Construction is officially underway on the Lionsgate Newark film and television studio, a long-anticipated project that officials say will anchor a new era of economic investment, job creation and creative opportunity in Newark’s South Ward.
Lionsgate, Great Point Studios, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and the Newark Housing Authority (NHA) marked the start of the project with a community groundbreaking celebration at the nearby Temple of Hip Hop on Dec. 11.
The event drew state and local leaders, including Gov. Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber, Great Point Studios Chairman Fehmi Zeko, Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, Councilman Patrick Council, Newark Schools Superintendent Roger León, and Desiree Hadley, director of the Newark Office of Film and TV.
The 12-acre studio complex, built on the site of the former Seth Boyden housing projects, will be the first purpose-built, full-service production facility of its kind in New Jersey.
Great Point Studios will own and operate the site, while Lionsgate will serve as its long-term anchor tenant and hold naming rights. Plans call for multiple soundstages, production offices, set-building shops and a full suite of on-site services including grip and electric, storage, catering, props, parking and security.
Gov. Murphy said the project reflects the state’s commitment to expanding its presence in the entertainment sector. “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,” he said, adding that the work his administration has done to attract major entertainment companies “will drive economic growth by creating thousands of new jobs, supporting local businesses, and bringing meaningful investments to the community.”
Mayor Baraka said Lionsgate Newark represents “a major driver of opportunity and artistic innovation for our city,” and emphasized that the project was designed collaboratively with residents. “From the opportunities presented by the construction phase to the long-term careers the studio will sustain, this project represents a genuine collaboration with the people of Newark,” he said.
Community Benefits Agreement Signed
A central part of the ceremony was the signing of a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) designed to ensure Newark residents directly share in the studio’s economic impact. Signatories included Baraka, Schreiber, Zeko and NHA Executive Director Leonard Spicer.
According to the agreement, more than 40% of construction worker hours will go to Newark residents, and 25% of contracting will be allocated to Minority Business Enterprises and 7% to Women’s Business Enterprises. Once operational, 70% of full-time studio jobs including maintenance, engineering, administrative, landscaping, janitorial and security roles will be reserved for Newark residents.
Developers also committed $300,000 toward neighborhood improvements. Of that total, $200,000 will be distributed as grants to 10 community organizations, and $100,000 will support environmental programs through the South Ward Environmental Alliance. The city and NHA will jointly support a $50,000 beautification fund for sidewalks, facades, parks and streetscapes.
Spicer called the studio “the centerpiece of energizing this neighborhood,” adding that the NHA is committed to working with city and state partners “to reimagine and revitalize this neighborhood into a thriving mixed-use community with housing for everyone on the income ladder.”
Education and Workforce Initiatives
Local education and training programs will be a major component of the studio’s long-term presence. NJPAC and Great Point Studios will help develop film and television curricula for Newark students, along with apprenticeship and workforce pathways for young adults. NJPAC also committed to presenting at least 15 arts and community events annually in the South Ward.
“The unprecedented investment that Lionsgate and Great Point Studios are making in our city will provide life-enhancing pathways to success to our residents,” Schreiber said.
Lionsgate’s Executive Vice President and Head of TV Production, Joel Meyer, said the studio will become “a hub of content creation” for the company. “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,” he said.
Great Point Studios CEO Robert Halmi added that New Jersey’s strong film incentives have created “the ideal environment for a world-class facility like this.”
A Growing Film Hub
Desiree Hadley, who manages the Newark Office of Film and TV, said the groundbreaking marks an important moment for residents. “This is huge,” she said. “This agreement will make sure our residents have a voice and they have a seat at the table, and they benefit from this multi-million-dollar development that’s coming into our community.”
Hadley said Newark already attracts a steady stream of film and TV projects, and the new studio will accelerate that growth. “I see a bright future for our community,” she said. “Jobs will come here. Tourism will increase. And the residents who already have the skill set will be able to take advantage of the job opportunities that Lionsgate creates.”
As the project moves forward, the studio’s overall economic impact is projected to exceed $800 million annually, with more than 600 long-term production jobs expected in Newark.
“This will serve as an economic engine that will drive so many positive changes for our community and for Newark as a whole,” Councilman Council said.
