The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC) on Tuesday announced that the filming of the Netflix comedy, Happy Gilmore 2, generated a record-breaking $152.5 million in qualified spending during its 64 days of production in the state. This makes it the highest-spending production in New Jersey since Gov. Phil Murphy reinstated the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program in 2018.
The Adam Sandler sequel used a variety of New Jersey locations, showcasing the state’s versatility as a filming destination. The production filmed in a total of 31 municipalities across 9 counties, with an average daily spend of $2.3 million. The film’s economic impact extended to local businesses, with over $1.2 million spent on lodging and $6.4 million on hiring extras.
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has become a Happy Place for filmmakers, with our above par tax credits, all-star local talent, and diverse locations,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said.
Filming locations showcase the Garden State’s diversity
The film’s production highlighted numerous iconic and scenic locations throughout the Garden State. The exterior of the Gilmore family home was a private residence in Irvington, while the interior was filmed in Belleville. Several of New Jersey’s more than 330 golf courses were featured, including:
- Beacon Hill Country Club in Atlantic Highlands
- Fiddler’s Elbow in Bedminster
- Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield
- Closter Golf Center in Closter
- Alpine Country Club in Demarest
- Farmview Golf Center in Hackettstown
- Rockleigh Golf Course in Rockleigh
- Essex Golf Center in Roseland
- Montclair Golf Club in West Orange
Other notable locations included the Newark Liberty International Airport, Fairleigh Dickinson University, the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, and the former Essex County Isolation Hospital in Belleville. These spots, popular with production companies, have also appeared in other major films and television shows.
This significant investment from Happy Gilmore 2 reinforces New Jersey’s position as a burgeoning hub for film and television production. The state’s efforts to attract productions are bolstered by the commitment of major companies like Netflix, which is currently constructing a new 500,000 sq. ft. production facility at Fort Monmouth—a $1 billion investment expected to create numerous jobs and revitalize the local economy.
According to Jon Crowley, executive director of the NJMPTVC, the success of the film’s production is a testament to the state’s ability to double for a variety of settings.
“From golf courses and universities, to airports, beaches, and quintessential suburban neighborhoods, New Jersey has everything a production company desires,” Crowley said.
