Officials gathered at Brookdale Community College Dec. 4 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the New Jersey Film Academy.

The event took place at the Advanced Technology Center (ATeC) Building on Brookdale’s Lincroft campus.

Beginning spring 2025, the NJ Film Academy will start training the next generation Garden State’s film production workforce. The move will certainly be needed, given the robust growth of the sector here.

Director Diane Raver will lead the academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

“It is truly an honor and privilege for me to bring this training to our great state of New Jersey – as we work to revitalize and return this vital industry to its birthplace,” said Raver.

Some details of the New Jersey Film Academy include:

• Will offer courses at four community colleges: Brookdale, Mercer County Community College, Camden County College and Hudson County Community College
• Supported by the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative
• As the lead institution in the Center of Workforce Innovation for Film & Television Production, Brookdale will play a pivotal role in equipping students with industry-recognized credentials and specialized skills for careers in this sector
• Will offer three tailored curriculum tracks: On Set Production; Production Office and Accounting; Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) leads the academy. Officials say the collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to economic growth and workforce readiness by offering accessible, high-quality education statewide to support New Jersey’s vision in this sector.

Overall, 13 community colleges statewide have expressed their intent to partner with the NJ Film Academy. That would help create a robust network to deliver training across all production areas.

Brookdale Graduate Trustee Jean Guerdy Paul said he is excited about the opportunities the academy brings to the state.

“With Netflix’s expansion coming to NJ, this program is incredibly valuable for aspiring actors, filmmakers, and others pursuing careers in the film industry,” said Paul. “It’s amazing that people no longer have to go to New York or California to study film, they can do it right here in New Jersey – with Brookdale as a leading partner. I’m proud to see us at the forefront of this initiative, creating pathways for students to follow their dreams.”

More information on the NJ Film Academy is available here.

Other developments in NJ’s film industry:

• West Orange film studio project takes next step
• Newark launches its first office for film and television production
• Bayonne film studio cleared for $400M in Aspire tax credits (photos)