Paramount to Launch Major Production Hub in Hudson County

Paramount, now part of Skydance Corporation, signed a ten-year lease with 1888 Studios to occupy more than 285,000 square feet at the forthcoming Bayonne production campus, the companies announced Monday. The deal positions Hudson County as a growing hub for film and television production.

The 58-acre site, developed by Togus Urban Renewal, will include 23 smart sound stages, post-production space, and support facilities totaling 1.6 million square feet. Once complete, 1888 Studios is expected to be the largest campus-style production facility in the Northeast.

Paramount’s agreement follows the expansion of New Jersey’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program. The studio has applied for Studio Partner designation through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, with a board review scheduled for October 30. 1888 Studios received Film-Lease Partner Facility status in May 2024.

“Scaling our production and expanding our slate of world-class entertainment is central to our long-term strategy,” said Andy Gordon, Paramount’s chief strategy officer and chief operating officer.

Togus Chairman Arpad “Arki” Busson called the agreement a “milestone moment,” crediting state incentives and local infrastructure. “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,” he said.

Governor Phil Murphy said the deal “reflects the incredible momentum of our state’s creative sector.” Elected officials including Senator Raj Mukherji, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, and LIUNA’s Mike Hellstrom praised the lease as a catalyst for job growth and industry investment.