West Orange, the birthplace of modern filmmaking thanks to Thomas Edison’s Black Maria, is set to make a major return to the spotlight. The West Orange Township Council has approved Matrix Development Group’s purchase of a 12-acre tract of land behind the historic Thomas Edison National Historical Park, marking a significant step toward the construction of a new film studio. This ambitious project, part of a larger $10 million investment, promises to solidify West Orange as a premier film and TV production destination.

A Historic Site Meets Cutting-Edge Production

Located near the Edison Lofts, the film studio will span between 150,000 and 350,000 square feet, with three to six production stages ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet each. The project is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Edison, who invented the motion picture camera and established the world’s first film production studio on this very site in the late 1800s.

The new studio, developed in collaboration with Matrix Development Group, will feature a full array of on-site production services, including grip and electric equipment, set building, props, catering, and security. Parking facilities for 200 to 400 cars and 30 to 60 trucks will support the production stages. Once fully operational, the project is expected to create 300 to 600 full-time jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.

Mayor Susan McCartney emphasized the transformative impact of this development, stating, “This agreement offers financial stability by reducing debt, generating tax revenue, and attracting significant film and TV productions. West Orange is standing at a transformative threshold, echoing the economic vitality that Thomas Edison brought to our town over a century ago.”

Part of a Growing New Jersey Film Infrastructure

The West Orange studio is part of a larger, concerted effort by New Jersey to attract the entertainment industry back to the state. Under Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration, New Jersey has reinstated and expanded tax incentives for TV and film production, making it an increasingly attractive destination for major studios and streaming giants. Several large-scale developments have already been announced across the state, contributing to its rising profile in the global film industry.

1888 Studios in Bayonne

Perhaps the most ambitious development is 1888 Studios, which is set to become the largest film studio in the Northeastern United States. Covering 60 acres in Bayonne and 20 acres in Newark Bay, the facility will feature 23 smart sound stages and over 350,000 square feet of production support space. Expected to open in 2026, 1888 Studios will be a game-changer, putting New Jersey on the map as a hub for big-budget productions.