The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved $3 million in grant awards for five initiatives under the New Jersey Film Works Grant Program. The competitive grants are designed to expand access to workforce development training, internships, apprenticeships, and learning opportunities for New Jersey residents in the state’s rapidly growing film and digital media industry.
A key focus of the program is to provide career opportunities for residents of Overburdened Communities (OBCs), aligning with Gov. Phil Murphy’s goal of strengthening equitable economic opportunities across the state. Individual grants were capped at $750,000.
Fueling a booming industry
The grant funding responds directly to the surging demand for skilled professionals in New Jersey’s film sector. The industry boom is largely driven by the revival and enhancement of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which has attracted hundreds of major productions.
“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, the film and digital media industry is continuing to grow in New Jersey, bringing large-scale productions, state-of-the-art film studios, and thousands of high-quality jobs to the Garden State,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said. “With strong workforce development initiatives, like the NJ Film Works Grant Program, New Jerseyans will be better equipped to make the most of the industry’s immense economic opportunities.”
The need for a local talent pipeline is only increasing with the development of world-class facilities, including the massive Netflix Studio Campus at Fort Monmouth and 1888 Studios in Bayonne.
Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, emphasized the program’s inclusive nature: “Through this investment, we’re preparing workers for rewarding careers while also ensuring our diverse communities are at the forefront of this burgeoning field. This is a key scene in our state’s story of innovation and growth, with all New Jerseyans having a chance to shine.”
The five grant awardees
The approved initiatives will offer training for high-demand production occupations such as editing, set construction, special effects, wardrobe, and camera operation.
Jon Crowley, executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, noted that the funding will “support innovative workforce training programs across the state, further positioning New Jersey as a national hub for film and television production.”
These five programs will leverage local partnerships—including those with unions like IATSE Locals 52 and 600, and educational partners like Rowan University—to ensure participants receive technical instruction and are directly linked to employment opportunities in New Jersey’s fast-growing “Hollywood East.”
