An endeavor that can rightly be called the largest revitalization to hit Newark’s South Ward in decades celebrated a milestone this month as a massive film production studio kicked off its creation.
Lionsgate along with Great Point Studios, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and the Newark Housing Authority (NHA), announced the official start of construction on Lionsgate Newark film studio. The deal, announced in 2022, will redevelop 12 acres that were formerly home to the Seth Boyden Housing complex.
Lionsgate Newark will feature multiple soundstages, production offices, set-building facilities, and full on-site production services including grip/electric, equipment storage, catering, props, parking, security, and more. A community groundbreaking celebration for the new facility was held at the Temple of Hip Hop and was attended Governor Phil Murphy and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
“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,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I am proud of the work that our administration has done to attract leading entertainment companies, such as Lionsgate, to our state.”
The studio will be owned and operated by Great Point Studios when completed, with Lionsgate locked in as a long-term tenant to receive naming rights. The event included the signing of a Community Benefits Agreement, which outlined the developers’ commitment to ensuring that the studio will benefit both the city and South Ward residents through job creation, new educational programs and other initiatives.
“Lionsgate Newark is set to be a major driver of opportunity and artistic innovation for our city,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “From the opportunities presented by the construction phase to the long-term careers the studio will sustain in rapidly growing industries, this project represents a genuine collaboration with the people of Newark.”
The studio is expected to create more than 600 long-term production jobs in the city, and to generate an anticipated annual economic impact exceeding $800 million. 70% of the studio’s full-time employment opportunities will be reserved for Newark residents, who will also receive priority consideration when applying for all studio jobs.
Additionally, Lionsgate intends to partner with the Newark Board of Education to develop film, television, broadcast, and related industry curricula for the city’s schools. The studio developers will also make substantial financial investments in the quality of life in the South Ward neighborhood, providing $300,000 in dedicated community funding.
At the project’s completion, Great Point will contribute grants to ten local community organizations for a total of $200,000, while an additional $100,000 will be contributed to the South Ward Environmental Alliance for environmental improvements and green-jobs programs.
Matrix Development will serve as the developer on the project, with global architecture firm Gensler signing on to lead the way with architecture and master planning. The facility is expected to be up and running sometime in 2027.
