The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), operating under the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), reported that film and television production spending in the state reached $833 million in 2024. This figure surpasses the previous record of $701 million set in 2022. In total, 556 productions were filmed across New Jersey last year, employing over 30,000 crew members—almost double the number from 2023.
The increase in activity follows Governor Phil Murphy’s decision to reinstate the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program in 2018. The program, now extended through 2049, provides tax credits of up to 40 percent for qualified expenses incurred by productions. According to NJEDA, this incentive led to a 41 percent rise in qualified spending from 2023 to 2024, while other North American production centers saw either flat or declining numbers.
“New Jersey has solidified its place as a formidable leader in the national and international film industries,” said Governor Murphy. “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, Chief Executive Officer of NJEDA, stated: “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. Governor Murphy’s vision to bring the film industry back to New Jersey has been achieved and we are on the radar of content creators everywhere. As we continue attracting productions and studios, it will lead to new job opportunities for residents and greater business for mom and pop shops.”
Major projects filmed in New Jersey during 2024 included Oscar-nominated ‘A Complete Unknown’ starring Timothée Chalamet; ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ with Adam Sandler—which spent a record $152 million over a two-month shoot; ‘The Housemaid’ featuring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried; ‘The Beast in Me’ with Claire Danes; Kathryn Bigelow’s ‘A House of Dynamite’; and Bruce Springsteen biopic ‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’.
Jon Crowley, Executive Director of NJMPTVC commented: “From beaches and farms to busy city centers and quiet suburban streets, New Jersey offers the perfect location for any production. Our diverse locations and talent pool make New Jersey a top-tier destination for producers and directors. 2024 proved that New Jersey, the birthplace of film, is the industry’s future.”
Studios have also expanded their presence within the state. Netflix began construction on a new production facility at Fort Monmouth after being named an NJEDA Studio Partner with Aspire awards approval earlier this year. Similarly, Bayonne’s 1888 Studios received designation as a Film-Lease Partner Facility along with Aspire awards.
In addition to supporting individual productions, NJEDA approved $9.5 million last year for five projects through its Film and Digital Media Studio Infrastructure Program aimed at developing studio facilities.
The NJMPTVC assists filmmakers by providing support with financial incentives as well as guidance on permits, regulations, site selection services, production needs, and community readiness programs such as Film Ready New Jersey—now counting 43 designated communities statewide.
For more information about filming opportunities or resources available through NJMPTVC visit www.film.nj.gov.
