In the latest potential development in Newark’s goal to become a kind of Hollywood East after celluloid film was born there 138 years ago, the city announced Friday that its people were talking to Whoopi Goldberg’s people about creating “a major studio presence” in the city.
Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced that city officials were in “active discussions” with the MBS Group, a studio services and production infrastructure company, and with Whoopi Inc., a production company led by Goldberg, the actor, comedienne and producer who is one of the few people to have won Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards.
Baraka said the talks with MBS were consistent with his efforts “to bring Newark full circle to its early days as the world’s film capital.”
“It widens the lens to encompass and enrich all aspects of city life –from employment and job training to housing,” stated Baraka, who has bolstered a Newark Office of Film and Television, headed by Desireé Hadley. “We’ve always known Newark provides every element needed in large-scale production, and this is our chance to showcase the full spectrum of locations and talent to seal Newark as the premier entertainment industry capital.”
Baraka, one of six candidates in the June 10 Democratic primary for governor, was referring to Newark’s early filmmaking history, after the Rev. Hannibal Goodwin’s 1887 invention of celluloid roll film at the Plume House on Broad Street, as a way to project his Sunday school lessons on a rectory wall.
Lightbulb and motion picture pioneer Thomas Edison built what’s widely viewed as the first film studio, the Black Maria, in neighboring West Orange.
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NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Last modified: May 27, 2025
