New Jersey’s cinematic renaissance: A new era for film and TV production
A resurgence in the Garden State
Over the past six years, New Jersey has emerged as a premier destination for film, television, and reality program production. This transformation began with the launch of the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program in late 2018, under the leadership of Governor Phil Murphy. Initially, the program offered an annual cap of $75 million for film and television production, providing credits for up to 30% of eligible expenses, and up to 35% in certain remote areas. Today, the tax credit has expanded to a staggering $430 million per year through 2039, with additional incentives for productions that meet diversity criteria.
The economic impact
Governor Murphy’s decision to reinstate the film tax incentive was a strategic move. He emphasized that New Jersey’s rich history in film, dating back to Thomas Edison’s laboratory in West Orange, makes it a natural choice for production. The state’s talent, location, and strong union presence contribute to its appeal. Since 2018, film production has brought a total qualified spend of $2.4 billion to New Jersey, with $592 million in 2023 alone.
A hub for major productions
Since 2021, New Jersey has hosted over 1,891 productions, including 223 feature films, 43 miniseries, and 331 television series. The state currently boasts 70 working stages. Notable films that have utilized New Jersey’s stages and locales include Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story”, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer”, and Todd Phillips’ “Joker”. In May, the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown”, starring Timothée Chalamet, was shot in Cape May. At this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, five films shot in New Jersey will premiere, including Steven Soderbergh’s “Presence”, Thom Zimny’s documentary “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band”, and David Mackenzie’s thriller “Relay”, starring Lily James and Riz Ahmed.
The allure of New Jersey
David Mackenzie, director of “Relay,” shared his experience of filming in New Jersey. He noted that while he initially wanted to shoot in New York, financial considerations led them to New Jersey. The state offered a more cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality. This sentiment is echoed by many in the industry, as New Jersey often serves as a stand-in for New York City due to the high demand for stage space and location filming in the Big Apple.
Expanding infrastructure
The high demand for production space in New York City has led developers in the tristate area to capitalize on New Jersey’s attractive film incentive program. Several production studios have been built, including Palisades Stages, 10 Basin Studios, and Cinelease Caven Point. In March, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC) appointed Jon Crowley as its new executive director. Crowley, with over two decades of experience in the television industry, travels globally to promote New Jersey’s soundstages and diverse locations.
A diverse landscape
Crowley highlights New Jersey’s varied locations, which can double for numerous settings worldwide. From big cities to small towns, beaches to snowy mountains, New Jersey offers a compact geographical area that can cater to diverse production needs. This versatility has made the state a popular choice for productions requiring a range of settings.
A skilled workforce
New Jersey’s experienced workforce is another significant draw for productions. Crowley notes that nearly 40% of experienced New York crews live in New Jersey, preferring the convenience of local work over commuting to New York City. This local talent pool ensures that productions have access to skilled crews without the need for extensive travel.
The Film Ready initiative
New Jersey’s first lady, Tammy Snyder Murphy, credits the NJMPTVC’s Film Ready initiative for attracting a continuous stream of productions. This five-step certification and marketing program educates municipalities about movie and TV production, enabling cities and towns to effectively accommodate on-location filming and market their communities as filming destinations.
Future developments
In the coming years, New Jersey is set to become even more film-friendly. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) approved a $400 million Aspire tax credit to help build 1888 Studios, a campus-style production studio in Bayonne. This facility will feature 23 soundstages, production support space, and various amenities. Additionally, Great Point Studios and Netflix are developing major production facilities in Newark and Monmouth County, respectively. These developments are expected to create thousands of jobs and further solidify New Jersey’s position as a top destination for film and TV production.
A bright future
Governor Murphy’s vision for New Jersey’s film industry is becoming a reality. The state’s commitment to building soundstages and studios ensures a long-term investment in the industry. With major production facilities on the horizon and a robust tax incentive program, New Jersey is poised to become a leading hub for film and television production.
Sidebar: New Jersey’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program
- Transferable tax credit: Up to 30%-35% of qualified production expenses incurred in the state.
- Qualified spend: 35% and 30% on qualified expenses within a 30-mile radius of Columbus Circle.
- Labor: 35% on all above-the-line and below-the-line positions.
- Annual cap: $430 million, extending through 2039; productions can roll forward into the next year’s allocation if the current year is exhausted.
- Compensation cap: $750,000 per individual.
- Minimum spend: $1 million (or 60% of total production expenses in-state).
- Project cap: None.
- Additional uplifts: 2% or 4% on applications with an approved diversity plan.
- Reality incentive: To qualify, a project must have a minimum six-episode order on a linear broadcast network or streamer, a minimum spend of $1 million, and 60% of total production expenses in New Jersey.
- Motion Picture Cameras: In August 2024, PRG brought Arriflex, Sony, and Panasonic camera rigs and technicians to their 160,000 sq. foot Secaucus facility. New Jersey’s film and television infrastructure (rental houses, suppliers, and services) will continue to expand.
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