Over 3,000 people flocked to the first-ever NJ Film Expo, held at the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford. The event, hosted by the Screen Alliance of New Jersey (SANJ) and sponsored by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), showcased the state’s ever-expanding infrastructure.
“We’re proud to welcome the first NJ Film Exposition to the Meadowlands Arena — a fitting venue to showcase the talent and momentum behind New Jersey’s film industry,” said New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) President Nicholas Mammano. “This event reflects the NJSEA and our partners’ efforts to support Governor Murphy’s vision for making New Jersey a leader in film, television production and live entertainment, all while creating jobs and attracting investment opportunities to the Garden State.”
More than 80 vendors set up shop on the floor of the sports complex, with booths ranging from production companies to auto rental to props and cinematography.
People from all parts of the industry were present and ready to show their capability for the growth of film and TV in the state.
“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has established itself as a premier East Coast hub for film and digital media production. Nation-leading tax incentives and a deep pool of local talent are fueling the industry’s momentum, leading to world-class facilities like Netflix to set up shop in the Garden State,” said NJMPTVC Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJ Film Expo showcased the businesses and stakeholders driving the state’s booming film and digital media sector — an industry that’s supporting small businesses, boosting local economies and bringing new energy to communities across the state.”
“New Jersey is ready to support productions of any scale, from independent films to major studio projects,” said NJMPTVC Executive Director Jon Crowley. “With a wide range of locations, top-tier vendors and a skilled local workforce, the state offers everything productions need to succeed. We’re excited to see the industry’s continued growth and the positive impact it brings to communities across New Jersey.”
Along with the vendor booths, the expo offered an assortment of food trucks, a VIP room for people to network and mingle, trailers that cast and crew would use on a shoot and four panels covering a wide breadth of topics related to film and TV in New Jersey. The panels included discussion on New Jersey as a prime location for hosting productions, its workforce and biodiversity, cutting-edge technology and what the future holds for the industry. Panelists were made up of studio executives and CEOs, industry workers and union members and even Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach. Also in attendance was Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who was the expo’s keynote speaker.
“From the outset of this administration, bringing the film and television industry back to New Jersey in a robust and permanent way has been a key policy priority,” said Way. “The inaugural expo was an excellent opportunity to strengthen connections, understand our respective strengths and find new ways to collaborate together. New Jersey is open for business, and we look forward to welcoming major players and small independent filmmakers alike to use our state for their filming and production needs.”
Since 2017, New Jersey has been home to over 5,000 productions with more than $3.09 billion in qualified spend. The success of the New Jersey film and digital tax credit program has led the state to become an international hub for film production. The tax incentives are necessary to attract productions that might otherwise go to states like New York, Georgia and New Mexico. SANJ is a proud investor in the tax credit program, committed to ensuring consistency, transparency and sustainability within the industry. Board members were present with their companies for the expo to be a voice for all parts of the industry.
“Our members know this industry because we are this industry,” said SANJ President Gannon Murphy (Cinelease/Cinelease Studios). “We launched the NJ Film Expo to connect directly with New Jersey residents and businesses — to meet them where they are and show how this industry can create real opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a local vendor, SANJ, the Expo and the tax credit program are here to help you get in the game and grow.”
