TRENTON, N.J. (May 28, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) today seeking insight from film and digital media production industry stakeholders on best practices for sector workforce program design, parameters, and details for the development of a future $5 million NJEDA film and digital media production workforce training program. The deadline to submit responses is Wednesday, June 19^th, 2024.

WHAT:            The NJEDA is seeking information from respondents on the scope and characteristics of effective workforce training programs in anticipation of creating or supporting programs and initiatives to support workforce development for film and digital media production occupations such as production assistants, production accountants, studio managers, carpenters, grips, electricians, set-dressers, wardrobe assistants, and script supervisors.

The information gathered through this RFI will help the NJEDA:

• better understand the film and digital media workforce in New Jersey and any existing workforce gaps;
• gain insight into the industry’s recruitment and training processes;
• gather information on teaching programs that include instructors who are currently employed in film and digital media production that create teaching plans focused on imparting on-set best techniques and practices;
• collect information on best practices and approaches to support training and development needs; and
• learn about existing successful national and international models that prepare workers for careers in film and digital media production.

In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s mission to strengthen economic opportunity for every New Jerseyan, the NJEDA will also seek information on how underserved populations can be supported through the film and digital media industry and on best methods for encouraging the inclusion of minorities, women, and veterans in future film and digital media workforce training programs.

WHO:              The RFI seeks responses from interested stakeholders in the film and digital media production industry. Respondents do not need to be located within New Jersey to provide input.

WHEN:           All questions must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3^rd, 2024, via e-mail to workforceinnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should read: “Questions-2024-RFI-214”. Answers to questions submitted will be posted on the NJEDA’s website: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19^th, 2024, via e-mail to workforceinnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2024-RFI-214”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Please be advised that the initial Board Meeting for the New Jersey Green Bank will be held in person and via teleconference on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

IN PERSON:

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

The agenda and teleconference number can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting here.

$15M program will support public space and art projects along commercial corridors

TRENTON, N.J. (May 16, 2024) – At the Annual Conference of Mayors Luncheon in Atlantic City today, Governor Murphy announced a second round of strategic investments in commuter hub cities to spur economic growth in the wake of the pandemic by invigorating arts and culture. Under Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) program, recently approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board, grants aimed at making new and impactful investments are being provided for projects located in 31 commercial corridor municipalities spanning 12 counties throughout the state. For a complete list of eligible municipalities and other eligibility requirements, click here.

“Piloted in Newark and Atlantic City, the A.R.T program provides necessary grant funding to local arts and cultural organizations for initiatives that increase foot-traffic, spur small business growth, and ensure the economic resiliency of municipalities most impacted by the pandemic,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey continues to make major investments in our downtowns and main streets. Through the A.R.T expansion, neighborhoods and communities across the state will be able to access funding to support activations and events that promote their long-term growth and success.” 

The A.R.T. Phase II program aims to catalyze community placemaking efforts by leveraging New Jersey’s arts and cultural sector as a creative force for change and supporting non-profit organizations focused on creating placemaking projects, public art installations, and arts-based activities and initiatives. With $15 million in funding, the NJEDA will award grants from $100,000 to $500,000.

Non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19) status are eligible to apply. Projects eligible for funding include placemaking projects, public art installations, arts-based projects, art exhibitions, performances, festivals, parades, concerts or concert series, film and video screenings, and cultural programming. Projects must take place within 1.5 miles of an eligible municipality’s passenger rail station.

Applications for the A.R.T. program are expected to open later this summer. The NJEDA is planning both virtual and in-person information sessions for parties interested in learning more about the program. The first virtual session will be held on Tuesday, June 18^th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Click here to register for the webinar. Click here to view upcoming events.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

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TRENTON, N.J. (May 15, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved $350,000 in tax credits under the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive (BRI) Program to support remediation of a long-dormant manufacturing site in Elmwood Park. The BRI Program supports remediation costs and incentivizes developers to cleanup brownfield sites across the state, transforming contaminated properties into community assets.

