Be Electric Studios Partners with Eastern Effects on New LED Volume Stage in Kearny, NJ

Be Electric Studios Partners with Eastern Effects on New LED Volume Stage in Kearny, NJ

New Jersey’s tax incentives and proximity to NYC position the new facility as a major draw for virtual production.

Be Electric Studios has expanded its virtual production footprint with the launch of a new LED volume stage at Suite 120, Eastern Effects’ 12,000-square-foot stage facility in Kearny, New Jersey. Suite 120, adjacent to Eastern Effects’ 10 Basin Studios, is the new home of Be Electric’s third full-time LED stage, joining its existing Brooklyn and Long Island City locations, and cements the studio’s status as the Northeast’s most comprehensive virtual production provider.

Tapping Into New Jersey’s Production Surge

Strategically located just outside Manhattan, the Kearny facility is ideally situated within both the SAG-AFTRA 8-mile zone and the broader 25-mile union zone. As part of a nearly 60,000 sq. ft. complex, the facility offers producers access to New Jersey’s robust Film and Digital Media Tax Credit — which includes up to 35% in transferable credits on qualified expenses, plus uplifts for infrastructure, out-of-zone shoots, and diversity hires. With union accessibility and proximity to the city, the new stage hits the sweet spot between creative flexibility and financial efficiency.

“We’ve always followed where creative and operational value intersect,” says Andrew Stern, CEO of Be Electric. “Kearny hits that sweet spot. Productions get the space they need and can take advantage of New Jersey’s tax incentive program. It’s a strategic win for everyone.”

The state’s competitive incentive landscape has fueled a wave of studio development, with Kearny emerging as a go-to hub for commercial, branded, and narrative work.

Virtual Production Built for Speed and Scale

Be Electric constructed the stage in just three days using its proprietary matte silicone LED tiles. It includes real-time playback capabilities via Assimilate Live FX and was engineered for stability and fast deployment, a culmination of lessons learned from dozens of productions across its NYC-area stages.

“At Kearny, we focused on speed, stability, and flexibility,” says Justin Lee, Be Electric’s Virtual Production Supervisor. “We’ve created a stage where tracking, LED sync, and color workflows are tightly integrated. Whether you’re running pre-built environments or custom Unreal scenes, we can move fast and deliver consistent results to camera.”

The space is equipped with a large curved LED wall and adjustable height LED ceiling, offering a versatile solution for everything from high-end automotive commercials, to vehicle process for film & TV and branded and narrative content.

Automotive Shoots Get the Spotlight

Designed with automotive workflows in mind, the Kearny stage features drive-in access, optimized floor space for dynamic camera moves, and integrated lighting support for day and night driving scenarios,  all without ever leaving the stage.

“We’ve configured the stage to easily support vehicle integration,” says Lee. “That includes floor rigging, image based lighting, and reflection control, giving DPs far more flexibility than traditional green screen or process trailers.”

Be Electric’s dedicated car process workflow allows brands and agencies to streamline production and take advantage of the cost savings and creative control that come with it.

Partnering for Production Efficiency

The Kearny LED volume is housed within a larger soundstage complex operated by Eastern Effects, one of the New York metro area’s most established production support providers. The collaboration brings together Be Electric’s virtual production expertise with Eastern’s deep infrastructure of lighting, grip, and full-service facility support.

“Our philosophy has always been to help eliminate friction for producers,” says Scott Levy, Founder & President of Eastern Effects. “With our expanded stage facility in New Jersey, this strategic partnership allows us to provide a comprehensive one-stop solution. For over 26 years, we’ve proudly served New Jersey and New York, ensuring that when you walk in, everything you need is there: fully capable facilities, sound stages, lighting, and now a fully integrated LED pipeline is available for our new and long-time customers.”

One Ecosystem, Three Locations

With its Brooklyn, Long Island City, and now Kearny locations, Be Electric Studios offers a fully connected virtual production ecosystem — tailored to meet the needs of projects ranging from music videos and commercials to high-end narrative productions.

“We’ve built an ecosystem, not just a screen,” says Stern. “Whether you’re shooting a music video in Brooklyn, a car spot in Kearny, or an immersive buildout in LIC, you’re working with the same core team, the same proven system, and a consistent creative toolkit. And because virtual production reduces the need for travel, set builds, and wasteful reshoots, it’s also a radically more sustainable approach: true green tech for the film industry.”

About Be Electric Studios

Be Electric Studios is the only virtual production provider in the Northeast operating three LED stages. The company offers stage rentals, VP system design, Unreal Engine workflows, automotive solutions, and creative production support for agencies, brands, and production companies.

About Eastern Effects

Since 1999, Eastern Effects has grown to become one of the largest mid-market providers of studio and location lighting rentals in the Tri-State area. With over 150,000 square feet of studio and warehouse space spanning both sides of the Hudson River, our mission is simple: to exceed customer expectations through a business built on accountability, integrity, and clear communication.