Lights, Camera, CASH! 💰 NJ Film Boom is Creating Thousands of Jobs and Giving Local Businesses a 30% Boost!
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey is rapidly transforming into a movie and television production powerhouse, and the impact is being felt far beyond the studio lots. The state’s aggressive efforts to attract productions are paying dividends for local economies and small businesses across the Garden State.
A key part of this success is the “Film Ready New Jersey Program.” This state initiative certifies municipalities and counties that demonstrate they are equipped and eager to host film crews. This designation signals to major producers that communities are prepared to handle the logistics, permitting, and accommodations needed for smooth filming.
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To date, more than 40 municipalities and several counties—from Atlantic City to Sparta—have earned this certification after receiving training on production basics and the economic benefits that come with them.
Tim Sullivan, CEO of the NJ Economic Development Authority (EDA), states, “Through the Film Ready New Jersey Program, municipalities are better positioned to welcome and support productions of every scale, from big-budget blockbusters to independent films.”
Beyond the Star Sightings: The Local Economic Boost
While spotting A-list celebrities like Adam Sandler (who was recently filming a Netflix project in Cranford) is certainly exciting, the true economic impact is found in the local cash register.
Cranford, NJ, a Union County town, offers a perfect case study. Paolo Fontana, co-founder of the popular downtown sandwich shop Sub-ology, estimates that when a film production rolls into town, his business sees an uptick ranging from 20% to 30%.
“It adds to the bottom line,” Fontana said, recalling that even Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh became a regular customer while filming the movie Presence in 2023.
This surge in foot traffic, catering orders, and general business is exactly what the state aims to generate through its enhanced tax incentive program.
The Engine of Growth: New Jersey’s Film Tax Credit
The foundational driver behind this boom is the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, established in 2018 and recently expanded.
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Generous Incentives: Productions can earn state tax breaks worth up to 40% of their qualified expenses incurred in New Jersey.
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Local Vendor Requirement: Crucially, the program often includes bonuses for productions that utilize local vendors and businesses, directly channeling the spending into the state’s economy.
The results are record-breaking:
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In 2024, the film industry’s gross spending in New Jersey totaled a record $833 million.
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Over 550 productions hired more than 30,000 crew members.
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The Sandler film Happy Gilmore 2 set a new record for single-production spending in the state, shelling out $152 million over 64 days of filming.
The ‘One-Stop Shop’ Appeal: Why NJ is Hollywood’s Next Destination
Jon Crowley, Executive Director of the NJ Motion Picture and Television Association, highlights why New Jersey is now irresistible to filmmakers:
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Variety of Locations: New Jersey is a geographical “one-stop shop.” As Crowley puts it: “You need a beach? A mountain with snow? Small town? Big city? (We) got it.”
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Talented Workforce: Outside of New York City and Los Angeles, New Jersey boasts the industry’s largest workforce, ensuring “plenty of crew.”
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Major Infrastructure: Massive new production facilities are underway, including Netflix’s $900 million studio at the former Fort Monmouth military base and 1888 Studios in Hudson County (which recently signed a deal with Paramount).
This growth translates into booming business for support companies like Skopos Catering (Woodbridge-based), whose CEO Thomas Maroulakos notes that a “happy and well-fed crew is a productive crew,” leading to referrals and repeat customers as the production pace increases.
The Debate: Tax Breaks and Tradeoffs
While the economic figures are impressive, not everyone agrees on the wisdom of the tax incentive program.
The Garden State Initiative (GSI), a think tank, published a report questioning the net benefit of the film tax breaks, noting the incentives come at a cost to taxpayers.
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Cost vs. Revenue: Report author Charles Steindel argues that providing subsidies to one industry means potentially higher taxes or less spending for other public services.
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Job Scale: Steindel also points out that while crew numbers are high, the industry remains a modest part of the state’s overall economy.
However, advocates like Crowley assert that tax incentives were necessary to reverse the historical exodus of filmmakers from the state, and the new infrastructure projects prove the long-term viability.
“I think the next three, five, 10 years are looking really good for New Jersey. Really good,” says Crowley.
The film industry’s success, supporting everything from local delis and hardware stores to designers and dry cleaners, demonstrates its significant role in bolstering the overall NJ economy.
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