Netflix invests $1 billion in a massive New Jersey studio complex, aligning perfectly with President Trump’s vision to bring film production back to America through his 100% tariff on foreign-made movies.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix is transforming an old Army base into a 500,000-square-foot production facility with 12 sound stages, creating 1,500 permanent jobs and 3,500 construction jobs.
- The $1 billion investment was largely influenced by New Jersey’s generous tax credits of up to 35% on film production expenses and 40% for digital media post-production.
- Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed the company has contributed $125 billion to the U.S. economy over the past four years.
- The project aligns with President Trump’s America-first film industry strategy, which includes implementing a 100% tariff on imported movies.
- New Jersey now ranks as the sixth-largest state for film and TV productions, with the tax incentive program extended through 2039.
Netflix’s Billion-Dollar Bet on American Production
Netflix has broken ground on a massive $1 billion production facility at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, marking one of the largest investments in American film infrastructure in recent years. The sprawling 292-acre complex will feature a dozen soundstages, post-production facilities, office space, and a backlot. This East Coast hub, named Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth, represents a significant commitment to domestic content creation at a time when President Trump is actively working to revitalize America’s film industry through protective tariffs on foreign productions.
“Over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the U.S. economy and hired more than 140,000 cast and crew members,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO.
The decision to build in New Jersey was heavily influenced by the state’s aggressive film incentive program, which offers up to 35% credit on qualified film production expenses and up to 40% for digital media post-production. With these incentives extended through June 2039, Netflix has secured long-term financial benefits that make the investment particularly attractive. The company is receiving $387 million in state tax credits to support the project, which demonstrates how strategic tax policies can successfully bring major business investments to American communities.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The Netflix project represents a significant economic boost for both New Jersey and the American film industry as a whole. When completed in 2028, the facility is expected to create approximately 1,500 permanent production jobs and over 3,500 construction-related positions during development. These are precisely the kind of high-paying, skilled positions that the Trump administration aims to bring back to American shores through its America First economic policies.
“I was in love with this idea from the very first conversation with Gov. [Phil] Murphy,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO.
Local officials have promised streamlined permitting processes, distinguishing New Jersey from the bureaucratic hurdles that have plagued production in states like California. This business-friendly approach has already attracted attention from industry professionals who see the region as increasingly competitive with traditional production hubs. The fact that Netflix already has seven productions underway in New Jersey before the facility’s completion demonstrates the immediate impact of these policies.
Alignment with President Trump’s Film Industry Strategy
The Netflix investment comes at a pivotal moment as President Trump implements his strategy to revitalize America’s film industry. Trump recently announced a 100% tariff on foreign-produced movies, creating strong financial incentives for studios to keep production on American soil. This approach addresses the President’s concern that “The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death” as other countries have been offering incentives to lure away American filmmakers and studios.
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States,” said Donald Trump, President of the United States.
Industry professionals have recognized the importance of government support at all levels. Actor Jared Johnston emphasized that competitive tax breaks are essential to “keep productions and the thousands of union jobs that TV/film creates here in the beautiful new studios.” Even initially skeptical lawmakers have come around to supporting these incentives. State Senator Declan O’Scanlon, who once opposed the tax credit program, now admits, “I was wrong,” seeing the tangible economic benefits these investments bring to local communities.
New Jersey’s Rise as a Production Powerhouse
New Jersey has quietly become the sixth-largest state for film and television production, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates how targeted economic policies can reshape industry geography. Governor Phil Murphy has been a vocal champion of the state’s advantages, describing New Jersey’s program as “the single best film-incentive program in the entire country.” The state’s combination of tax incentives, proximity to New York City, diverse locations, and now world-class production facilities makes it increasingly attractive to major studios.
“We will make this easy for you,” said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone.
The transformation of the former Fort Monmouth military base into a cutting-edge production facility also represents an innovative approach to repurposing government land for economic development. Rather than letting the property languish, New Jersey officials have facilitated its conversion into a job-creating engine that will benefit the region for decades to come. As Governor Murphy noted, this project represents an “explicit statement that this is not about us, this is about generations to come.”
