New Jersey is experiencing significant growth in film and television production, reshaping the career landscape for students pursuing media-related fields. For communication majors at William Paterson University, the state’s expanding industry provides new opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience within close proximity to campus.
From Bayonne to Newark: A Statewide Film Renaissance
Several major production developments across New Jersey are contributing to the state’s emergence as a notable entertainment hub. In Bayonne, Paramount Skydance has entered a long-term agreement with the upcoming 1888 Studios, a large-scale waterfront campus expected to include advanced soundstages, production-support facilities, and public spaces. In Monmouth County, Netflix is progressing with its $903 million studio complex at Fort Monmouth, a project designed to accommodate a wide range of production needs.
Smaller communities are also preparing to support increased filming activity. After more than a year of preparation, Newton partnered with Barn Light Studios, updated its municipal ordinances, and compiled a detailed inventory of filming locations, enabling it to achieve New Jersey’s “film-ready” certification. Newton’s diverse environments make it appealing for productions seeking suburban, rural, or historic settings.
Meanwhile, the City of Newark has expanded its role in the industry through the creation of the Newark Office of Film and Television (NOFTV), launched on September 10, 2024. Under Director Desireé Hadley, the office assists production companies, streamlines permitting, and supports workforce development efforts. Newark has earned the state’s “Film Ready” designation and continues to attract a broad mix of film and television projects. The upcoming Lionsgate Newark studio—set to open in spring 2026—will further strengthen the city’s position as a production center.
Collectively, these developments reflect a statewide effort to expand New Jersey’s ability to support film and television productions of varying scales.
A Home-Grown Advantage for William Paterson University Students
Historically, aspiring film and television professionals often sought opportunities in regions such as Los Angeles or New York City, where the majority of large production studios were concentrated. The expansion of New Jersey’s film infrastructure now offers alternative pathways for students to gain industry experience within the state.
With studios, municipal film offices, and filming locations distributed across northern and central New Jersey, WPU students can pursue internships, assist on productions, and gain exposure to industry workflows locally. This emerging ecosystem supports a variety of roles across cinematography, editing, sound, production management, marketing, digital content, and post-production.
William Paterson University’s communication and media programs equip students with skills such as scriptwriting, directing, animation, cinematography, sound design, lighting, and typography, preparing them for careers across content creation, production, writing, post-production, journalism, management, and academic or consulting fields. These competencies align with the wide range of professional positions emerging in New Jersey’s expanding film and television industry.
Strengthening Academic and Industry Pathways
The recent growth of New Jersey’s film industry places William Paterson University within close proximity to several major production sites, including 1888 Studios in Bayonne, Lionsgate Newark, and Netflix’s planned Fort Monmouth facility. While no formal partnerships currently exist between the university and these studios, their presence in the region increases the potential for future collaborations that could support student learning.
Director Desireé Hadley of the Newark Office of Film & Television underscored the city’s long-term goals, stating,
“Workforce development is a central part of our mission. Our goal is to create pathways that give Newark residents access to meaningful careers in the film and television industry.”¹
The Newark Office of Film & Television has emphasized workforce development as part of its mission, which has the potential to align with the university’s experiential learning approach if relationships were to be established in the future.
A Promising Future for New Jersey’s Creative Workforce
New Jersey’s investment in film and television production benefits both the state and its emerging creative talent. For William Paterson University students, the expanding industry offers practical opportunities to build résumés, develop skills, and establish professional networks close to home. With large-scale studios, supportive municipal initiatives, and film-ready communities, New Jersey is creating a sustainable entertainment ecosystem that allows students to enter the industry without the traditional reliance on distant production hubs.
As the state’s film boom continues, William Paterson University students are well-positioned to contribute to—and thrive within—New Jersey’s growing role in the film and television industry.
