Film & Media
NEW JERSEY IS CAMERA READY
New Jersey is the birthplace of the film industry. In late 1880s and early 1890s, Thomas Edison and his team invented the kinetograph (a motion picture camera) and kinetoscope (forerunner of the film projector) in West Orange, NJ. Edison built the world’s first film production studio, “The Black Maria” on the grounds of his laboratory.
Before Hollywood, in the early 1890s, Fort Lee, NJ was the silent film capital of the world. There were as many as 17 major studios located here, including Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Fort Lee’s forests, farms, waterfalls and rolling hills were perfect for capturing diverse landscapes. Best of all, NY/NJ metro area talent was readily available.
New Jersey still has those crucial assets studios are looking for, and more. Here you’ll find incentives with incredible value, experienced crew members, and our full cooperation with your production.
New Jersey’s rich motion picture history sets the stage for the future success. Join us in the next next era of storytelling.
A FILM LOCATION WITH CHARACTER
Even though New Jersey is the fourth smallest state, we’re one of the most topographically diverse in the nation. From the iconic Jersey Shore, to bucolic farms, Kittatinny Mountains, and the New York City skyline, we have urban, rural and everything in between. New Jersey is full of natural beauty, and one of the only states that can replicate any other region in the country.
The best cinematography is captured in New Jersey. Our State’s diverse landscapes and settings serve not only as backdrop but also lend a rich texture, historical context, mood, and style to any production. The Sopranos, House, Law & Order, OZ, Friday the 13th, Malcom X, A Beautiful Mind, and Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen were all filmed here. Joker starring Joaquin Phoenix and NBC’s The Enemy Within recently wrapped in New Jersey, with many more films currently in production.
TOP ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY TALENT, UNPARALLELED ACCESSIBILITY
New Jersey is home to the most concentrated film and television professionals outside of California. Screenwriters, set designers, caterers—it takes a village to create a full-scale production. New Jersey’s vast network of vendors and support services make that possible.
As one of the most connected states in the Northeast, cast and crew can travel with ease. Newark Liberty International Airport and surrounding airports offer nonstop flights to more than 340 U.S. cities and services over 260 international destinations. New Jersey’s extensive mass transit system includes New Jersey Transit, PATH and Amtrak trains.
BEST INVESTMENT ON THE EAST COAST
New Jersey’s robust film tax credit provides exceptional value and allows filmmakers to “put the money up on the screen” while staying within budget. The tax credit, awarded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), is equal to 30 percent of qualified film production expenses in northern New Jersey, or 35 percent of qualified film production expenses incurred for services performed and tangible personal property purchased through vendors whose primary place of business is located in southern New Jersey counties.
In New Jersey you’ll find high quality industry talent at affordable rates. New Jersey falls within the New York Studio Film Zone located in the 25-mile radius around Columbus Circle.
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Film Tax Credit in Northern NJ
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Diversity Tax Credit Bonus for plans to recruit women/minorities
VALUES THAT MATTER
In synchrony with our values, New Jersey is championing a more inclusive and diverse business model in film and TV. That’s why we’re one of the few states with a film tax credit that includes a 2% diversity bonus for qualified plans to hire women and minorities for key creative positions and production crew. New Jersey is the 4th most diverse state in the nation, and equity is a part of our State’s fabric. We believe diversity is our greatest strength, and that plurality of backgrounds produces new ideas that spur innovation and authentic storytelling.
New Jersey is committed to social responsibility. We believe LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. We lead by example with progressive labor practices including $15/hour minimum wage and the strongest equal pay law in America. We are making our communities safer with stricter gun laws. We are putting our environmental priorities first with the goal of 100% clean energy by 2050.
RED CARPET TREATMENT
The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission offers a full range of concierge services, including tax credit assistance, scouting film locations and securing production services. The Commission maintains an extensive library of location photos depicting sites throughout the State, and an online production services directory listing for each county. Our communities are camera-ready. Here you’ll find a pro-film environment with cooperative municipalities, transportation and park systems.
Select Movies/TV Shows Filmed in New Jersey
| wdt_ID | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | 2003 |
| 2 | I Am Legend | 2007 |
| 3 | Law & Order SVU | 2009 |
| 4 | National Treasure | 2004 |
| 5 | OZ | 2002 |
| 6 | Project Runway | 2016 |
| 7 | Rescue Me | 2005 |
| 8 | Succession | 2018 |
| 9 | The Irishman | 2007 |
| 10 | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | 2015 |
For the full list of productions filmed in New Jersey, please visit the NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission.
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WHAT CAN CHOOSE New Jersey DO FOR YOU
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Bill Noonan
Business Development Director Sector Lead: Technology, Financial Services, Film & TV