Film & Media Partners
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​New Jersey has a rich and fascinating history in the film industry, often considered the birthplace of American cinema. Here are some key highlights:

1. Early Innovations: The roots of the film industry in New Jersey date back to the late 19th century. Hannibal Goodwin, a Newark resident, patented nitrocellulose film in 1887, which became a crucial component in motion picture technology[1].
2. Thomas Edison: Thomas Edison played a pivotal role in the development of motion pictures. His laboratory in West Orange was where many early innovations in film technology occurred. Edison's Black Maria, the world's first movie studio, was built here, and it was where the first copyrighted motion picture, "Fred Ott's Sneeze," was filmed[1][2].
3. Fort Lee: By the early 20th century, Fort Lee, New Jersey, had become the center of America's first motion picture industry. The first studio was constructed there in 1909, and by 1918, there were 11 major studios in the area. Many early films, including silent films, were shot in Fort Lee[1][2].
4. Pioneering Filmmakers: New Jersey was home to many pioneering filmmakers. Alice Guy-Blaché, considered the world's first female film director, worked in Fort Lee. Oscar Micheaux, a pioneering African-American filmmaker, also made significant contributions to the industry in New Jersey[1].
5. Drive-In Theaters: The nation's first drive-in theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, in 1933, marking another milestone in the state's film history[1].
6. Modern Developments: In recent years, New Jersey has seen a resurgence in film production, thanks in part to state incentives like the New Jersey Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program. This has attracted numerous productions to the state, further cementing its place in film history[1].

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New Jersey's contributions to the film industry are vast and varied, making it a significant location in the history of cinema. Is there a particular aspect of this history that interests you the most?
[1]: Wikipedia [2]: Variety

References
[1] Television and film in New Jersey - Wikipedia
[2] How New Jersey Became the Birthplace of the U.S. Movie Industry - Variety
[3] Fort Lee Studios: Where the Movie Magic Began - The Official Web Site ...
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​Rockland County has become a popular destination for film and television productions, thanks to its dedicated support and streamlined processes. Here are some key points about filming efforts and support in Rockland County:

1. Film Rockland: This organization helps streamline the production process for commercial, television, and film industries. They offer assistance with permits, locations, and incentives[1].
2. Popular Productions: Many well-known TV shows and movies have been filmed in Rockland County, including "Billions," "Blindspot," "Madam Secretary," "The Path," "The Affair," and "Orange is the New Black"[2].
3. Economic Impact: Filming in Rockland County brings significant revenue to local municipalities and businesses. For example, Nyack benefits from approximately $45,000 per year in film permits[2].
4. Ease of Filming: Rockland County offers a convenient alternative to city filming, with easier parking, less traffic, and fewer logistical hurdles. Locations like Nyack and Orangeburg are particularly popular[2].

If you're interested in filming in Rockland County, you can visit Film Rockland for more information on permits, locations, and incentives[1].
Are you planning a project or just curious about the local film scene?

References
[1] Home - Film Rockland: Rockland County, NY - #FilmRockland
[2] 'Billions' to 'Blindspot,' Rockland filming grows - The Journal News or ...
[3] Rockland Municipal Film Guide 7.16

​Articles about local filming activity

Spielberg Movie To Begin Filming In NJ: 5 Must-Read Stories
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Sure! Here are some of the new filming studios in New Jersey:

1. West Orange Film Studio: Approved in early 2024, this studio will be located behind the Edison Lofts on Main Street in West Orange. It will feature three to six production stages and is expected to create 300 to 600 new full-time jobs[1].
2. Netflix Studio at Fort Monmouth: Netflix is developing a major film production facility at the former Army base in Fort Monmouth. The first phase includes four soundstages and other facilities, with plans for a total of 12 soundstages[2].
3. 1888 Studios: Named after the year Thomas Edison filed a patent for the motion picture camera, this studio complex will be built on the site of an old oil refinery. It will span 1.5 million square feet and is designed by the architecture firm Gensler[3].

These new studios are part of New Jersey's growing film industry. Are you interested in any specific projects or productions happening there?

References
[1] New Film Studio in West Orange Approved: What to Know
[2] First Phase of $900 Million Netflix Studio in New Jersey Gains Local ...
[3] New Jersey Approves Giant Studio Complex At Old Oil Refinery Site

​​Here are some of the movies and TV shows currently being filmed in New Jersey:

1. "The Walking Dead" - Filming in East Rutherford through May[1].
2. "Severance" - Filming at Bell Works in Holmdel through June[1].
3. "Black Ink Crew: New York" - Filming in Cresskill and Bayonne through April[1].
4. "Mean Girls: The Musical" - Filming in Middletown through April[1].
5. "Re-Election" - An independent comedy feature shooting in Jersey City in early summer[1].
6. "Fantasmas" - An HBO miniseries filming in Kearny through April[1].
7. "Diarra from Detroit" - A BET mystery series that just finished shooting in various North Jersey locations[1].

Additionally, there are rumors that the "Joker" sequel, "Joker: Folie à Deux", might be filming in Belleville[1].
New Jersey is becoming a popular filming location due to its diverse settings and generous tax incentives. Are you excited about any of these projects?

