Catch the Energy in West Orange, NJ: A Cinematic Renaissance in the Birthplace of the Modern Film Industry
By Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt
Suasion Communications Group
August 15, 2024
A Cinematic Renaissance in West Orange, NJ: A New Film Studio and ‘Film Ready Community’ Designation Usher in Economic Growth
In a groundbreaking decision set to rejuvenate West Orange, NJ, the Township Council has approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art film studio, marking one of the most momentous real estate transactions in recent years. This development promises to transform West Orange into a hub of cinematic activity, reconnecting the town with its illustrious heritage as the birthplace of modern film.
A Tribute to Thomas Edison
A Tribute to Thomas EdisonThe proposed film studio is strategically located near the historic Thomas Edison National Historical Park in Downtown West Orange. This site, positioned behind the Edison Lofts on Main Street, represents the last remaining structure of Edison’s once expansive laboratory complex. The project, a collaboration with Matrix Development Group, spans approximately 12.2 acres within the town’s Film Services Overlay District. This initiative aims to diversify West Orange’s mixed-use development and bolster its economic base by fostering film production activities, particularly ‘studio use,’ adjacent to the historic site of the world’s first film production studio.
Investment and Development Details
Matrix Development Group has secured redevelopment rights for the project, making an initial contribution of $200,000 to the township, mirroring the expected property taxes for the year 2023. In July, Matrix Development is scheduled to present a status report regarding their final redevelopment plan. The due diligence phase may extend for an additional seven months, accompanied by a potential supplementary payment of $200,000. During this period, Matrix will refine project details, finalize a purchase and sale agreement for the designated properties, provide monthly progress reports, and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of environmental conditions.
The envisioned studio will span between 150,000 and 350,000 square feet, featuring three to six production stages each ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. These stages will be equipped with on-site production services, including grip and electric, equipment, props, set building, location catering, cleaning services, and security. Additionally, the facility will include office and support spaces, as well as parking facilities capable of accommodating 200 to 400 cars and 30 to 60 trucks. Once fully operational, the project anticipates creating 300 to 600 new full-time jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.
Film Ready Community Designation
Complementing the exciting announcement of the new film studio is West Orange’s recent designation as a Film Ready Community by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). This designation positions West Orange to better accommodate movie and television producers, effectively marketing itself as a premier film destination.
Mayor McCartney highlighted the significance of this achievement: “Our new designation as a Film Ready Community by the NJMPTVC will allow us to better accommodate movie and television producers and effectively market ourselves as a premier film destination.”
Film Ready New Jersey is a 5-step certification and marketing program that educates municipalities on the fundamentals of motion picture and television production, setting basic standards to attract filmmakers. The “film-ready” designation provides certified communities with an elevated platform to promote themselves as filming destinations and connects film and television professionals with skilled and knowledgeable liaisons across the state.
A New Era for West Orange
The film studio project, coupled with the Township’s new Film Ready Community designation, marks a pivotal moment in West Orange’s history, heralding a new era in cinematic innovation and economic development. The community eagerly anticipates the unfolding of this cinematic journey in the birthplace of the modern film industry.
For more information on Downtown West Orange, visit the Downtown West Orange Alliance website or call 973-325-4109. For more information about West Orange, NJ, visit the township’s website or call 973-325-4100.
About the Downtown West Orange Alliance (DWOA)
The Downtown West Orange Alliance (DWOA) is a nonprofit organization that manages the town’s Special Improvement District. The Downtown West Orange Alliance was formed in August 1998 through the ordinance that created the Special Improvement District. Recognizing the unique contributions by the residential, historic, and commercial properties that collectively form our “downtown,” the Township of West Orange created the Special Improvement District to encourage economic revitalization of the neighborhoods of Tory Corner, Eagle Rock, and St. Mark’s, and the Valley.
The Downtown West Orange Alliance has followed the Main Street Four Point Approach™, which is a volunteer-driven, historic preservation-based, economic development program. A nationally successful model for revitalizing downtowns entirely dependent on grants, donations, and volunteer muscle, the Main Street Approach™ stresses historic preservation as the underlying design principle for the revitalization effort. Main Street efforts nationwide aim to maximize the economic potential of each historic commercial district while preserving its authentic character. For West Orange, the volunteer-led teams are critical to the success of the program and involve stakeholders – residents, business owners, and property owners – in making decisions about the future of the Downtown.
More information about the DWOA can be found at https://www.downtownwo.com or call 973-325-4109.
About West Orange, NJ
A historic suburb less than 20 miles from Manhattan with lots of open space and old-fashioned charm, the Watchung Mountain ridges and Manhattan skyline are the backdrops for this Essex County enclave, where some 48,000 people live within its 12.5 square miles. The community boasts spectacular views of the South Mountain and Eagle Rock reservations, five-star golf courses, 12 beautiful public parks, four public tennis courts, an outdoor amphitheater, a dine-in multi-screen movie theater, a state-of-the-art public pool and recreation center, a waterfront recreation complex, a zoo, and a skating arena. For more information about West Orange, NJ, visit https://www.westorange.org/ or call 973-325-4100.
Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt is the President of Suasion Communications Group – an award-winning, New Jersey-based communications and marketing/advertising agency with a passion for executing highly successful branding, public relations, digital marketing and advertising campaigns.
