Why New Jersey Is Becoming a Hub for Film & Video Production
Fibs & Tales video production team filming on location in NJ
A New Creative Epicenter
New Jersey is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting film and video production hubs in the United States. Minutes from New York City and Philadelphia, the Garden State combines competitive production costs, diverse filming locations, and strong state support — positioning it as a top destination for feature films, television series, documentaries, commercials, and branded content.
For businesses and filmmakers alike, this means access to world-class production resources without leaving New Jersey — and a growing local economy ready to support creative storytelling.
This surge reflects rising demand for video production in New Jersey, where studios like Fibs & Tales collaborate with brands and agencies on story-driven commercial, corporate, and branded content across Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark, Monmouth County, and Northern NJ.
Why Is New Jersey Becoming a Film & Video Production Hub?
1. Competitive Tax Incentives
New Jersey’s aggressive tax credit program, administered through the NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission, offers up to 35% tax credits for film and television productions.
This has made the state highly attractive to both major studios and independent producers.
2. Expanding Studio Infrastructure
Major developments include:
Netflix Studios – Fort Monmouth
$1 billion development featuring 12 soundstages and backlots in Monmouth County.Lionsgate Newark Studios
300,000 sq. ft. facility developed with Great Point Studios, strengthening Newark’s creative economy.1888 Studios – Bayonne
One of the largest planned film studio complexes in the United States.Additional studio growth in Carteret, Jersey City, East Brunswick, and Egg Harbor City.
This expansion signals a long-term commitment to film production in New Jersey.
3. Proximity to NYC — Without NYC Costs
New Jersey offers:
Lower location fees
Easier permitting
More space
Access to NYC’s talent pool
This combination makes NJ ideal for corporate video production, commercial production, and branded content.
Hollywood in New Jersey: A Cinematic Comeback
New Jersey isn’t new to filmmaking — it’s a comeback story.
In 1893, Thomas Edison built the world’s first motion picture studio — the Black Maria — in West Orange.
Fort Lee became the birthplace of America’s film industry before Hollywood moved west.
Today, the narrative has shifted again.
With major studio investments and growing production companies across Jersey City and Northern NJ, many are calling this moment “Hollywood in New Jersey.”
Iconic Films & Shows Shot in New Jersey
New Jersey’s versatility and cinematic appeal haven’t just landed new studios—they’ve attracted major motion pictures. These productions showcase the state's historical charm, urban grit, and scenic variety:
The Sopranos (HBO, 1999–2007) – Shot across North Jersey (e.g., Lodi, Caldwell), becoming synonymous with NJ’s film identity.
Sources: Frommer’s, PopTurf, Atlas Obscura
Severance (Apple TV+, 2022– ) – Filmed in Monmouth County, with Bell Works in Holmdel standing in as Lumon Industries’ headquarters. Sources: Bell Works, Axios, Patch
War of the Worlds (2005) – Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi epic filmed in Bayonne and Newark.
Sources: Movie-Locations, NJ.com, Screen ItJoker (2019) – Key scenes filmed in Newark’s Market Street and Journal Square in Jersey City.
Sources: Untapped Cities, Movie-Locations, Elle DecorWest Side Story (2021) – Spielberg’s musical remake featured scenes in Paterson.
Sources: NJ.gov, NJ Spotlight News, Paterson PressThe Wrestler (2008) – Aronofsky’s indie drama showcased Asbury Park’s Convention Hall.
Sources: LatLong, Wikipedia, NJ.comGarden State (2004) – Cult classic shot in South Orange, Maplewood, and Newark.
Sources: Montclair Girl, Atlas of Wonders, Essex News DailyMen in Black (1997) – Included scenes at the iconic NJ Turnpike’s Vince Lombardi Rest Stop.
Sources: Movie-Locations, Vantage JC, Screen ItA Complete Unknown (2024) – The Bob Dylan biopic by James Mangold, starring Timothée Chalamet, filmed across NJ—including Hoboken, Cape May, and Jersey City’s Jersey Avenue—with locations doubling as 1960s Greenwich Village.
