Hillside, New Jersey is set to become a hub of media innovation as S.I.C. Film School announces the location of its new LIVE Broadcast Studio SIC+, a state-of-the-art facility designed to push the boundaries of digital media and immersive production. Known globally for pioneering the first hologram studio, S.I.C. Film School continues its trajectory of innovation by creating a space that blends advanced broadcasting technology with educational opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, content creators, and media professionals.

The official press conference, featuring Mayor Dahlia Vertreese, is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22nd at 2 p.m., where school representatives and local officials will provide insight into the project’s goals and its anticipated impact on the community. The Hillside location was selected for its accessibility, supportive municipal environment, and potential to serve as a creative hub for the region.

SIC+ is designed as more than just a broadcast studio; it is a comprehensive media production environment that integrates live streaming capabilities, holographic imaging, virtual sets, and advanced post-production facilities. The initiative reflects S.I.C. Film School’s mission to equip students with hands-on experience in the latest technologies shaping the entertainment and communications industries. By situating the studio in Hillside, the school aims to foster local talent, create new job opportunities, and attract projects from across the state and beyond.

The announcement comes as the media landscape rapidly evolves, with demand for immersive, real-time content increasing across television, online streaming, and social media platforms. S.I.C. Film School’s leadership emphasizes that SIC+ will serve as a training ground where students can experiment with cutting-edge tools while producing professional-quality content, preparing them for careers in an industry where innovation is key.

Local officials, including Mayor Vertreese, have highlighted the economic and cultural benefits of hosting such a facility. Hillside is expected to see a boost in creative industry activity, including collaborations with filmmakers, digital artists, and tech innovators. The studio’s presence aligns with broader state efforts to expand New Jersey’s footprint in film, television, and digital media production, reinforcing its reputation as a growing center for entertainment innovation.

SIC+ will feature fully equipped soundstages, broadcast booths, editing suites, and collaborative production spaces. Students and visiting professionals will gain experience in live broadcasting, virtual production, and holographic content creation—skills increasingly sought after in today’s fast-paced media landscape. The facility is also expected to host workshops, guest lectures, and community engagement programs, integrating education with real-world production experience.

Numerous movies and TV shows have been filming in New Jersey recently, with several more productions already announced to shoot in the state soon. This surge is largely thanks to the expansion of the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which has made the state an attractive location for major productions.

Films recently completed or in production include:

• I Play Rocky: A biopic about Sylvester Stallone writing and starring in Rocky, filmed in various New Jersey locations and completed in October 2025.
• Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Bruce Springsteen biopic covering the recording of Nebraska, filmed in Asbury Park, Freehold, Bayonne, and East Rutherford.
• Bad Day: An action-comedy starring Cameron Diaz, shot in Bloomfield, Passaic, and Paterson.
• The Whisper Man: Netflix crime thriller starring Robert De Niro and Adam Scott, filmed in Montclair and other northern New Jersey towns.
• Good Sex: Netflix rom-com starring Mark Ruffalo and Natalie Portman, filmed in Jersey City and Hoboken in summer 2025.
• The Housemaid: Psychological thriller based on Freida McFadden’s novel, filmed in Ridgewood and North Jersey locations in January 2025.
• The Bride!: Maggie Gyllenhaal’s reimagining of Bride of Frankenstein, reportedly filmed in Newark with Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale.

Upcoming productions include:

• Fight for ’84: Sports drama starring Jamie Foxx, filming in Newark and New York beginning September 2025.
• Power: TV show produced by 50 Cent, scheduled for Passaic in late November or December 2025.
• Crystal Lake: Peacock series prequel to Friday the 13th, filmed at Rutt’s Hutt in Clifton.
• The Dish: UFO film by Steven Spielberg, confirmed for Cape May County; start date not yet announced.

Future studio projects:
Netflix is planning a 300-acre studio at Fort Monmouth, while Lionsgate is establishing a new location in Newark. Additionally, 21 new “Film Ready” municipalities and two counties have been designated in New Jersey, making the state an increasingly accessible and attractive option for film and television productions.

For media enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, and tech-forward creatives, the Hillside SIC+ studio represents a major step forward in New Jersey’s evolving entertainment ecosystem. The collaboration between S.I.C. Film School and the township promises to make Hillside a destination for cutting-edge content creation and immersive media education.

To stay updated on this project and other developments in film, television, and digital media production across New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey’s Film & TV section.

S.I.C. Film School’s investment in Hillside signals a commitment to innovation, education, and the future of immersive media, positioning New Jersey as a leader in next-generation broadcasting and creative technology.