E! Entertainment co-founder Alan Mruvka transforms historic silk mill into next-generation content creation hub
PATERSON, NJ (Feb. 17, 2026) — Media entrepreneur Alan Mruvka, co-founder of E! Entertainment Television, announced plans to invest $250 million to develop Filmology Labs: Content Creation Studios, a 250,000-square-foot production campus in downtown Paterson designed to redefine digital-era filmmaking.
The project will redevelop the historic Reinhardt Building — widely known as the “Padded Wagon” building along Interstate 80 — into what developers describe as the world’s largest production hub dedicated to short-form and vertical video storytelling.
Reimagining Production for the Smartphone Era
Unlike traditional film studios built for feature-length productions, Filmology Labs is designed specifically for the rapidly growing micro-drama and mobile streaming market.
The campus will serve as the primary production headquarters for VERZA TV, Mruvka’s newly launched vertical streaming platform focused on scripted series delivered in 60- to 90-second vertical episodes optimized for smartphone viewing.
Industry analysts estimate the global micro-drama market at approximately $6.5 billion, driving demand for faster, more flexible production environments.
Purpose-Built Studio Model
The redevelopment introduces a new production model emphasizing speed, scalability, and continuous content creation.
Key features of the campus include:
- 21 specialized sound stages equipped with permanent standing sets such as hospitals, courtrooms, and luxury residences
- Immediate production readiness, eliminating traditional set construction timelines
- Capacity to produce multiple original micro-drama series monthly
- Advanced virtual production technologies inspired by next-generation filmmaking techniques
The project is designed by celebrity architect Conrad Roncati of Architectura, blending Paterson’s historic industrial architecture with modern digital production infrastructure.
Economic and Cultural Impact for Paterson
City officials view the investment as a major catalyst for economic revitalization and creative industry growth.
Paterson Mayor André Sayegh said the development strengthens the city’s position within the evolving media economy:
“This investment will create jobs, spark innovation, and help position Paterson at the forefront of the modern content creation industry.”
Filmology Labs also plans to partner with local schools and workforce organizations to train residents for careers in digital media production, artificial intelligence–driven content creation, and emerging entertainment technologies.
Adaptive Reuse Meets Creative Economy Growth
The project represents a significant adaptive reuse of Paterson’s historic manufacturing infrastructure, transforming a 19th-century silk mill into a modern media production campus aligned with changing consumption habits and digital distribution models.
Mruvka, a New Jersey native who grew up in Englewood Cliffs, emphasized the community-focused vision behind the project:
“Filmology Labs is about creating opportunity — creatively, economically, and culturally — while showcasing Paterson to the world.”
Positioning New Jersey as a Media Production Hub
The Filmology Labs investment builds on New Jersey’s expanding film and television production ecosystem, supported by state incentives and growing studio infrastructure statewide. By targeting short-form digital content, the project introduces a new production category expected to drive future growth in the entertainment sector.
