Netflix Studios in Eatontown and Oceanport … 1888 Studios in Bayonne … LionsGate in Newark.
New Jersey is on the way to regaining its dominance as an East Coast player in the film
and digital media industry. These three projects, and the incentives that came with
them, are a big reason why – and will be a top panel discussion at the NJBankers
Annual Economic Leadership Forum, Thursday at the Embassy Suites in Berkeley
Heights.
Karen Kessler, the CEO of Kessler PR Group and the commissioner of the New Jersey
Motion Picture and Television Commission, will moderate a panel titled: New Jersey’s
Economic Future and the Film Industry.
Kessler, who also is a director at Northfield Bank, will be joined by:
- Eric Brophy, co-chair, Government & Regulatory Law, CSG Law;
- Jon Crowley, executive director, New Jersey Motion Picture and Television
Commission; - Nicholas Day, president, Screen Alliance of New Jersey, and co-CEO of Edge
Auto, Inc.; - Nick Maniatis, director of studio and production policy for the U.S and Canada
for Netflix
The panel will discuss the projects and incentives coming to New Jersey, including what
the new production houses are doing in the state, and the impact on the local economy,
including jobs, housing, unions, training and more.
For registration information, click here.
The 15th annual forum will include much more:
- What’s on the horizon for digital banking and assets
- Managing growth, risk and regulation in uncertain times
- The latest real estate trends
Here’s a look at the agenda:
8:15-9 a.m.
Registration, breakfast and networking;
9-10 a.m.
Welcome
Michael Affuso, CEO, NJBankers
National, state economic outlook
Matt Colyar, Economist, Moody’s Analytics
10-11 a.m.
New Jersey’s Economic Future and the Film Industry
11-11:30 a.m.
Networking
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Deep dive into data
Ron Shevlin, chief research officer, Cornerstone Advisors
The 2026 What’s Going On in Banking report revealed important trends impacting the
banking industry regarding AI, tokenization, fraud, private credit, open banking, and
fintech partnerships. In this session, Ron will share the data and his take on what it
means for the present and future of banking.
12:30-1:20 p.m.
Capital Strategy: Managing Growth, Risk & Regulation in Uncertain Times Adam Mustafa, President, Invictus Analytics Financial institutions face a unique paradox: opportunities for growth are opening even as regulatory expectations and economic risks evolve. Capital planning has never been more critical. This session will address the most pressing themes shaping the industry today and into the future.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
New Jersey Real Estate and Lending Outlook
Jeffrey Otteau, Managing partner and chief economist, Otteau Group, Inc.
This presentation will provide a forecast for New Jersey’s real estate economy and
lending environment while also highlighting the challenges that lie ahead.
3 p.m.
End of show
