Paterson Lands $250M Filmology Labs Studio, Sparking Optimism and Debate

The new content creation complex aims to bring jobs, training, and creative opportunities to the city, but some residents express concerns about priorities.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Paterson, New Jersey has landed a $250 million investment from Filmology Labs to build a major content creation studio in the city's historic Reinhardt Building. The complex will include 21 production sound stages, AI studios, podcast studios, and other state-of-the-art facilities. While city officials and many residents are excited about the potential economic and cultural benefits, some community members have raised concerns about the city's priorities and whether the project will truly benefit local residents.

Why it matters

This project represents a significant investment in Paterson's future, with the potential to create jobs, spur small business growth, and establish the city as a hub for the evolving media and entertainment industry. However, some residents are worried that the city is prioritizing this project over more pressing needs like infrastructure, affordable housing, and education.

The details

The Filmology Labs studio will occupy the 250,000-square-foot Reinhardt Building, a former silk mill. The complex will include 21 production sound stages, AI studios, podcast studios, a green-screen stage, an LED Volume Wall stage, creative office space, a commissary, and a fitness and yoga studio. The project is being led by real estate developer and E! Entertainment co-creator Alan Mruvka, who says the goal is to "engage local schools to help train young people for careers in this fast-growing industry, while drawing investment into Paterson and showcasing the city to the world."

  • The project is currently in its preliminary phase, with no formal applications submitted to the city's planning or zoning boards yet.
  • Officials say it is too soon to discuss approvals, timelines, or other specifics as the project's scope is still being shaped.

The players

Alan Mruvka

A real estate developer and co-creator of E! Entertainment Television, who is leading the Filmology Labs project.

André Sayegh

The mayor of Paterson, who has praised the Filmology Labs investment as a way to create jobs, spark innovation, and position the city at the forefront of the media and entertainment economy.

Ruby Cotton

A Fourth Ward Councilwoman who expressed support for the project, noting Paterson's strong artistic community and the opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents.

Luis Velez

A Fifth Ward Councilman who called the project a "transformative moment" for Paterson, highlighting its economic and cultural potential.

Lucero Payano

A Paterson resident who expressed concerns on social media about the city's priorities, arguing that the money could be better spent on issues like snow plowing, affordable housing, and school improvements.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Paterson is one of the most extraordinary cities in New Jersey and a vibrant community. Our goal is to engage local schools to help train young people for careers in this fast-growing industry, while drawing investment into Paterson and showcasing the city to the world. Filmology Labs is about creating opportunity—creatively, economically, and culturally.”

— Alan Mruvka, Real Estate Developer and Co-Creator of E! Entertainment Television (Variety)

“We are thrilled to welcome Filmology Labs to Paterson. This significant investment will create jobs, spark innovation, and help position our city at the forefront of the evolving media and entertainment economy. Projects like this generate new opportunities for residents, support local businesses, and accelerate Paterson's continued growth and revitalization.”

— André Sayegh, Mayor of Paterson (Press Release)

“Economically, this project has the potential to create meaningful job opportunities for our residents from construction and skilled trades to long-term careers in film production, technology, design, media, and support services. Culturally, this is just as important. Paterson is one of the most diverse cities in the country. Having a major content creation studio here means our stories, our voices, have a greater chance to be told authentically.”

— Luis Velez, Fifth Ward Councilman (TAPinto Paterson)

“So Paterson can spend money on a studio but can't send money on plowing snow, building affordable homes for low-income families, investing in improving schools, fixing roads, and the list goes on. The only benefit of this is creating jobs for those who don't have any. Ya have to do more for the community.”

— Lucero Payano (Facebook)

“This is amazing. This is such a great opportunity for young kids in school.”

— Jomayra Rosado (Facebook)

What’s next

As the project moves forward, city officials and residents will be closely watching to see how Filmology Labs integrates with Paterson's broader economic and cultural landscape, and whether it can deliver on its promises of job creation, workforce training, and opportunities for local businesses and residents.

The takeaway

The Filmology Labs studio represents a significant investment in Paterson's future, with the potential to transform the city's creative and economic landscape. However, the project has also sparked debate among residents about the city's priorities and whether the benefits will be equitably distributed. As Paterson positions itself as a hub for the media and entertainment industry, navigating these concerns will be crucial to ensuring the project truly benefits the entire community.