“The Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive Program will help achieve Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of revitalizing underutilized properties into thriving economic engines that will benefit entire communities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “After decades of pollution and contamination at this site in Elmwood Park, the BRI Program will support the property’s remediation, which will allow for a new business to open on the site, creating new jobs and increased spending in the area. As this program continues to support additional projects across the state, it will help rejuvenate communities and unlock untapped economic potential.”

The tax credits approved by the NJEDA Board were awarded to Ninety Nine Main Avenue Redevelopment, which will remediate 99 Main Avenue in Elmwood Park. The site was used for manufacturing from 1955 to 1989. During 1960’s through the 1980’s, metal shelves, storage units, and conveyor systems were manufactured and painted on site. A tank containing cleaning products leaked and caused soil and groundwater contamination.

In 2023, the developer entered into an agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environment Protection (NJDEP) to remediate the site. Once remediation is complete, the developer plans to use the site for a construction business, which will include an office building and laydown yard for equipment.

“We are extremely grateful for NJEDA’s ongoing support of our efforts to work with developers to transform underutilized sites across the state to productive use that will improve local economies and enhance protection of public health and the environment,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “The DEP is eager to work with all parties to facilitate the cleanup of the legacy contamination at this site in Elmwood Park so that it can be redeveloped to better serve the needs of the community.”

“I want to extend my thanks to the NJEDA and Governor Murphy for their commitment to right past environmental wrongs while driving economic growth through the administration of the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive (BRI) Program,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “This tax credit awarded to the 99 Main Avenue site in Elmwood Park eliminates long-standing environmental hazards and will revitalize the property, ultimately spurring further job creation here in Bergen County.”

“This is great news for the Borough and its residents. We are thankful that the site will be turned into something useful and that will hopefully add jobs to our community.  The residents and other business on that street deserve to have a new, updated, esthetically pleasing property at that location that will help to enhance property values and improve the morale in the neighborhood,” said Elmwood Park Mayor Robert Colletti.

Established by the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), the BRI Program will make a onetime award of up to 60 percent of remediation costs available for eligible brownfield sites depending upon their location, with a maximum award of up to $8 million. The program is designed to work in conjunction with other NJEDA incentives if applicable, including the Aspire tax credit program.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

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Please be advised that the next New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 10:30 am. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

IN PERSON:

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

One Gateway Center

11-43 Raymond Plaza West, 14^th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102

The agenda and teleconference number can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting here.

Please be advised that the next Capital City Redevelopment Corporation Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 11:00 am. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

IN PERSON:

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

TELECONFERENCE:

CONFERENCE NAME:                                CCRC BOARD MEETING

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:              551-220-2262

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:                    909 400 605#

The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting at our website: www.njeda.gov/ccrc.

A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:00 am.

A copy of the proposed agenda can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:              551-220-2262

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:                    393 060 377#

Projects filmed at new, state-of-the-art production studio campus at Fort Monmouth can now benefit from expanded Film Tax Credits  

TRENTON, N.J. (May 8, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today designated Netflix Inc. as a Studio Partner, allowing the media company to access expanded benefits under the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program. Under the designation agreement, Netflix commits to occupy a New Jersey film production facility for at least 10 years and is potentially eligible for a 40 percent base tax credit for qualified production expenses on future New Jersey film projects.

“The expanded Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program, coupled with strong state support, make a compelling case for the return of major production companies to New Jersey – the birthplace of film,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “With Netflix leading the way, the creation of new, world-class studios has solidified New Jersey standing as a national leader in film and television production. These substantial investments will create thousands of good-paying jobs, support small businesses and vendors, and stimulate the regional economy.”

In January 2023, Netflix entered into a Purchase and Sale and Redevelopment Agreement with the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) to purchase 292 acres and develop over one million square feet of studio production and support space at the former Fort Monmouth. The state-of-the-art production studio campus will include 12 soundstages, backlot areas, an office building, and other production support facilities. Over 280,000 square feet of production space included in the project has been designated as Studio Partner Facility space by Netflix. Netflix plans to open the full facility in 2028.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, film production continues to thrive in the Garden State, exemplified by Netflix’s commitment to build a world-class studio in Fort Monmouth,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With the advantages of a generous Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program and today’s designation, Netflix is poised to grow its presence in New Jersey, revitalizing local communities and providing countless exciting career opportunities.”  

