Paramount signs 10-year lease at 1888 Studios in Bayonne, marking major expansion for New Jersey’s film industry
BAYONNE, N.J. (Hudson County) — Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, has signed a landmark 10-year lease agreement to occupy more than 285,000 square feet at 1888 Studios, the massive 1.6 million-square-foot film and television production campus under construction in Bayonne. The move establishes a major new production hub in New Jersey, bolstered by the state’s competitive film and digital media tax incentives.
Currently being developed by Togus Urban Renewal, 1888 Studios is slated to become the largest campus-style production facility in the Northeast and one of the largest in the United States. The 58-acre site will feature 23 smart sound stages, production and post-production space, offices, and support facilities designed to accommodate every phase of film and television production.
“Scaling our production and expanding our slate of world-class entertainment is central to our long-term strategy,” said Andy Gordon, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Paramount. “We’re thrilled to invest in the United States and in the region and lean into our creative momentum to spark economic growth. We’re deeply grateful for the support and partnership of Governor Murphy, Senator Raj Mukherji, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and 1888 Studios.”
“With 1888 Studios, we set out to build a cutting-edge facility that would attract the world’s most ambitious storytellers – giving New Jersey true scale and a home for every facet of film and television production under one roof,” said Arpad ‘Arki’ Busson, Chairman of Togus Urban Renewal. “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 state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, reinstated in 2018 and extended through 2049, has helped attract major production investments to New Jersey. The program allows the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to designate “Studio Partners” and “Film-Lease Partner Facilities,” a status 1888 Studios achieved in 2024. Paramount’s Studio Partner application is currently under NJEDA review.
“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,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By attracting world-class studios and productions, we are not only creating high-quality jobs, promoting infrastructure, and driving economic growth, but are also investing in our communities and elevating New Jersey as a national leader in entertainment.”
Named after the year Thomas Edison patented the motion picture camera, 1888 Studios will combine modern design by global firm Gensler with the legacy of the Garden State’s pioneering role in cinema. The facility will serve as a multi-tenant hub for film, television, and creative industries, with additional tenants expected to be announced.
“This once-in-a-generation, multibillion-dollar studio project will anchor a self-sustaining creative economy in Hudson County, create thousands of good-paying construction and permanent union jobs, and generate powerful multiplier effects,” said Sen. Raj Mukherji (NJ-32).
“Bayonne is proud to welcome Paramount and 1888 Studios to our community,” said Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. “Paramount’s investment shows that New Jersey is ready to lead the way in building the future of film and television production. This is a big win for Bayonne, Hudson County, and the State of New Jersey.”
Construction on 1888 Studios is ongoing, with completion expected to cement New Jersey’s place among the nation’s top film and television production destinations.
