Hello Bushwick! Netflix is moving in...
Netflix is set to build a 170,000-square-foot-studio in Bushwick at 333 and 339 Johnson Ave., near the Morgan L stop.
The space will include six sound stages: enough room to fill one blockbuster movie production or two TV shows simultaneously. Netflix says it plans to spend up to 100 million dollars on the studio.
Netflix's arrival to NYC includes new offices in Manhattan as well, for which they will receive 4 million dollars over the next 10 years through the state's Excelsior Jobs Program, so long as the company creates at least 127 jobs by 2024 and retains them through 2023.
“We are proud to welcome Netflix Studios— the first major production center of its kind — to New York City,” said Media and Entertainment Commissioner Anne del Castillo. “The arrival of Netflix in Bushwick is a testament to our city’s position as a global creative capital and our commitment to local workforce development, providing jobs and economic opportunities to a neighborhood that is already experiencing tremendous growth.”
Aerial view of 375 Johnson | via Google Maps
Aaron Brooks, the owner of local production company Lion of Bushwick, argues that "in this time of COVID, and in general, we need to give incentives and huge tax breaks to small businesses, not huge mega-corporations."
Netflix studio could offer chances to break into the industry.
"There's more talent in Brooklyn and New York City than there is production," said Brooks. "After COVID, we all need work, and I"m happy that my comrades will have more opportunities.
Netflix may well be an opportunity that will energize the local production community and re-solidify Brooklyn and NYC as go-to locations for film and TV production.
“I definitely believe the opportunities to collaborate are there, we will just have to see what develops and how committed Netflix is to support the local production and film community. Time will tell.”
