Netflix Kicks Off Hiring at Fort Monmouth as NJ’s Film & TV “Gold Rush” Begins
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Hollywood is no longer a cross-country flight away—it’s moving into the Garden State. From the historic streets of Paterson to the shores of Long Branch, New Jersey is undergoing a massive cinematic transformation. With billion-dollar investments from Netflix, Lionsgate, and Paramount, the “East Coast Hollywood” is officially open for business, and they are looking for local talent.
Lights, Camera, NJ! 15 New Towns Named ‘Film Ready’ as Hollywood Moves East
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey is officially cementing its status as “Hollywood East.” On March 11, 2026, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC) announced the addition of 15 new municipalities to its prestigious “Film Ready Communities” (FRC) cohort.
“Luke Cage” in the IHOP? Mike Colter and Star-Studded Cast Spotted Filming in Hasbrouck Heights
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hasbrouck Heights NJ, if you were grabbing a Short Stack at the Route 17 IHOP in Hasbrouck Heights on Monday, March 9, you might have been an accidental extra in a major television production.
The deal creates one of the world’s largest entertainment conglomerates
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The dust has finally settled on one of the most high-stakes bidding wars in entertainment history. After months of intense speculation and aggressive counter-offers, Paramount Skydance has officially emerged as the winner in the race to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
The End of an Era? AMC May Close More New Jersey Movie Theaters as Stock Hits Record Low
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Going to the movies in New Jersey might soon look a lot different. AMC Theatres, the largest cinema chain in the world and a staple of Garden State malls, has issued a stark warning: more locations are on the chopping block.
Paramount Skydance Outmaneuvered Netflix to Grab Warner Bros.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The battle for Hollywood’s most iconic assets has reached a stunning conclusion. In a high-stakes game of corporate poker, Netflix has officially folded, clearing the way for Paramount Skydance to acquire the massive Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) empire.
Lights, Camera, Fair Lawn! STARZ ‘Power’ Prequel Transforms Local Salon into TV Set
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fair lawn NJ, The Borough of Fair Lawn is officially having its “Hollywood” moment. Just two years after earning its certification as a “Film Ready Community,” the town’s strategic push to attract Tinseltown has paid off in a big way.
The five-minute short, Some Things Change, was written, produced, and directed by Julie Korogodon
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — A group of Ridgewood residents came together to produce a short film exploring loss, grief, and resilience — all within a matter of weeks and under challenging circumstances.
Hollywood East Rising: Why New Jersey is Winning the Film War Against California
the staff oif the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The “Golden State” is losing its luster, and the “Garden State” is stepping into the spotlight.
As of January 2026, a massive structural shift is rocking the entertainment industry. While California struggles to maintain its grip on Hollywood despite doubling its tax incentives, New Jersey is posting record-breaking growth. New data from FilmLA and industry trackers show that while Los Angeles saw a 16.1% drop in filming days in 2025, New Jersey’s production scene is surging by nearly 75%.
Affinity PartnersDrops Out of Hostile Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wall Street NY, the battle for Hollywood’s most storied assets has taken another dramatic turn. Affinity Partners, the private equity firm founded by Jared Kushner , has officially withdrawn its financial backing from Paramount’s massive $108.4 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
Bayone NJ, On a historic, snow-covered afternoon, officials gathered at the foot of the Bayonne Bridge to break ground on 1888 Studios—set to become the largest television and film production campus in New Jersey and one of the biggest in the United States.
Backbacked by industry giant Paramount, this $1.2 billion redevelopment of the former Texaco oil refinery site is more than just a construction project; it is a signal that the Garden State is reclaiming its title as the global birthplace of film.
Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke officially joined the exclusive club of centenarians, marking his 100th birthday!
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, On December 13, 2025, Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke officially joined the exclusive club of centenarians, marking his 100th birthday! The Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning icon, best known for roles in classics like Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show, is not just celebrating a milestone—he’s defying expectations.
$800 Million Impact! Lionsgate Newark Breaks Ground on NJ’s First Purpose-Built Studio—600+ New Jobs Coming to the South Ward!
the staff of the ridgewood blog
Newark NJ, a New Era for New Jersey Film: Lionsgate Newark is Underway. The future of film and television production in New Jersey officially began today, December 11, 2025, as construction commenced on the highly anticipated Lionsgate Newark studio complex. This marks a major turning point for the city’s South Ward, transforming the 12-acre site of the former Seth Boyden Housing complex into New Jersey’s first purpose-built, full-service production facility.