Mayor Ras J. Baraka recently announced that the City of Newark is in active discussions with The MBS Group, the world’s largest studio services and production infrastructure company, alongside its partner Whoopi Inc., led by entertainment legend Whoopi Goldberg, to establish a major film and TV studio presence in Newark. This proposed project will be a significant step in positioning Newark as a premier hub for television and film production on the East Coast, generating new jobs, affordable housing, and economic growth through the arts and entertainment sectors.
The partnership with MBS Group and Whoopi Goldberg promises to bring Newark’s vibrant cultural revitalization to new heights, building on the city’s long history as a center for creativity. The planned studio complex will include state-of-the-art production facilities, and the development will include affordable housing options, job training programs, and a strong focus on supporting underrepresented communities.
Mayor Baraka expressed his enthusiasm about the potential of the project, saying, “This development with MBS expands my consistent efforts to bring Newark full circle to its early days as the world’s film capital. It’s not just about jobs and film production—it’s about enriching every aspect of city life, from housing to employment to cultural growth. Newark has always been positioned for this, and now it’s time to showcase our talent and locations.”
The MBS Group operates more than 50 studio campuses across eight countries, supporting over 900 productions annually. Their global platform includes more than 10 million square feet of production space, offering sound stages, technical support, and a suite of production services. Newark’s strategic location in the tri-state area, combined with its growing economy and visionary leadership from Mayor Baraka, makes it an ideal site for this large-scale project.
J. Wayman Henry, a partner in the project with Whoopi Goldberg, emphasized the city’s potential as a creative hub. “Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, centrally located in the tri-state area, and backed by a leadership team that is deeply committed to inclusive economic development. Mayor Baraka’s leadership in cultural growth and innovation has made Newark the perfect location for this development.”
The proposed partnership also includes a focus on creating jobs and training for historically underrepresented communities, furthering the goals of MBS Group’s “Changing Lenses” initiative. Jason Hairston, Chief Studio & Real Estate Officer for MBS, highlighted their commitment to mentorship and job creation, particularly within Newark’s diverse community. “We’re excited to collaborate with local leaders, unions, and educational institutions to build a skilled local crew base,” said Hairston.
Desireé Hadley, Director of the Office of Film & TV for Newark, expressed optimism about the project, noting, “This studio development is a natural extension of Mayor Baraka’s ongoing work to increase housing options while enhancing Newark’s arts community. It will not only provide new opportunities for young people to pursue careers in film and TV but also drive the city’s cultural and economic growth.”
Negotiations for the project are ongoing, with a formal announcement expected in the coming months.