Founded in 1997, Netflix is a leading entertainment services company, offering subscription video on-demand and over-the-top streaming services for movies and television shows. In 2013, Netflix established its original content division, and its productions, such as “Stranger Things,” “Black Mirror,” and “The Irishman,” have garnered critical acclaim and won numerous awards.

“I want to thank Governor Murphy and his administration for their steadfast commitment to bringing this project to fruition,” said Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos. “Today takes us one step closer to making New Jersey an international center for studio production and Netflix is excited to be a part of it.”

“In expanding New Jersey’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program last summer, we sought to create incentives that would encourage studios to make a long-term commitment to our state,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “Netflix’s designation as a studio partner proves we were successful. New Jersey will soon be home to one of the most dynamic film studios in the world, and its work will be driven by direct partnerships with local businesses and communities.”

“This is an extremely exciting next step and a massive commitment to the investment of people and production facilities here in Monmouth County. It will bring countless jobs to the local community and economy, not to mention expanding upon New Jersey’s film legacy,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon. “I’m grateful to see Netflix making this commitment to help the next stages of the innovative revitalization of Fort Monmouth. This is historic. I commend the Murphy administration, particularly the EDA, for a job well done.”

“Netflix’s Film Studio Partner designation by the NJEDA is a momentous event in the continuing redevelopment of the Fort Monmouth property. The Borough of Oceanport, the FMERA board and administrative staff, particularly Executive Director Kara Kopach, and the State of New Jersey have worked tirelessly to bring about this transformative economic and social revitalization of an abandoned military facility,” said Oceanport Mayor Thomas J. Tvrdik.“That a little town like Oceanport will be home to part of Netflix’s east coast operations center is simply incomprehensible for someone like me who has spent his entire life in this town. I, along with Oceanport’s entire Borough Council, look forward to the opportunities that Netflix will bring to Oceanport, Eatontown, Monmouth County and the State of New Jersey.”

“Eatontown is excited to welcome Netflix to our community. The closure of Fort Monmouth left an enormous void in the region. The size and scope of the Netflix project will bring enormous benefits to and revitalize the area,” said Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico, Jr. “I would like to thank Kara Kopach and her team at FMERA for their tireless efforts to redevelop Fort Monmouth. Working together with Mayor Tvrdik of Oceanport, Eatontown is happy to begin the next phase of negotiations with Netflix and move this project forward.”

“Netflix’s decision to build a top-tier production studio in New Jersey symbolizes the momentum of the state’s film industry, attracting more studios to the breadth of local talent, diverse filming locations, and generous incentives that the Garden State offers,” said New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Executive Director Jon Crowley. “Today’s designation will allow Netflix to access increased benefits under the successful Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program, and our continued partnership over the next decade will bolster New Jersey’s standing as a hub of media production.”

Total production spending in New Jersey has surged since 2018, when Governor Murphy reinstated the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program. Funded through 2039, the program provides a tax credit of up to 35 percent of qualified film production expenses, including a Diversity Tax Credit of up to four percent for productions that employ the services of women or people of color.  

The program was expanded in 2021, increasing the annual allocation to $400 million and granting the NJEDA authority to designate eligible film production companies as Studio Partners, which must commit to occupying large studio developments in New Jersey which have the potential to have large economic impacts. Studio Partners have access to a separate $150 million pool of incentives under the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program and allows a production company to capture additional above-the-line salaries and wages as part of its tax credit award.

For more information on the NJEDA’s suite of production support, visit www.njeda.gov/film/.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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1888 Studios’ 1.5-million-square-foot development will feature 23 smart sound stages and production support space

TRENTON, N.J. (May 8, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today designated 1888 Studios in Bayonne, developed by Togus Urban Renewal, LLC, as a Film-Lease Partner Facility. The designation agreement, which commits the developer to occupying the facility for at least five years and grants future tenants eligibility to apply for increased tax credits for projects filmed at the facility under the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program, marks a pivotal moment in New Jersey’s evolution as an emerging force in film and television production.

