The basics:
It’s a comeback story straight out of the movies, literally, and right here in the Garden State. Netflix broke ground on a $1 billion project May 13 to transform Fort Monmouth – the shuttered 292-acre former U.S. Army base – into its East Coast production hub.
The ceremony featured golden shovels; special wrecking ball effects; Jersey-themed Taylor ham (pork roll), egg and cheese sandwiches; as well as a variety of Netflix leaders, government leaders, stakeholders and dignitaries on hand — including “The Sopranos” creator David Chase.
“As the birthplace of the motion picture industry, New Jersey couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Netflix – a name synonymous with 21st century entertainment – to the Garden State,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “The Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth further solidifies New Jersey’s reputation as a global leader in film and television production, attracting some of the world’s top filmmakers and creators to the state.”
“Netflix is proud to invest in American innovation and the creative community,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, who originally hails from Monmouth County.
“Today feels a bit like a homecoming for me. I grew up in Phoenix, Ariz., but I was born just down the road at Monmouth Medical,” said Sarandos. “But, today is a bit of a homecoming for the film industry, too.”
As he noted New Jersey’s rich film legacy – including the inventions and innovations of Thomas Edison to present-day – Sarandos said that the film and television industry in New Jersey is stronger than it’s ever been.
“We’re taking another huge step forward,” said Sarandos. “We’re going to officially begin demolition today to pave the way for Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth.”
Massive production
The project includes 12 cutting-edge soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet. Additional dedicated areas will support film uses and community amenities. Netflix has worked with local municipalities (Eatontown and Oceanport) and Monmouth County to secure approvals for the first phase of the project. Further approvals are required for the full effort to begin construction.
Demolition is expected to take roughly 13 months – with the studio projected to open in 2028. In December, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority board approved $387 million in Aspire tax credits for the project.
“We estimate that these studios will create thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents, billions of dollars in economic output, and many other cultural benefits to the region and the state,” said Sarandos. “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. And we’re excited to continue our investment in the U.S. and New Jersey in the coming years.”
“We are grateful to Netflix for choosing New Jersey as its new home on the East Coast – and for committing to an investment that will fuel economic growth, generate thousands of new jobs, and bring more patrons to our local businesses,” said Murphy.
Fort Monmouth’s next chapter
And the number of Monmouth County leaders and lawmakers who spoke stressed the significance both of Fort Monmouth itself, what was lost since its closing in 2011, and this next chapter — with a Jersey-style Hollywood ending for the shuttered base.
“I remember exactly where I was when I heard that Fort Monmouth was put on the BRAC [Base Realignment and Closure] list,” said Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr. “I remember wondering what that meant for our region – that was so intertwined with the Army; the economy, the generations of locals in the workforce, the social fabric of the community that was Fort Monmouth.”
Talerico said that to fill the void, something was needed with the depth and breadth of an entire industry.
“So, here we are. I would like to thank Gov. Murphy and his administration – the driving force behind the attraction of Netflix to New Jersey,” said Talerico. “The fostering of the film industry’s return to New Jersey is absolutely wonderful for us. But you know what, it’s also wonderful for the film industry because New Jersey has a lot to offer.”
Like most of the speakers, Talerico lauded the critical work of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, led by Executive Director Kara Kopach, in coordinating the different stakeholders involved in this complex, ambitious project.
“Eatontown stands ready and excited to work with Netflix,” said Talerico.
“We’re here today at the former Fort Monmouth Army Base – located in Tinton Falls, Eatontown, and Oceanport, N.J.,” said Oceanport Mayor Thomas Tvrdik. “And no matter the weather, this is a very sunny day for all of us. As a lifelong resident of Oceanport, I’m honored to be a part of this historic moment here at the Netflix groundbreaking ceremony.”
An ’emotional day’
“This is a very emotional day for many of us – and many that are not here,” said Sen. Vin Gopal, D-11th District, who noted that his mother had worked on Fort Monmouth. “I have memories coming here as a child – and I remember the day that it closed. I remember when we hoped that it would get saved in every following commission that happened – in more than a decade; that businesses in the area struggled and suffered.”
He noted that some of the early conversations produced many reasons that Netflix picked New Jersey – and it was not just about the state’s production tax credit program. “It’s everything about our beautiful Monmouth County – from Colts Neck to Asbury Park to the Jersey Shore; urban, suburban, rural – our incredible schools,” said Gopal.
He also credited the governor for his efforts to bolster the state’s film industry into what it is today – and, ultimately, attracting Netflix to the state.
“And it’s just about the jobs – the thousands of jobs – that are going to come: the building trades, construction, painters, electrical, plumbing jobs,” said Gopal. “But how it affects the local small businesses; the local florists; the local hotels. Netflix has been extraordinary in making sure that everything goes local – everything. Before you go to 1-800-FLOWERS, let’s make sure we hit the local florist.”
“The closing of Fort Monmouth – the announcement and the redevelopment was really a 20-year-long process,” said Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, R-13th District, who grew up a half mile from the fort and shared memories of the Army base. “Like so many people who grew up here, this place, this property – the fort itself – played such a role in our lives. It was a mystery before we got behind the gates. Once we did, we found it to be a wonderful, wonderful place.
“It’s with all that history in mind, that I sat on my front porch on Sept. 14, 2011, and listened to the playing of ‘Taps’ at Fort Monmouth for the very last time,” O’Scanlon continued. “I did actually shed real tears that night, sitting with my dog alone. This isn’t a greenfield project out in the middle of nowhere. It’s the rebirth of a very, very special place.”
O’Scanlon echoed Gopal and other officials about the efforts to save Fort Monmouth – and now redevelop it.
“We wondered – would it ever be the engine that Fort Monmouth was? We wondered if it would languish. Well, we’re now here to celebrate 20 years later,” said O’Scanlon. “But it’s going to be better than it ever could have been – with leadership of Netflix. We can’t thank you guys enough for that.”
We wondered – would it ever be the engine that Fort Monmouth was? … Well, we’re now here to celebrate 20 years later. But it’s going to be better than it ever could have been – with leadership of Netflix. – Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, R-13th District
Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone closed out the groundbreaking program.
“I do believe I have a lot of pressure on me here with these approvals,” Arnone quipped.
He reflected on doing work for his father’s plumbing company at the base – as well as getting to this point, beginning with his initial discussions with Murphy about the governor’s vision to bring Netflix to Fort Monmouth.
“This was something where teams came together – and the only way that something with this vision, with this complexity is going to happen – is with people working together,” said Arnone, stressing the importance of the bipartisan efforts on this. “None of this would happen unless it was in Monmouth County. It could only happen in Monmouth County because of the way teams work together.
“We are the Mecca – there’s a reason,” said Arnone, thanking Sarandos and Netflix for picking Monmouth County as its home. “And I trust you – and you can trust me that you will not be disappointed.”
Arnone noted that since day one, Netflix has been a great partner to deal with. And he said the sign of the county’s good leadership is to make Netflix’s life easier.
“And I will tell you this – and I sit here in front of a large crowd, which I am sure is being taped,” said Arnone to the Netflix leaders. “We will make this process easy for you. We want you here. We need you here. And we’re going to make it happen.”
Tags: Film, film industry, groundbreaking, job creation, netflix, film studios, Fort Monmouth