Hollywood East Goes Green: Massive $101M Deal Powers Up Lionsgate Studios Newark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Newark NJ, New Jersey’s rise as a major film and television production hub just took another massive leap forward—this time with a strong focus on sustainability and clean energy.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Nuveen Green Capital have officially announced the closing of a landmark $101 million loan under the Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program. Administered alongside senior lender MCCP, this major financing deal will directly support renewable energy and efficiency upgrades for the upcoming Lionsgate Studios Newark.
Owned and operated by Great Point Studios, the state-of-the-art complex promises to reduce energy costs, expand local workforce opportunities, and further cement New Jersey’s position as “Hollywood East.”
Key Project Takeaways at a Glance
Total C-PACE Financing: $101 Million
Project Location: 12-acre site in Newark, New Jersey
Key Features: 6 soundstages, mill shops, production offices, and equipment storage
Green Upgrades: 1.1 MW solar power system, 7 EV charging stations, water conservation, and high-efficiency HVAC
Expected Completion: 2027
Powering a Greener Studio with C-PACE Financing
The $101 million C-PACE financing will fund comprehensive energy and water efficiency enhancements designed to lighten the strain on the local electrical grid while cutting operational costs.
Key Environmental & Infrastructure Upgrades:
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Solar Power Generation: Installation of a 1.1-megawatt (MW) solar energy system, expected to generate roughly 1.34 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity per year.
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Electric Vehicle Charging: Deployment of seven EV charging stations across the studio site.
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Energy Consumption Reductions: Advanced energy-efficient building envelopes, smart lighting, and high-efficiency electrical HVAC systems are projected to slash power usage by 388,000 kWh annually.
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Water Conservation: Tailored water-saving measures will conserve an estimated 259,000 gallons of water per year.
“Support for Lionsgate under the Garden State C-PACE Program exemplifies the tremendous economic opportunities available for businesses while simultaneously bolstering the state’s booming film and television industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss.
What Is Garden State C-PACE?
The Garden State C-PACE Program enables commercial property owners to finance eligible clean energy and resiliency projects through long-term, low-cost capital provided by Qualified Capital Providers.
Property owners repay these investments via a special assessment through their local municipality—similar to standard real property tax, sewer, or water payments. This structure helps projects maintain positive cash flow from day one without heavy upfront costs. To participate, municipalities must opt into the program before project applications are submitted.
Since its launch in July 2025, the Garden State C-PACE Program has already closed more than $176 million in financing across New Jersey. On a national scale, C-PACE programs have funded over 3,580 projects, securing more than $9.75 billion in private investments and creating nearly 150,000 jobs.
Inside Lionsgate Studios Newark: A Hub for Entertainment & Education
Spanning 12 acres, Lionsgate Studios Newark will serve as a premier destination for major entertainment productions.
Facility Highlights:
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Six Soundstages: Built to handle simultaneous film and TV productions of varying sizes.
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Full Production Support: Includes mill shops for set construction, equipment storage, and dedicated office spaces.
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Community Engagement: The studio will host hands-on career training programs for Newark high school students, paving the way for local youth to enter the growing entertainment workforce.
Lionsgate became New Jersey’s inaugural Studio Partner in December 2022 under the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program. By committing to occupy the facility for at least 10 years, Lionsgate becomes eligible for up to a 40% base tax credit on qualified local production expenses.
New Jersey’s Booming Film Economy
Film and television production across New Jersey has surged since the reinstatement of the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program in 2018. In 2024 alone, in-state production spending reached a record-breaking $834 million, eclipsing the prior record of $701 million set in 2022.
Lionsgate Studios Newark isn’t the only mega-project making waves. Along with Netflix’s upcoming studio facility at Fort Monmouth and 1888 Studios in Bayonne, New Jersey is rapidly building the infrastructure necessary to attract major global productions, boost local job growth, and revitalize surrounding economies.
With construction scheduled for completion in 2027, Lionsgate Studios Newark stands as a prime example of how sustainable finance and entertainment production can combine to build a greener, economically vibrant future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Lionsgate Studios Newark?
Lionsgate Studios Newark is a modern 12-acre film and television production facility featuring six soundstages, production offices, and set construction space operated by Great Point Studios.
How is the Lionsgate Newark project being funded?
The project secured $101 million in financing through the NJEDA’s Garden State C-PACE Program in partnership with Nuveen Green Capital and senior lender MCCP.
When will Lionsgate Studios Newark open?
Construction on the studio complex is projected to wrap up in 2027.
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another waste of taxpayer money promoting another shit hole city