Sources: Architectural Digest, CapeMay.com, NY PostIt Ends With Us (2024) – Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel adapted for film, shot across Hoboken, Jersey City, Plainfield, and Weehawken.
Sources: People, YahooThe Irishman (2019) – Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-nominated epic used Paterson and Newark to recreate mid-century New York and Philadelphia.
Sources: CN Traveller, 94.5 PSTAnnie (1982) – The original film adaptation of the Broadway musical featured Monmouth University’s Wilson Hall as Daddy Warbucks’ mansion.
Sources: Casey Barber, NJ.govThe Godfather (1972) – Coppola’s masterpiece filmed select scenes in New Jersey, including Jersey City’s Liberty State Park.
Sources: Facebook – Historic Film LocationsThe Dark Knight Rises (2012) – Christopher Nolan brought Gotham to Newark, filming in and around Newark City Hall and downtown streets.
Sources: NJ.gov, Business InsiderThe Watcher (Netflix, 2022) – Based on a chilling true story set in Westfield, NJ, filmed primarily in Westfield with exteriors shot in Rye, NY.
Sources: Netflix Tudum, NBC New YorkHappy Gilmore 2 (2025) – Adam Sandler’s sequel filmed extensively across New Jersey, including Montclair Golf Club, Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, Pleasantdale Château, Ideal Beach, and Newark Liberty Airport.
Sources: People, Time Out
This wave of major films not only boosts the state’s economic profile but also highlights why New Jersey is an authentic, versatile backdrop that continues to attract high-profile productions.
What This Means for Video Production Companies in New Jersey
As the infrastructure expands, so does opportunity for:
Corporate video production in New Jersey
Commercial video production companies
Documentary filmmakers
Branded content studios
Film production services in Northern NJ
More studios mean:
Stronger local crew networks
Better access to equipment
Expanded post-production resources
Increased collaboration between agencies and production companies
Studios like Fibs & Tales operate within this ecosystem, producing cinematic commercial, and branded content projects throughout New Jersey and the broader Northeast.
Production Studios & Creative Ecosystem Across NJ
Key cities driving growth include:
Jersey City
Hoboken
Newark
Bayonne
Monmouth County
Northern New Jersey
This regional spread strengthens New Jersey’s position as a sustainable film production hub — not just a temporary boom.
The Role of the NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission
The New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission plays a central role in attracting and supporting productions.
The Commission:
Administers tax incentives
Assists with permitting
Promotes NJ filming locations
Supports local production companies
Their efforts have helped reestablish New Jersey as a serious player in the national film and television landscape.
What This Means for Local Businesses & Brands
Stronger Infrastructure
More studios and production activity improve access to professional crews and cinematic equipment.
Economic Growth
In 2023 alone, productions contributed over $592 million to New Jersey’s economy.
Brand Opportunity
Local companies can now collaborate with experienced production partners to create high-quality commercial campaigns without leaving the state.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Film & Video Production in New Jersey
Is New Jersey a good place for film production?
Yes. New Jersey offers competitive tax incentives, expanding studio infrastructure, proximity to NYC talent, and diverse filming locations.
What major studios are coming to New Jersey?
Netflix is developing a major studio complex at Fort Monmouth. Paramount’s 1888 Studios in Bayonne and Lionsgate’s Newark facility further anchor NJ’s growth.
Are there professional video production companies in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey is home to commercial, corporate, and narrative production companies operating across Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark, and Northern NJ.
Why are brands choosing New Jersey for video production?
Brands benefit from lower production costs than NYC, professional infrastructure, diverse backdrops, and experienced local crews.
What cities in New Jersey are popular for filming?
Jersey City, Newark, Hoboken, Bayonne, Monmouth County, and Paterson are among the most active production hubs.
A State Built for Storytelling
From Edison’s Black Maria to Netflix’s Fort Monmouth development, New Jersey has always been tied to the art of storytelling.
Today, the state is once again a place where filmmakers, brands, and agencies can produce work with global quality and local authenticity.
Ready to explore what this new creative hub means for your brand?