NEWARK, N.J. – The recent influx of film and television activity in New Jersey has created an unprecedented demand for large studio space. Palisade Stages, the first major soundstage to be built in the state, has just opened for business in Kearny.

This facility is built to accommodate productions of all sizes according to Jamie Payne, president. It offers 23,000 sq. ft. of studio space, 27’ high, an industry standard lighting grid, green rooms, loading bays and ample parking. “Our close proximity to New York City and many popular locations in North Jersey is also a tremendous asset,” according to Payne.

The film and television industry continues to expand in New Jersey in the wake of recent financial incentives, as studio, network and independent productions flock to Garden State locations. In 2019, film and television production generated over $400 million for the state economy. Recent productions filmed here include the Warner Bros. features “Joker” and “The Many Saints of Newark,” the critically acclaimed Netflix drama “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and their upcoming action blockbuster “Army of the Dead,” Steven Spielberg’s eagerly anticipated remake of “West Side Story,” and such network television series as ABC’s “Emergence,” NBC’s “The Enemy Within” and “Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt For The Bone Collector,” HBO’s “The Plot Against America” and the upcoming CBS series “The Equalizer.”

“The ultimate goal of our film incentive programs is to build a vibrant production industry in the state and attract permanent, bricks and mortar businesses and the full-time jobs that go along with them,” says Governor Phil Murphy. “We are excited to welcome Palisade Stages to New Jersey and wish them great success.”

“More than a century ago, New Jersey was the birthplace of the motion picture industry,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “We are thrilled to see this industry grow and thrive again in the 21st century here in the Garden State. The opening of the Palisade Stages helps us cement New Jersey’s status as a premier destination for film and television production.”

Michael Uslan, Chairman of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, anticipates a very successful production year ahead. “We are fielding many requests from production companies looking to shoot features and television programs here, so a facility like Palisade Stages will be in high demand.” Uslan expects the industry to rebound strongly from the pandemic shutdown of 2020, predicting that “New Jersey will be seeing plenty of action in the months to come.”

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About the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission
The NJMPTC, which falls under the New Jersey Department of State’s Business Action Center, is staffed by industry professionals and serves as a resource for production companies. The Commission promotes film and television production in New Jersey.

www.film.nj.gov.