Highlighting the Garden State’s rapid transformation into a premier hub for film and television, Screen Alliance of New Jersey (SANJ) Board President Nick Day underscored the industry’s massive economic impact during the New Jersey Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development at Harrah’s Resort.
Day, who also serves as Co-CEO of Edge Auto, participated in the featured panel discussion titled “New Jersey is Ready for Its Close-Up!” The conversation brought together key public officials and industry leaders to examine how production activity is reshaping local communities and creating diverse economic opportunities.
Joining Day on the panel were Mayor Janice Kovach, Scott Levy of Eastern Effects, Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy, and David A. Smith, Vice Chair of the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission.
The panel spotlighted the staggering trajectory of New Jersey’s entertainment sector, pointing to a dramatic leap in qualified in-state production spending from roughly $592 million in 2023 to $834 million in 2024. This upward surge is driven by expanding production activity, heavy infrastructure investments, and a rapidly growing pipeline of workforce opportunities across the state.
“New Jersey has an extraordinary opportunity to build something much bigger than a place where productions come to shoot—we are building an industry that is rooted here,” Day said. “That means permanent infrastructure, a skilled workforce, strong local businesses, and communities throughout the state sharing in the economic benefits.”
Day emphasized that the unified vision shared by government, business, and community leaders is vital to sustaining this momentum. “Building this industry requires all of us working together, and the discussion demonstrated just how much opportunity lies ahead for New Jersey.”
Discussions during the session centered on the core competitive advantages drawing major productions to New Jersey, including:
- World-Class Infrastructure: Expanding studio spaces and specialized production facilities.
- Skilled Talent & Diverse Locations: A deep local talent pool and unmatched geographic diversity ranging from beaches to urban skylines.
- Competitive Incentives & Support: State initiatives like the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, coupled with streamlined permitting processes designed to attract and retain production companies.
As SANJ continues to advocate for predictable, transparent policies and long-term industry growth, events like the Governor’s Conference highlight a shared commitment to ensuring that New Jersey’s entertainment boom translates into permanent, high-impact economic gains for residents and local businesses alike.
