New Jersey’s tax incentives and proximity to NYC position the new facility as a major draw for virtual production.

Be Electric Studios has expanded its virtual production footprint with the launch of a new 12,000-square-foot LED volume stage in Kearny, New Jersey. Developed in partnership with Eastern Effects, the facility becomes Be Electric’s third full-time LED stage, joining its existing Brooklyn and Long Island City locations, and cements the studio’s status as the Northeast’s most comprehensive virtual production provider.

Tapping Into New Jersey’s Production Surge

Strategically located just outside Manhattan and within the 25-mile union zone, the Kearny facility offers producers access to New Jersey’s robust Film and Digital Media Tax Credit — which includes up to 35% in transferable credits on qualified expenses, plus uplifts for infrastructure, out-of-zone shoots, and diversity hires. With union accessibility and proximity to the city, the new stage hits the sweet spot between creative flexibility and financial efficiency.

“We’ve always followed where creative and operational value intersect,” says Andrew Stern, CEO of Be Electric. “Kearny hits that sweet spot. Productions get the space they need, union talent access, and can take advantage of New Jersey’s tax incentive program. It’s a strategic win for everyone.”

The state’s competitive incentive landscape has fueled a wave of studio development, with Kearny emerging as a go-to hub for commercial, branded, and narrative work.

Virtual Production Built for Speed and Scale

Be Electric constructed the stage in just three days using its proprietary matte silicone LED tiles. It includes real-time playback capabilities via Assimilate Live FX and was engineered for stability and fast deployment — a culmination of lessons learned from dozens of productions across its NYC-area stages.

“At Kearny, we focused on speed, stability, and flexibility,” says Justin Lee, Be Electric’s Virtual Production Supervisor. “We’ve created a stage where tracking, LED sync, and color workflows are tightly integrated. Whether you’re running pre-built environments or custom Unreal scenes, we can move fast and deliver consistent results to camera.”

The space is equipped with ceiling-mounted tracking arrays, DMX control, and full camera-routing capabilities, offering a versatile solution for everything from high-end automotive commercials to branded and narrative content.

Automotive Shoots Get the Spotlight

Designed with automotive workflows in mind, the Kearny stage features drive-in access, optimized floor space for dynamic camera moves, and integrated lighting support for day and night driving scenarios — all without ever leaving the stage.

“We’ve configured the stage to easily support vehicle integration,” says Lee. “That includes floor rigging, lens mapping, and reflection control — giving DPs far more flexibility than traditional green screen or process trailers.”

Be Electric’s dedicated car process workflow allows brands and agencies to streamline production — and take advantage of the cost savings and creative control that come with it.

Partnering for Production Efficiency

The Kearny LED volume is housed within a larger soundstage complex operated by Eastern Effects, one of the New York metro area’s most established production support providers. The collaboration brings together Be Electric’s virtual production expertise with Eastern’s deep infrastructure of lighting, grip, camera rentals, and full-service support.

“Our philosophy has always been to remove friction for producers,” says Scott Levy, President of Eastern Effects. “This partnership lets us offer a one-stop shop. You walk in and everything is there — studio, gear, crew, and now a fully integrated LED pipeline.”

One Ecosystem, Three Locations

With its Brooklyn, Long Island City, and now Kearny locations, Be Electric Studios offers a fully connected virtual production ecosystem — tailored to meet the needs of projects ranging from music videos and commercials to high-end narrative productions.

“We’ve built an ecosystem, not just a screen,” says Stern. “Whether you’re shooting a music video in Brooklyn, a car spot in Kearny, or an immersive buildout in LIC, you’re working with the same core team, the same proven system, and a consistent creative toolkit.”

About Be Electric Studios

Be Electric Studios is the only virtual production provider in the Northeast operating three LED stages. The company offers stage rentals, VP system design, Unreal Engine workflows, automotive solutions, and creative production support for agencies, brands, and production companies.

About Eastern Effects

Eastern Effects is a production services company with locations in Gowanus and Kearny, offering lighting, grip, camera, and studio rentals for film, television, and commercial shoots across the New York metro area.