References
[1] What's filming in NJ right now? We have a list - Bergen Record
[2] NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission - Now Filming
[3] 'Happy Gilmore 2' filming locations in NJ for Adam Sandler movie

NJEDA Aims to Strengthen Film & Digital Media Talent Pipeline with New Workforce Development Initiatives

New Jersey Film Works Grant Program and partnerships with institutions of higher learning will expand access to high-quality careers
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TRENTON, N.J. (March 13, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the New Jersey Film Works Grant Program and entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Montclair State University and Brookdale Community College to expand film and digital media workforce development initiatives. The new program and partnerships will prepare New Jersey residents for family-sustaining careers in the booming film and entertainment industry, fostering and diversifying the state’s talent pipeline in a critical economic sector and bolstering different approaches to support the state’s film industry.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has reclaimed its status as a leading hub for film and television production. Through the development of state-of-the-art film studios and the success of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, the industry remains poised for long-term growth,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA is committed to providing New Jersey residents of all backgrounds with the skills and training they need to capitalize on the immense economic opportunities created by the film and digital media industry. As more studios and production companies utilize New Jersey’s premier incentives and diverse filming locations, they can rely to the state’s expansive talent pool to fill essential roles.”

The $3 million New Jersey Film Works Grant Program will award grants of up to $750,000 to entities that provide New Jersey residents with access to workforce development training, internship, apprenticeship, and learning opportunities in film and digital media. In line with Governor Murphy’s mission to strengthen economic opportunity for every New Jerseyan, the competitive program includes a focus on providing training and career opportunities for residents of Overburdened Communities.
The program is expected to award grants to about six eligible applicants, which can include, but are not limited to, nonprofit and community-based organizations, educational institutions, and labor unions. A Notice of Funding Availability will be available for interested parties in Spring 2025.

In addition to the new program, the NJEDA Board entered into an MOU with Brookdale Community College to provide $1 million to the New Jersey Film Academy initiative. The partnership with Brookdale will provide students, adult learners, diverse underserved populations, and incumbent workers with education and career pathways to pursue careers in film and increase employers’ access to a skilled workforce. The curriculum is standardized and will be replicated in New Jersey’s community college system, expanding the reach of the program to other institutions. The MOU also dedicates $100,000 in funding to support tuition assistance and student scholarships for participation in the program.

For more information on the New Jersey Film Academy, visit https://www.njfilmacademy.org/.

“This partnership with the NJEDA is a game-changer for students and professionals looking to break into the film industry,” said Dr. David Stout, President of Brookdale Community College. “By providing high-quality, accessible education and career pathways, we are not only empowering our students but also strengthening New Jersey’s growing film sector with a skilled and diverse workforce.”

Additionally, the NJEDA Board entered into an MOU with Montclair State University to fund construction of the Making Innovations for X (MIX) Lab, which is a centerpiece of the university’s state-of-the-art Dreamscape Learn facility and curriculum. The lab, which will include a 26-seat immersive classroom and virtual reality pod, enables cutting-edge virtual reality and motion capture educational experiences to powerfully engage students in 21st-century learning.

The MIX Lab is expected to open in July 2026. For more information on Dreamscape Learn, visit https://www.dreamscapelearn.com/.

“We proposed creating the Dreamscape Learn Virtual Reality Lab at Montclair State University to host a space where students can learn and create without limitation. In partnership with Dreamscape Learn, Montclair will develop a cutting edge virtual reality curriculum that offers students an immersive learning opportunity beyond what traditional classroom settings or labs can provide,” said Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell. “Montclair thanks Governor Murphy and the NJEDA for empowering us to prepare the next generation of creators that will support New Jersey’s growing film, television and media industry.”

“The NJEDA is committed to nurturing resources and partnerships that prepare New Jersey workers for the industries that will define the state’s economic future,” said NJEDA Executive Vice President of Clean Energy and Workforce Development Partnerships Jen Becker. “These new initiatives will strengthen the Authority’s efforts to bolster the talent pipeline for the Garden State’s thriving film and digital media industry, which is poised to provide lasting economic opportunity for decades to come.”
Since the revival and enhancement of the NJEDA’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, the state has attracted hundreds of feature films, television shows, and digital media projects. The surge in production has been accompanied by new construction on state-of-the-art studios, including Netflix in Monmouth County and 1888 Studios in Bayonne, hastening the need for skilled industry professionals in the film and digital media industry.

“As major studios and networks continue to choose the Garden State due to its incredible locations and nation-leading incentives, New Jersey residents must be prepared to take on the jobs created by the industry,” said New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Vice President Jon Crowley. “Through the NJ Film Works Program and our partnerships with higher education and other stakeholders, the state will deliver unique and best-in-practice job training programs not seen anywhere else in the U.S. This will position New Jerseyans to better reap the economic opportunities that are already heading to the Garden State.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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NJEDA Aims to Strengthen Film & Digital Media Talent Pipeline with New Workforce Development Initiatives
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