TV veteran Crowley named new executive director of N.J. Motion Picture and Television Commission

2-time Emmy winner has worked on numerous well-known shows, including ‘Impractical Jokers,’ ‘Big Brother’ and ‘House Hunters International’

Jon Crowley, a top-level television executive for more than two decades who has produced and directed many well-known shows, was announced Wednesday as the new executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.

The NJMPTVC is now under the direction of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Its board approve the move Wednesday morning.

“As the film industry continues to expand across the state, I am excited to welcome Jon Crowley to the NJEDA, where he will use his skills and experience to lead the Film Commission’s efforts to attract top-tier film and television productions to the Garden State,” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan said. “In his role, Jon will help boost Gov. Phil Murphy’s mission to strengthen New Jersey’s leadership role in the film sector, which will fuel our economy and create good-paying jobs for our residents.”

Crowley, a two-time Emmy winner, will serve as the senior leader of all of New Jersey’s film initiatives, leading both the EDA’s film sector development work and the management of the NJMPTVC.

Crowley comes to the role with a strong résumé, producing and directing several well-known television series, including “Impractical Jokers,” “House Hunters International,” “Big Brother,” “Lizard Lick Towing,” “Love After Lock-Up,” “Trading Spouses,” “Full Contact” and “Upload with Shaquille O’Neal,” among others.

“The growth of our film industry has been incredible over the past six years under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, and we have welcomed productions to our state, many of which have been smash hits and award winners,” NJMPTVC Executive Director Steve Gorelick said. “I know with Jon at the helm, the Film Commission will continue its successful track record of attracting major productions and expanding the film industry’s presence in New Jersey.”

“I am thrilled to take on this new challenge and am ready to ensure New Jersey’s momentum in the film industry continues to skyrocket,” Crowley said. “I am grateful to the NJMPTVC board and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan for entrusting me with this responsibility, and I look forward to working alongside the entire NJEDA staff in our shared mission of creating a stronger New Jersey economy.”

Crowley is a longtime resident of Atlantic Highlands, where he has been on the arts council since 2008 and served on the borough council since 2017.