Paramount’s monumental 10-year lease agreement with 1888 Studios in Bayonne, New Jersey, is set to redefine film and television production on the East Coast. This strategic move, heavily influenced by New Jersey’s robust tax incentive programs, establishes a new, state-of-the-art creative hub designed to attract world-class storytellers and foster a resurgence of domestic filmmaking, recalling the industry’s foundational era.
In a move poised to reshape the landscape of cinematic and television production, Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, has announced a landmark minimum 10-year lease agreement with 1888 Studios. This ambitious partnership will see Paramount establish a major production hub in Bayonne, New Jersey, occupying over 285,000 square feet of the expansive facility. For fans of classic filmmaking and the enduring legacy of cinema, this investment in purpose-built infrastructure on the East Coast is a thrilling development, promising a new era of storytelling grounded in modern capabilities.
A Historic Commitment: Paramount Lands in Bayonne
The decision by Paramount to commit to 1888 Studios is a cornerstone of its long-term strategy, aimed at significantly scaling its production capabilities and expanding its slate of world-class entertainment. Andy Gordon, Paramount’s Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer, articulated the vision, stating, “Scaling our production and expanding our slate of world-class entertainment is central to our long-term strategy.” This investment signifies a robust commitment to domestic production, leveraging the highly competitive tax credit programs offered by New Jersey to create new jobs and foster creative momentum in the region. The deal was widely reported across entertainment news outlets, including Variety.
The enthusiasm for the partnership extends to the state’s leadership. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the impact, noting, “Paramount’s expansion into New Jersey, utilizing 1888 Studios’ large-scale, full-service production campus in Bayonne, reflects the incredible momentum of our state’s creative sector, solidifying our reputation as a global powerhouse in the entertainment industry.”
1888 Studios: Building the Future of Filmmaking
Currently under development by Togus Urban Renewal, 1888 Studios is set to become the largest campus-style production facility in the Northeast and one of the largest in the nation. Named after the year Thomas Edison patented the motion film camera—a nod to New Jersey’s rich cinematic legacy—the 58-acre facility boasts 1.6 million square feet of space, with 1.1 million square feet dedicated to production. It’s designed by global architecture firm Gensler to evoke the grandeur of “Golden Age Hollywood,” blending historical reverence with cutting-edge technology.
The campus will offer comprehensive facilities to accommodate every phase of production, including:
- 23 smart sound stages with a minimum of 40-foot clear ceilings
- Extensive production support space
- Flexible post-production areas
- Dedicated offices and mills
- Large base camp and backlot
- State-of-the-art lighting and grip facilities
- A massive 22-acre privately owned water backlot
This all-inclusive approach, crafted “for movie makers by movie makers,” aims to provide an unparalleled creative environment while offering significant operational efficiencies. The facility is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2028, according to TheWrap.
New Jersey’s Strategic Advantage: A Premier Destination
A key driver behind Paramount’s commitment is New Jersey’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which was significantly expanded in 2025. This program empowers the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to designate studio partners and film-lease partner facilities, each linked to large-scale infrastructure commitments. 1888 Studios was designated as New Jersey’s first film-lease partner facility in May 2024, and Paramount has already submitted its studio partner application, which is under NJEDA review.
The program, fully funded through 2049, has bipartisan support and has fueled a surge in production spending since its reinstatement in 2018. The benefits extend far beyond studio gates:
- Generation of thousands of good-paying construction and permanent union jobs.
- Creation of additional opportunities for New Jersey’s small businesses.
- Boosting the state’s economy and cultural vibrancy.
- Positioning New Jersey as a global hub for storytelling.
Leaders across the state, including Senator Raj Mukherji, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, and Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, have championed these initiatives, recognizing their transformative potential. “With industry leaders like 1888 Studios and Paramount choosing New Jersey, it proves that our film and TV tax credit law…is competitive and can significantly boost our economy and local small businesses,” remarked Senator Mukherji.
A Hub for Creativity: Beyond Paramount
While Paramount’s commitment is substantial, 1888 Studios is designed as a multi-tenant hub for creativity and innovation. The facility remains in active conversation with additional entertainment industry leaders regarding the benefits of its all-inclusive campus and New Jersey’s uniquely competitive offerings. Its strategic location, less than 30 minutes from downtown Manhattan and within the union-mandated 25-mile studio zone centered on Columbus Circle, offers unparalleled access to a deep and experienced regional industry workforce.
This infrastructure, combined with favorable tax incentives, addresses a pressing need for a purpose-built facility capable of housing large-scale filmmaking technologies, such as LED volume capture, under one roof. The vision is to empower world-class creators with a near-limitless canvas, making New Jersey an undeniable destination for filmmakers globally.
Connecting with the Legacy: A Nod to Classic Cinema
For enthusiasts of classic films, the development of 1888 Studios holds particular significance. The deliberate choice of its name, honoring Thomas Edison’s pioneering work in motion pictures, and its design evoking “Golden Age Hollywood,” create a tangible link to cinema’s roots. This project is not just about modern blockbusters; it’s about investing in the physical infrastructure that has always been the bedrock of great filmmaking. By fostering an environment where large-scale, ambitious productions can thrive domestically, 1888 Studios and Paramount’s partnership could very well contribute to creating the classic films of tomorrow, continuing a legacy that began over a century ago in New Jersey itself.
This commitment ensures that the creative workforce remains in America, enabling domestic productions and nurturing a self-sustaining creative economy in Hudson County. As Arpad “Arki” Busson, Chairman of Togus Urban Renewal, put it, “By keeping American productions at home, the project, which will be constructed by union workers, will generate thousands of jobs and additional opportunities for New Jersey’s small businesses.” The synergy of talent, infrastructure, and strong state support sets the stage for New Jersey to become a true cornerstone of global production.
