A stretch of land in Essex County with a ton of historical significance is slated to become the future home of a new production studio as filming facilities continue to proliferate throughout the Garden State.
The West Orange Township Council has officially granted approval for the establishment of a cutting-edge film studio near historic Thomas Edison National Historical Park. The proposed film studio is situated behind the a on Main Street, the last standing structure of Edison’s once expansive laboratory complex.
The project, a collaboration with Matrix Development Group, sits on approximately 12.2 acres within the town’s Film Services Overlay District. The project aims to diversify West Orange’s mixed-use development and economic foundation by fostering film production activities,
“We are thrilled about this Film Studio project that promises to propel West Orange forward economically for generations to come,” said West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney in a statement. “A film studio in downtown West Orange, situated at the heart where motion pictures were invented in the Black Maria, Edison’s first film production studio, is not only fitting but is poised to bring prosperity to our town, echoing the impact of Thomas Edison in the late 1880s.”
Matrix Development Group has acquired redevelopment rights for the project, contributing $200,000 to the township as part of the deal. The company’s due diligence period for the property may extend for an additional eight months, which could be accompanied by a potential supplementary payment of $200,000.
Envisioned to span between 150,000 and 350,000 square feet, the studio will feature three to six production stages ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet each. Each production stage will be equipped with on-site production services encompassing grip and electric, equipment, props, set building, location catering, cleaning services, and security.
The facility will also include office and support spaces along with parking facilities capable of accommodating 200 to 400 cars and 30 to 60 trucks. Upon full operation, the project anticipates the creation of 300 to 600 new full-time jobs.
West Orange was recently designated as a Film Ready Community by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission under the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). The program provides an elevated platform for certified communities to promote themselves as filming destinations and helps connect film and television professionals with skilled and knowledgeable liaisons across the state.
The film production industry has begun to boom in New Jersey since Cinelease Studios Caven Point opened just about three years ago. Netflix is planning a sprawling 300-acre facility in Fort Monmouth, while Bayonne’s 1888 Studios is fully approved.
Lionsgate has also announced a $125 million film studio in Newark’s South Ward, while Atlantic City’s former Playground Pier is being converted into ACX1 Film Studios.
