On May 1, 2025, the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford will transform into the epicenter of the East Coast production world as it hosts the inaugural New Jersey Film & TV Expo. Organized by the Screen Alliance of New Jersey (SANJ) and supported by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the all-day event signals not just a showcase—but a statement. New Jersey is officially ready for the spotlight.

Featuring industry keynotes, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and vendor exhibits spanning every sector of the production ecosystem, the Expo highlights a booming industry that’s built on more than just buzz. It’s built on policy, infrastructure, workforce—and a tax incentive program that has quickly become one of the most competitive in the country.

“New Jersey is fully equipped and ready to handle productions of any size today—not in the future, but right now,” said Gannon Murphy, President of SANJ and operator of Cinelease Studios Caven Point, one of the state’s premiere soundstage facilities. “The Expo is evidence of how robust and varied the state’s film services and support companies are.”

Since Governor Phil Murphy reinstated the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program in 2018, the Garden State has been on an upward trajectory. The program now offers up to $430 million annually in transferable tax credits through 2039, with rebates ranging from 30% to 35% and bonus incentives for productions that meet diversity and inclusion benchmarks. For producers, that means real savings—and a compelling reason to bring projects to New Jersey.

The result? A nearly $2.5 billion qualified spend since the program’s launch, with more than 1,800 productions filmed statewide. That includes hundreds of TV series, miniseries, and features. Just as importantly, it’s generated thousands of union jobs and helped build a pipeline of local crew talent ready to meet the demands of high-volume production.

“Nearly 40% of New York-based crew live right here in New Jersey,” said Jon Crowley, executive director of NJMPTVC. “Add to that our diversity of locations—beaches, cities, small towns, forests, even snow-capped mountains—and the fact that you can reach all of them in under two hours, and it becomes clear why New Jersey has become such a draw.”

The Expo will spotlight not just the incentives and infrastructure but also the real-world stories of job creation and small business growth that are coming from this industry expansion. Attendees will hear from studio heads, service vendors, economic leaders, and the many people who have helped turn New Jersey’s resurgence into reality.

Recent years have seen the state’s soundstage footprint grow substantially with developments like Cinelease Studios Caven Point and 10 Basin Studios already operational, while Netflix, 1888 Studios, and Lionsgate are making massive long-term investments in New Jersey’s production landscape. While these studios form a critical part of the state’s infrastructure, the Expo keeps its focus squarely on the broader ecosystem that supports them—vendors, talent, post-production, location services, and more.

“Whether you’re here to network, recruit, scout, or simply learn more about how New Jersey is rewriting the rules of regional production, the Film & TV Expo is where that conversation starts,” said Nick Day, Vice President of SANJ and Co-CEO of Edge Auto.

The Garden State was the birthplace of the American film industry. Now it’s one of the country’s most exciting production destinations. And on May 1, the industry will get a front-row seat to what’s coming next.

EVENT DETAILS Thursday, May 1, 2025
Meadowlands Arena, East Rutherford, NJ
11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
For sponsorship and booth inquiries: screenalliancenj@gmail.com