Hollywood in the Brick City, but why Newark?

Get ready, New Jersey! The glitz, glamour, and grit of major film and television production are getting a permanent new address right here in the Garden State. Hold onto your popcorn, because the iconic Lionsgate Studio is set to open a major, state-of-the-art facility in Newark in 2026, and it’s a development that has everyone from home buyers and sellers to local explorers buzzing with excitement! If you’ve been wondering if New Jersey is the place to be, this might just be your cue.

Hollywood's New Home in the Heart of Newark!

This isn't just a rumor mill churning; this is the real deal. Lionsgate, the powerhouse studio behind blockbuster franchises like John Wick and The Hunger Games, is anchoring a massive, purpose-built studio complex. Developed by Great Point Studios, this sprawling 12-acre facility located at 801 Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark’s South Ward is poised to revolutionize film and television production on the East Coast.

We’re talking a 270,000 square-foot complex that means serious business. According to Great Point Studios, the facility will feature:

• Six massive, versatile production stages, ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet each. That's a whopping 120,000 square feet of sound stages!
• All stages will be soundproofed to NC-30 (translation: super quiet for perfect takes) and boast grids 30 feet or higher.
• A staggering 4800 amps of power per stage – enough to light up any blockbuster scene.
• An additional 150,000 square feet of support space, including crucial services like grip and electric, a substantial 18,000 sq. ft. mill shop for set construction, 48,000 sq. ft. for equipment storage, 20,000 sq. ft. for set decoration, and 52,000 sq. ft. for offices and other support.
• It’s a fully-equipped campus designed for top-tier productions, broadcast-capable and ready to bring creative visions to life.

This isn't just a couple of empty warehouses, folks. This is New Jersey’s premier, purpose-built hub dedicated exclusively to film and television production, set to open its doors and roll the cameras in 2026.

Location, Location, Location! Why Newark is Rolling Out the Red Carpet

So, why Newark? It turns out, Brick City is a perfect leading lady for this production. Several factors make it an incredibly attractive spot:

• Proximity is Key: Newark offers unparalleled access to New York City, a global media capital, without the big city congestion for a sprawling studio lot.
• Transportation Hub: With Newark Liberty International Airport just a stone's throw away, along with major highways, Port Newark, NJ TRANSIT, and the PATH system, getting talent, crew, and equipment in and out is a breeze. The recent announcement by the Port Authority to open the Newark Liberty International Airport rail station to the neighborhood further enhances this connectivity.
• Talent Pool: New Jersey and the surrounding region boast a deep and experienced pool of union trade talent essential for film production.
• The "Murphy" Effect (and Smart Economics!): Let’s be frank, New Jersey’s aggressive Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program has been a blockbuster hit in attracting productions. Administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and championed by Governor Phil Murphy, this program offers significant financial incentives—typically 30-35% tax credit on eligible expenses, with additional bonuses for diversity and for Studio Partners like Lionsgate. This makes New Jersey a financially savvy choice for major studios. As the saying goes, "if you build it (with tax credits), they will come!"

It also doesn't hurt that New Jersey has a rich, if sometimes forgotten, history with filmmaking – Thomas Edison, the father of motion pictures, had his "Black Maria" studio right here in West Orange! This new chapter feels like a brilliant sequel.

Lights, Camera, JOBS! Economic Boom for Brick City and Beyond

The arrival of Lionsgate Newark isn't just about star sightings (though we can hope!). It’s about tangible economic benefits for the city and the state. Initial projections, as reported by ROI-NJ and other outlets during the announcement, estimate the creation of more than 600 new long-term jobs, with a commendable priority for hiring Newark residents.

Beyond direct employment, the studio is expected to generate an astounding $800 million in annual economic impact for Newark and New Jersey. Think about it:

• Local Spending: Productions will need everything from catering and construction supplies to accommodation and local services, giving a boost to countless small and medium-sized businesses.
• Infrastructure Development: The project itself is part of the revitalization of the South Ward, transforming the former Seth Boyden Housing site.
• Educational Opportunities: The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is partnered with the project to manage public affairs and community relations, and importantly, to create educational programs and internships for Newark high school and college students, fostering a new generation of film and TV professionals.

This is the kind of economic development that can create a positive ripple effect across communities.

What This Means for YOUR New Jersey Story (and Property!)

Okay, so a giant movie studio is cool, but what does it mean for you if you’re looking to buy a home in New Jersey, sell your current one, or are just curious about the market?

While we don't have a crystal ball, major investments like the Lionsgate Newark Studio are significant economic drivers. The influx of jobs and the overall buzz can certainly enhance the desirability of an area. We're already seeing incredible energy in Essex County. For instance, according to recent data from Rocket Homes (April 2025), the median list price in Newark itself was up an impressive 30.5% year-over-year, with over 63% of homes selling above asking price. This kind of growth, while influenced by many factors, highlights the increasing demand in the area.

The positive energy isn’t confined to just one spot. North Jersey, in general, is a dynamic real estate market:

• Essex County: Beyond Newark's surge, Essex County as a whole saw its median sold price climb 11.2% year-over-year to $667,242 as of April 2025 (Rocket Homes), with homes often going under contract swiftly.
• Bergen County: This ever-popular county continues to see strong demand. Redfin reported the median sale price in Bergen County at $710,000 in February 2025, a 7.6% increase year-over-year, with many homes selling above list price. Zillow data from March 2025 shows an average home value around $726,131, up 6.5% from the previous year.
• Passaic County: Not to be outdone, Passaic County is also experiencing healthy growth. Zillow reported the average home value at $546,434 in March 2025, a 9.0% increase year-over-year. Realtytrac noted a median sold price of $556,700 in March 2025, up 10.69% year-over-year.

For sellers, this continued demand and the potential for increased interest due to economic growth like the Lionsgate project can mean a favorable market. For buyers, while competitive, it underscores that New Jersey is a state with a vibrant future and growing opportunities. Investing here means becoming part of a dynamic and evolving story.

Beyond the Studio Gates: More to Explore in NJ

The Lionsgate studio is another fantastic addition to the rich tapestry of what New Jersey offers. From our beautiful beaches and parks to thriving arts scenes, diverse culinary experiences, and excellent schools, the Garden State is increasingly a place where people want to live, work, and play. This new hub for creativity and innovation will only add to that allure, making New Jersey an even more exciting place to call home. Who knows, your local coffee shop might just become the next hot spot for celebrity sightings – or better yet, you’ll be too busy enjoying all the other great things NJ has to offer!

Get Ready for Your Close-Up, New Jersey!

The arrival of Lionsgate Newark is more than just a headline; it’s a testament to New Jersey’s growing appeal and a beacon of economic opportunity. Whether you're looking to make a move, sell your property, or simply discover the best of what NJ has to offer, this is an exciting time for our state.

At livinginnj.com, we’re here to be your trusted resource for navigating the New Jersey real estate market and uncovering all the reasons why living here is a blockbuster experience.

Download our free buyers or sellers guide.

Ismael Rodriguez is a realtor at Real Broker. I cover all of North Jersey and specialize in Bergen, Essex, and Passaic Counties.