campus for actors and production crews along with four soundstages on the property's 29-acre McAfee Zone.

In August, Eatontown's planning board is anticipated to review Netflix's proposal for phase two, which would involve erecting the remaining eight soundstages, borough officials reported to NJ.com.

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority amended zoning regulations at the former military base to permit Netflix's proposed plans. Netflix officials have not revealed a timeline for the opening of the production facilities. According to planning documents, both phases of the project must be finished within eight years of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority board's closure on Netflix's property acquistion deal.

NJ.com cited Netflix estimates that the facility is projected to create up to 3,500 jobs during construction and employ about 1,400 people once the studio is fully in use.