The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board recently approved $3 million in grant awards to five workforce development initiatives under the New Jersey Film Works Grant Program.
The awards will expand access to workforce development training, internship, apprenticeship, and learning opportunities in the state’s expanding film and digital media industry.
“The film and digital media industry is continuing to grow in New Jersey, bringing large-scale productions, state-of-the-art film studios, and thousands of high-quality jobs to the Garden State,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With strong workforce development initiatives, like the NJ Film Works Grant Program, New Jerseyans will be better equipped to make the most of the industry’s immense economic opportunities.”
Awardees were required to propose impactful workforce development training, internship, apprenticeship, or learning opportunities in occupations such as editing, set construction, special effects, wardrobe, and camera operation. The competitive program included a focus on providing opportunities for residents of overburdened communities. Applicants were eligible for a grant award of up to $750,000.
The state is attracting hundreds of feature films, television shows and digital media projects. The production surge, along with the construction of world-class film studios such as Netflix at Fort Monmouth and 1888 Studios in Bayonne, has increased the need for skilled industry professionals in the film and digital media sector.
“The grant awards announced today will support innovative workforce training programs across the state, further positioning New Jersey as a national hub for film and television production,” said New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Executive Director Jon Crowley.
The following applicants were approved for grant awards:
- Invest Newark ($750,000) – Invest Newark will provide training for production assistant and rigger/grip/set grip positions, with in-person training taking place primarily in Newark. The economic development agency will collaborate with the Newark Office of Film and TV, Express Newark’s Community Media Center, NewarkWORKS One Stop Career Center, Newark Film School, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
- Reel Works ($750,000) – Reel Works will train individuals for assistant camera, production accountant, and set carpenter positions. The training will be in a hybrid format, with in-person instruction taking place near the Netflix Studio Campus at Fort Monmouth in Oceanport. Reel Works will collaborate with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Locals 52 and 600, among other local stakeholders, for instruction and employment connections.
- AbelCine ($668,838) – AbelCine will provide training for audio and video technician, camera operator, and digital imaging technician positions. The training will be in a hybrid format, with in-person instruction taking place primarily in Newark. Abel Cine is a training partner with IATSE Local 600, among other guilds, and will utilize internal business units and its existing network for job placements.
- Aspire Youth Development ($444,164) – Aspire Youth Development will offer training for the positions of assistant editor, camera operator, and film and TV editor. In-person training will take place primarily in Lumberton and be accessible to residents in Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington counties. Aspire Youth Development will collaborate with Creative Content OnDemand to deliver core technical instruction.
- Independent Content Studio ($386,998) – Independent content studio will provide training for assistant editor, audio and video technician, and set design positions in a hybrid format, with in-person instruction taking place in Paulsboro and Gibbstown. Independent content studio will collaborate with Paulsboro High School, Rowan University, and All That’s Good Productions to deliver the proposed program.
