New Jersey is the New Hollywood? Here’s Why Filmmakers are Flocking to the Garden State

Описание: 42 Productions in 2025! Why New Jersey is the Hot Spot for Film and TV

From Severance to Happy Gilmore 2, New Jersey’s Film Industry is Thriving

Summary

New Jersey is quickly becoming a favorite place for filmmakers, attracting stars like Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, and Adam Sandler, along with major productions like Severance. 
The NJ Film Expo on May 1 at the Meadowlands Arena will feature over 50 exhibitors, showcasing services that make New Jersey appealing to filmmakers.
New Jersey: Hollywood East

Hollywood might need to make room because New Jersey is fast becoming a top destination for filmmakers. From stars like Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Ben Affleck, and Adam Sandler filming here to high-profile productions such as Severance using Monmouth County as a base, the state is making a bold statement in the film industry.

But nothing showcases New Jersey’s filmmaking growth more than the upcoming NJ Film Expo on Thursday, May 1, at the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford. The event will host over 50 exhibitors, including lighting, transportation, camera, and post-production companies, ready to present their services and demonstrate why New Jersey is the ideal place for filmmakers.

"People often underestimate the robust infrastructure New Jersey offers for large-scale productions," said Nick Day, vice-president of the Screen Alliance of New Jersey, which is hosting the event. With panels, live demonstrations, and appearances by state politicians, the expo emphasizes New Jersey’s rapid rise in the film industry

 Thriving Film Hub

New Jersey has a rich film history, being a powerhouse in the early 20th century. Now, it is experiencing a major revival with 42 film and TV projects slated to shoot in the state in the first half of 2025 alone. Productions such as It Ends With Us, A Complete Unknown, Happy Gilmore 2, and Deliver Me From Nowhere have added to the momentum. Furthermore, the construction of three state-of-the-art studios by industry giants Netflix (Fort Monmouth), 1888 Studios (Bayonne), and Lionsgate (Newark) signals New Jersey’s arrival as a leading filmmaking destination.

"We’re a powerhouse in the industry now," Day commented, emphasizing the local resources available to filmmakers. Companies like Edge Auto, Day’s firm, will be at the expo, showcasing tools essential to production, including their 15-person electric transit van. From transportation coordination to equipment rental and catering services, New Jersey companies provide everything needed for seamless productions.

"Picture a location shoot," Day explains. "You may have 100 people involved, including cast, crew, lighting teams, and caterers. You’ll need transit vans, SUVs for stars, box trucks for lighting and props, and trailers. Edge Auto and other businesses at the expo support logistics like this, making New Jersey a filmmaker’s dream."

Co-presented by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the expo is set to spotlight all these capabilities.

Why Filmmakers Love New Jersey

New Jersey’s scenic versatility is unmatched. Within its 8,723 square miles, filmmakers can find beaches, snowy mountains, lush gardens, bustling cities, and more. What’s even better? All these locations are within a short commute, eliminating the need for costly long-distance travel.

"People often think New Jersey is just what they see from the Turnpike," Day remarked. "But the state’s diversity in scenery is one of its best-kept secrets."

Another major draw is the New Jersey Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program, established by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2018. Offering a 30% to 35% tax rebate to companies that work on location and use local vendors, the program has been a game-changer, rivaling film hubs like New York, Georgia, and California.

Add in the proximity to New York’s vast talent pool and a growing network of film-friendly towns like Ridgewood, Morristown, Montclair, and Holmdel (where Severance films at Bell Labs), and it’s clear why more professionals are choosing New Jersey. "The success of Severance is proof that New Jersey has become a major player," said Day.

New Jersey’s Film Industry Has Arrived

The NJ Film Expo is more than an industry gathering; it’s a celebration of New Jersey’s rise as a go-to filmmaking destination. From state-of-the-art studios to its tax incentives, striking scenery, and comprehensive support infrastructure, New Jersey offers filmmakers the perfect mix of resources and creativity.

For those thinking about shooting in New Jersey, now’s the time to explore what the state offers. And for those attending the expo, you’ll discover firsthand how New Jersey is redefining filmmaking on the East Coast.