The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), a division of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), announced that the production of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ resulted in a qualified spend of $152.5 million over 64 days of filming across New Jersey. The Adam Sandler-led sequel, which premiered on Netflix nearly three decades after the original film, made use of the NJEDA’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program.
‘Happy Gilmore 2’ is among several recent Netflix projects filmed in New Jersey, alongside titles such as ‘Nonnas’, ‘The Irishman’, and upcoming releases including ‘The Whisper Man’, ’72 Hours’, and ‘Office Romance’. Netflix has recently started construction on a 500,000 square foot production facility at Fort Monmouth as part of its $1 billion investment in the state. This initiative is expected to generate permanent jobs in production and construction for local communities, supporting economic growth and revitalization efforts. More information about Netflix’s plans can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/netflix-fort-monmouth/.
NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said, “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. As productions continue selecting New Jersey, the film industry will boost our economy by helping generate good-paying jobs and support small businesses throughout the state.”
Since Governor Murphy reinstated the state’s film tax credit program in 2018, no other production has reported a higher qualified spend than ‘Happy Gilmore 2’. The movie averaged $2.3 million in spending per day during filming. Of this total, $1.2 million was allocated to lodging and $6.4 million went toward hiring extras.
Jon M. Crowley, Executive Director of NJMPTVC, commented: “Happy Gilmore 2 showcases New Jersey’s exceptional versatility in doubling as a variety of locations. From golf courses and universities, to airports, beaches, and quintessential suburban neighborhoods, New Jersey has everything a production company desires. We look forward to welcoming more and more productions to the Garden State.”
Filming took place in 31 municipalities across nine counties. Notable locations included private homes in Irvington (for exterior shots) and Belleville (for interiors), as well as several golf courses such as Beacon Hill Country Club (Atlantic Highlands), Fiddler’s Elbow (Bedminster), Forest Hill Field Club (Bloomfield), Closter Golf Center, Alpine Country Club (Demarest), Farmview Golf Center (Hackettstown), Rockleigh Golf Course, Essex Golf Center (Roseland), and Montclair Golf Club (West Orange). There are over 330 golf courses statewide; according to data from the Virginia Turf Grass Council cited by state officials, these facilities generated $1.4 billion in economic activity for New Jersey in 2019 and supported more than 11,000 jobs.
First Lady Tammy Murphy joined Adam Sandler on set at Fiddler’s Elbow along with representatives from both the Governor’s Office and NJMPTVC.
Other prominent filming sites included Newark Liberty International Airport; Farleigh Dickinson University; Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange; and the former Essex County Isolation Hospital in Belleville—all recognized venues frequently used for major productions.
Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions continues its activity in New Jersey with new projects such as the teen musical ‘Don’t Say Good Luck,’ currently filming in Cranford, Livingston, and Ridgewood.
The NJMPTVC operates within NJEDA to promote film and television production statewide by serving as an industry resource for producers seeking locations or support services.
More information about commission resources is available at www.film.nj.gov.
