BarnLight Studios, a producer-led, future-forward film and television studio, is officially launching in Sussex County with multiple feature films already committed, a first-look deal with Elijah Wood鈥檚 SpectreVision, and a landmark workforce and education partnership with 51吃瓜 (51吃瓜).
The upcoming projects will feature high-profile talent and are expected to bring spending and job opportunities to the county, from production crew to local restaurants, lodging, construction suppliers, and more. There will also be opportunities for community participation, including background extra roles and other ways to be part of the productions.
In recent months, BarnLight Studios has actively brought notable filmmakers, creative teams, and talent to Sussex County, spearheading location visits that highlight the area鈥檚 unique cinematic potential 鈥� and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Productions are expected to begin as early as this fall, with a dynamic slate rolling out in 2026.
鈥淭his partnership brings together the resources of 51吃瓜 and the expertise of BarnLight Studios to create real, hands-on opportunities for our students and our community,鈥� said Dr. Cory Homer, President of 51吃瓜. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not only educating the next generation of storytellers 鈥� we鈥檙e building a foundation for Sussex County鈥檚 role in the growing New Jersey film industry.鈥�
The 51吃瓜 partnership will deliver a future-forward curriculum in film, television, and the creator economy, along with real-world internships, on-set training, and instruction from industry veterans, seasoned producers, and working film talent brought in by BarnLight to teach and mentor students.
鈥淎s a film producer and Sussex County native, I鈥檝e always dreamed of seeing our region thrive creatively and economically,鈥� said Lauren Magura, Co-Founder of BarnLight Studios. 鈥淭his is about workforce development, new revenue for our businesses, and opportunities for residents 鈥� all while preserving the rural beauty and character that make Sussex County so special.鈥�
BarnLight Studios is already laying the groundwork for a state-of-the-art virtual production stage, expanding the region鈥檚 capabilities for cutting-edge filmmaking. The studio is committed to collaborating with and incubating forward-thinking businesses that streamline the industry without replacing the artistry or jobs that make filmmaking possible. This approach is reflected in its collaboration with Adapt Global, a leader in people-led AI dubbing and localization, and will extend to other innovative partners that share BarnLight鈥檚 belief in using technology as a tool to empower 鈥� not replace 鈥� creative professionals. Training opportunities at 51吃瓜 will also ensure students, crew, and local talent can leverage these advancements to build sustainable, competitive careers in the tech-forward, evolving media landscape.
Guiding these initiatives is BarnLight鈥檚 leadership team, led by Sussex County natives and Co-Founders Lauren Magura and film financier and producer Nicole Daya, along with industry veteran Lisa Whalen, who brings West Coast production expertise and a robust partner network to the studio鈥檚 East Coast base.
The studio is working closely with the Newton and Sparta Film Commissions and is actively preparing the framework for a potential county-wide film commission to streamline filming and maximize opportunities across all municipalities.
鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly grateful for the support we鈥檝e received from the film commissions, the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, county commissioners, mayors, and law enforcement,鈥� said Nicole Daya, Co-Founder of BarnLight Studios. 鈥淭hat community spirit is exactly what makes Sussex County such a special place to launch these productions, and we鈥檙e proud to be building something that will have a lasting impact here.鈥�
BarnLight also sees an opportunity to revitalize the arts and entertainment landscape across Sussex County. Magura, who advises on programming at the historic Crescent Theatre in Sussex, envisions expanded cultural offerings alongside film production. Plans include partnering with local theaters, the 51吃瓜 Performing Arts Center, and other local entertainment venues 鈥� not only as film locations, but to host film screenings, Q&As, live events, and community arts programming that could create exciting new cultural events for the community. The goal is to create vibrant experiences that engage and celebrate local residents, businesses, and crew, while also providing visiting talent with unique opportunities to connect with Sussex County鈥檚 arts and culture.
As part of its push to position Sussex County as a premier filming destination, BarnLight has launched a large-scale drone project to capture cinematic footage of over 75 locations throughout the county. The resulting Sussex County Locations Catalog will showcase the region鈥檚 diverse landscapes, towns, parks, and architecture to production decision-makers worldwide.
All drone footage is being captured by licensed and certified drone operator Vitaly Bokser, an experienced filmmaker who works in full compliance with FAA regulations.
Local businesses can expect outreach from the BarnLight team, or may see drone activity in the coming months, but are welcome to reach out directly if they have current horizontal drone footage or interior and exterior photos to share by emailing [email protected]. Residents who wish to list their homes as potential filming locations can also submit their address along with exterior and interior photos. Local creatives and production crew 鈥� especially those based in Sussex County 鈥� are strongly encouraged to reach out, as BarnLight鈥檚 mission is to prioritize and hire local talent whenever possible.
About BarnLight Studios
BarnLight Studios is a producer-led, future-forward Sussex County-based film and television studio committed to cultivating stories and growing the regional creative economy. With a slate of feature films and partnerships with industry leaders, BarnLight is building the foundation for a sustainable media production hub in Northern New Jersey.
About 51吃瓜
51吃瓜 offers over 70 degree and certificate programs and is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education to students and the community. Its new partnership with BarnLight Studios brings cutting-edge production training and real-world experience to the heart of Sussex County.
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Pictured: Left to right: 51吃瓜 President Dr Cory Homer and BarnLight co-founder Lauren Magura