New Jersey is ramping up its investment in the film and digital media industry with a new $3 million initiative designed to prepare residents for careers in production, post-production, and technical roles. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) recently approved the funding under the New Jersey Film Works Grant Program, allocating resources to five workforce development programs statewide aimed at training and placing skilled workers in the state’s fast-growing media sector.
“This initiative ensures New Jerseyans are equipped to take full advantage of the economic opportunities the film and digital media industry offers,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. The grant program emphasizes hands-on training, apprenticeships, and internships, covering key areas such as camera operation, editing, set construction, audio and visual technology, and special effects. A particular focus is on creating pathways for residents of Overburdened Communities, helping diversify the workforce in this high-demand industry.
The newly established Newark Office of Film and Television will serve as a central hub for these initiatives, promoting the city as an ideal location for filming and supporting production logistics throughout the region. The office is expected to spotlight Newark’s unique urban settings, historic architecture, and waterfront areas, making the city a compelling destination for film, television, and multimedia projects.
The grant recipients and funding allocations include Invest Newark ($750,000) for training production assistants and riggers in Newark, in partnership with the Newark Film School; Reel Works ($750,000) for assistant camera operators and production accountants near Netflix’s Fort Monmouth campus; AbelCine ($668,838) for audio/visual technicians and digital imaging specialists in Newark; Aspire Youth Development ($444,164) offering training in Lumberton for assistant editors and camera operators; and Independent Content Studio ($386,998) delivering hybrid instruction in Paulsboro and Gibbstown in collaboration with Rowan University and local schools.
The announcement aligns with New Jersey’s broader push to expand its production ecosystem. Since the reinstatement of the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, the state has seen a surge of major studio projects, including the $1 billion Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth and 1888 Studios in Bayonne, attracting hundreds of feature films, television series, and digital media productions. With this growth comes an increasing demand for trained, skilled crew members across technical, creative, and post-production disciplines.
“Every successful production depends on a skilled crew, and New Jersey is preparing its residents to fill these roles,” said Jon Crowley, Executive Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. “From camera operators to editors, the industry needs a workforce ready to meet the standards of major studio productions. These grant-funded programs ensure New Jerseyans have those opportunities close to home.”
New Jersey Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo added that the initiative reinforces the state’s commitment to innovation and economic growth. “Through these programs, residents gain the training necessary to thrive in a thriving industry while ensuring diverse communities are front and center in New Jersey’s expanding film and digital media sector,” he said.
With the state positioning itself as a national hub for film, television, and digital media, these investments not only create jobs but also cultivate a vibrant creative economy. From technical crews to production assistants and post-production specialists, New Jersey is building a workforce capable of supporting the next generation of high-profile media projects. For more information on New Jersey’s film and television industry and workforce programs, visit Explore New Jersey Film & TV.
This strategic investment signals a new chapter for the Garden State, combining world-class production facilities, skilled professionals, and diverse filming locations to ensure New Jersey remains at the forefront of the national media landscape.
