The New Jersey film industry achieved another landmark year in 2024, with total in-state production spending hitting a record-breaking $833 million, according to an announcement today from the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), an entity of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
This figure surpasses the previous record of $701 million set in 2022. The state hosted 556 productions last year, which hired more than 30,000 crew members, nearly doubling the number of crew hires from the previous year.
Tax credit program fuels economic surge
The dramatic surge in film activity is directly attributed to the state’s favorable policies, including the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which was reinstated by Governor Phil Murphy in 2018 and has since been extended to 2049. The program offers tax credits of up to 40% for expenses incurred by film and digital media productions.
The competitive tax incentive supported an increase of 41% in total qualified spend from 2023 to 2024, contrasting with other North American production hubs that saw spending decrease or remain stagnant.
“New Jersey has solidified its place as a formidable leader in the national and international film industries,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “Our tax incentive program has been impactful in bringing new movies, television shows, and major studios to the state, which has resulted in good-paying jobs and revitalized communities. The film industry is here to stay and the future of entertainment now runs through the Garden State.”
Tim Sullivan, CEO of the NJEDA, emphasized the economic impact. “2024 was another banner year for New Jersey’s film industry, welcoming hundreds of productions and hiring thousands of crew members, generating meaningful economic activity across the state,” he said.
Major productions choose the Garden State
New Jersey was the backdrop for numerous major projects in 2024, including the Oscar-nominated film A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, and Happy Gilmore 2, starring Adam Sandler. The latter production set an individual record, spending $152 million during its 64 days of filming in the state.
Other “Made in NJ” productions filmed in 2024 included The Housemaid (starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried), The Beast in Me (starring Claire Danes), A House of Dynamite (directed by Kathryn Bigelow), and Deliver Me from Nowhere (the Bruce Springsteen biopic).
“Our diverse locations and talent pool make New Jersey a top-tier destination for producers and directors,” Jon Crowley, executive director of the NJMPTVC said. “2024 proved that New Jersey, the birthplace of film, is the industry’s future.”
Studios expand permanent presence
Beyond individual film shoots, major studios are choosing New Jersey for long-term expansion. Netflix was designated as a Studio Partner by the NJEDA in 2024 and broke ground on its state-of-the-art production facility in Fort Monmouth earlier this year. Similarly, 1888 Studios in Bayonne was designated as a Film-Lease Partner Facility.
Last year, the NJEDA also approved $9.5 million in funding for five projects under the Film and Digital Media Studio Infrastructure Program to support the development of additional production studios. The NJMPTVC continues to support filmmakers through its Film Ready New Jersey Program, which prepares the now 43 designated communities to effectively market themselves as filming destinations.
