The basics:

• New Jersey film spending hit a record $833M in 2024, up 41% from 2023
• Growth driven by the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit extended to 2049
• +30,000 crew members hired as 556 productions filmed statewide
• Major studios like Netflix, Lionsgate and 1888 Studios expanding in NJ

2024 was a record-setting year for New Jersey’s booming film industry.

The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission announced Oct. 21 that overall in-state production spending from filmmaking jumped to $833 million in 2024. The figure surpasses the previous record of $701 million in 2022.

That growth has been fueled in large part by the reinstatement of the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which was extended to 2049 during the most recent budget deal. The program offers tax credits to film and digital media productions of up to 40% for expenses occurred.

That development, plus the top-tier talent pool, versatility of production locations, the support of the NJMPTVC and other key factors have attributed to the sector’s growth. Officials point to a 41% total qualified spend increase from 2023 to 2024, while other North American production hubs saw decreases or stagnation.

“New Jersey has solidified its place as a formidable leader in the national and international film industries,” said Gov. Phil 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.”

In a town near you

As NJBIZ has reported, the growth is seen in individual productions filming in the state, as well as major studios choosing New Jersey, such as:

• Netflix, which broke ground on a major production facility at Fort Monmouth
• 1888 Studios coming in Bayonne
• Lionsgate in Newark

Last year, 556 productions filmed here in Jersey – including some major productions – which resulted in the hiring of more than 30,000 crew members — nearly double the number of crew hires from 2023.

“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,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), which oversees the NJMPTVC.

Sullivan said the governor’s vision to bring the film industry back to New Jersey has been achieved. He noted that the state is 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.”

Ready for their close-up

Major productions filmed here in 2024 include:

• Oscar-nominated “A Complete Unknown”
• “Happy Gilmore 2” – which spent a record-breaking $153 million during its 64 days of filming in New Jersey
• “The Housemaid”
• “A House of Dynamite”
• “Deliver from Me Nowhere” – perhaps the most Jersey of them all, the Bruce Springsteen film comes out Oct. 24. Stay tuned for further coverage on this production this week from NJBIZ.

These films and more showcase that versatility and range the state offers to filmmakers.

“From beaches and farms to busy city centers and quiet suburban streets, New Jersey offers the perfect location for any production,” said NJMPTVC Executive Director Jon Crowley. “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.”