New Jersey is ready for its close-up. Following a blockbuster debut last year, the Screen Alliance of New Jersey (SANJ) has announced that the NJ Film Expo will return to the Meadowlands Arena on April 30.
The event, which is free to the public, serves as the premier trade show for the state’s rapidly accelerating film and television sector. Gov. Mikie Sherrill is slated to deliver the keynote address, highlighting a year of historic growth for an industry that contributed to the “birth of motion pictures” in the Garden State over a century ago.
The expo arrives as New Jersey cements its status as a top-tier filming destination. Recent award-nominated productions like Marty Supreme and Song Sung Blue, along with the highly anticipated Disclosure Day, have turned New Jersey streets into active backlots.
“New Jersey is quickly establishing itself as the premier destination for film and television production on the East Coast,” Sherrill said. “My administration is committed to supporting the continued growth of this sector so that we can create jobs and opportunities for our residents.”
The surge in filming has triggered a massive infrastructure boom across the state, including:
- Soundstages and post-production suites: New facilities are cropping up from Jersey City to Newark.
- Support services: A spike in demand for local lumber mills for set construction, wardrobe houses, and camera rental firms.
- Workforce development: A “deep bench” of local union talent and film students ready to enter the regional economy.
A major draw for the expo will be panels detailing New Jersey’s aggressive film tax credit programs. These incentives have been credited with luring major studio players away from traditional hubs like Georgia and California.
“We are here to show that New Jersey is already fully ready and capable of being a major hub,” Nick Day, SANJ President and Co-CEO of Edge Auto, said. “Whether you already work in the industry, are looking to make connections, or are a student… this expo is the place to be.”
Building on last year’s event, which drew over 3,000 attendees, the 2026 expo will feature:
- Hundreds of vendors: Showcasing everything from catering to high-end grip and electric equipment.
- Educational panels: Experts discussing the future of AI in film, tax incentives, and location scouting.
- Festival atmosphere: Live music and local food trucks will line the arena grounds.
Jon Crowley, executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, emphasized that the state’s diversity of locations—from urban skylines to rural landscapes—remains unmatched. “Our message remains true—whatever your production needs, Jersey’s got you covered!”
Event details
- Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Meadowlands Arena, 50 State Route 120, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
- Admission: FREE for all attendees.
