Paterson's Historic Mill Set to Become a Film Studio Hub
A historic mill building in Paterson, New Jersey, is set to undergo a major transformation. The building, known as Reinhardt Mills or Boris Kroll Mills, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Filmology Labs, a company founded by Alan Mruvka, plans to turn it into a film studio.
Studio Details
- 21 separate stages with various sets:
- Jail
- Courthouse
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Business office
- Kitchen
- Bedroom
- Two flexible rooms to accommodate different production needs.
Project Timeline and Cost
- $250 million project to be completed in phases over the next three years.
- Mruvka hopes to open some filming spaces by the start of summer.
- No formal plans or construction applications have been submitted yet.
City's Stance
The city's economic development director, Tiffany Harris-Delaney, stated that the project is still in the early stages. She added that it would be premature to discuss specific approvals, timelines, or permitting needs.
Investment and Features
- Most of the $250 million will go towards equipping the building for film production.
- Includes LED volume walls and sound-proofing, not just brick and mortar renovations.
Other Film Studios in North Jersey
- Lionsgate in the southern part of Newark.
- 1888 Studios along the Kill Van Kull in Bayonne.
Mruvka emphasized that his plans for Paterson are different, focusing on smaller content creation studios.
Production Capabilities
- Production crews can reserve multiple stages to fit their film.
- Several projects can go on at the same time.
- Mruvka said, "If you need a jail, a courtroom and an office, we can give it to you."
Mruvka's Vision
Mruvka has a background in the entertainment industry and real estate. He saw the Paterson mill many times while driving along Route 80. He said, "I always said to myself, 'I would love to own a building like that.'"
When he learned that the building went up for sale about a year ago, he took the steps to buy it. He said, "When you're standing in the courtyard, you feel like you're in Manchester, England."