“The increase in film studio development in New Jersey is a testament to the state’s best-in-the-region incentives and wealth of local talent, helping transition the Garden State into the northeastern capital of film and entertainment,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The designation of 1888 Studios as a Film-Lease Partner Facility will open the door for more production companies to film in New Jersey, helping to support local small businesses and communities and create thousands of good-paying jobs.”

“Governor Phil Murphy’s revival of New Jersey’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program has made the state a hub of film and media production, attracting hundreds of millions in revenue and creating thousands of good-paying jobs,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Today’s designation of 1888 Studios as a Film-Lease Partner Facility highlights how the state’s generous incentives, breadth of local talent, and diverse filming locations are attracting the development of world-class studio spaces, transforming regional economies.” 

1888 Studios will stand as the largest and first campus style film and television studio facility in the Northeast and one of the largest in the nation, occupying 58 acres of land and 20 acres in the Newark Bay just miles from New York City. Designed by the leading architecture firm, Gensler, to evoke imagery of Golden Age Hollywood, the development will include 23 mega-powered smart sound stages ranging from 18,000 to 60,000 square feet with 40 to 50 foot-high ceilings, more than 350,000 square feet of production support space, outdoor backlot space, amenities, office spaces, mills, lighting and grip facilities, parking garage and storage. The development will also feature a waterfront park and promenade accessible to the public. 1888 Studios is expected to open in 2026.

“We are honored Governor Murphy invited us to take part in fulfilling his ambitious vision to catapult New Jersey –– the birthplace of moviemaking and the home of the first film studio, Thomas Edison’s The Black Maria –– back onto the world stage, reclaiming its title as the premier destination for entertainment production. Without that vision and his administration’s relentless commitment to this industry, none of this would be possible,” said Arpad “Arki” Busson, Chairman of Togus Urban Renewal, the developer of 1888 Studios. “Receiving this first-of-its-kind designation for 1888 Studios is largely due to the unwavering support of Mayor Jimmy Davis of Bayonne. For years, he tirelessly worked to revitalize the city, culminating in the development of this state-of-the-art facility. Thanks to Tim Sullivan and the NJEDA, New Jersey offers a leading tax credit program and infrastructure that will ensure the state’s competitiveness for years to come.”

“We are immensely proud to welcome 1888 Studios to our community and eagerly anticipate the diverse opportunities it will bring to Bayonne’s workforce. We are turning a new page in Bayonne’s history, one that promises to be as dynamic and inspiring as the films that will soon be produced right here in our city,” said Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. “Today’s designation for 1888 Studios is a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering an environment where creative and technological industries can thrive.”“1888 Studios takes its name from the year Thomas Edison invented the motion picture camera in New Jersey, and the state continues to honor that legacy with studio partnerships that strengthen its standing as a hub of media production,” said New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Executive Director Jon Crowley. “As a Film-Lease Partner Facility, future tenants of 1888 Studios will have the opportunity to access some of the most competitive filming incentives in the nation, ensuring that the Garden State stays at the forefront of movie and television production.”

To be designated as a Film-Lease Partner, developers and operators must commit to occupying and operating studio developments in New Jersey for at least five years. Future tenants of a Film-Lease Partner Facility can receive increased tax credit awards for filming in New Jersey. The tax credit award increases if the designated facility’s tenant qualifies as a “film-lease production company”. To qualify, the production company must occupy space at designated film-lease partner facility, film at least 50 percent of the total project shoot days in New Jersey, and film at least 50 percent of the New Jersey shoot days at the designated facility.

The Film-Lease Partner designation is part of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program, which Governor Murphy reinstated in 2018, and has led to increased film and digital media production throughout the state. The program, which is funded through 2039, provides a tax credit of up to 40 percent of labor expenditures and up to 35 percent of qualified film production expenses, including a Diversity Tax Credit of up to four percent for productions that employ the services of women or people of color.

The program was expanded in 2021, increasing the annual allocation to $400 million and granting the NJEDA authority to designate eligible film studio developments as Film-Lease Partner Facilities.

For more information on the NJEDA’s suite of production support, visit www.njeda.gov/film/.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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