NJEDA Board Approves $3M in Grant Funding to Strengthen NJ’s Film & Digital Media Workforce

Awards under the NJ Film Works Grant Program will prepare NJ residents for careers in a critical sector

TRENTON, N.J. (October 14, 2025) – Last week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved $3 million in grant awards to five workforce development initiatives under the New Jersey Film Works Grant Program. The awards will expand access to workforce development training, internship, apprenticeship, and learning opportunities in the state’s booming film and digital media industry, with a focus on providing career opportunities for residents of Overburdened Communities.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, the film and digital media industry is continuing to grow in New Jersey, bringing large-scale productions, state-of-the-art film studios, and thousands of high-quality jobs to the Garden State,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With strong workforce development initiatives, like the NJ Film Works Grant Program, New Jerseyans will be better equipped to make the most of the industry’s immense economic opportunities.”

Awardees were required to propose impactful workforce development training, internship, apprenticeship, or learning opportunities in occupations such as editing, set construction, special effects, wardrobe, and camera operation. In line with Governor Murphy’s mission to strengthen economic opportunities for every New Jerseyan, the competitive program included a focus on providing opportunities for residents of Overburdened Communities. Applicants were eligible for a grant award of up to $750,000.

Following the revival of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program under the Murphy Administration, the state has attracted hundreds of feature films, television shows, and digital media projects. The production surge, along with the construction of world-class film studios, like Netflix at Fort Monmouth and 1888 Studios in Bayonne, has increased the need for skilled industry professionals in the film and digital media sector.

“This vital grant funding marks a significant step in fortifying New Jersey’s position as a leader in the film and digital media sector,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “Through this investment, we’re preparing workers for rewarding careers while also ensuring our diverse communities are at the forefront of this burgeoning field. This is a key scene in our state’s story of innovation and growth, with all New Jerseyans having a chance to shine.”

“Every production requires a skilled crew to run smoothly, and with more major studios choosing the Garden State due to its varied locations and nation-leading incentives, New Jerseyans need to be prepared for new and exciting employment opportunities,” said New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Executive Director Jon Crowley. “The grant awards announced last week will support innovative workforce training programs across the state, further positioning New Jersey as a national hub for film and television production.”

The following applicants were approved for grant awards:

• Invest Newark ($750,000) – Invest Newark will provide training for Production Assistant and Rigger/Grip/Set Grip positions, with in-person training taking place primarily in Newark. The economic development agency will collaborate with the Newark Office of Film and TV, Express Newark’s Community Media Center, NewarkWORKS One Stop Career Center, Newark Film School, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center to provide technical training and job placement assistance.

• Reel Works ($750,000) – Reel Works will train individuals for Assistant Camera, Production Accountant, and Set Carpenter positions. The training will be in a hybrid format, with in-person instruction taking place near the Netflix Studio Campus at Fort Monmouth in Oceanport. Reel Works will collaborate with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Locals 52 and 600, among other local stakeholders, for instruction and employment connections.

• AbelCine ($668,838) – AbelCine will provide training for Audio and Video Technician, Camera Operator, and Digital Imaging Technician positions. The training will be in a hybrid format, with in-person instruction taking place primarily in Newark. Abel Cine is a training partner with IATSE Local 600, among other guilds, and will utilize internal business units and its existing network for job placements.

• Aspire Youth Development ($444,164) – Aspire Youth Development will offer training for the positions of Assistant Editor, Camera Operator, and Film and TV Editor. In-Person training will take place primarily in Lumberton and be accessible to residents in Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington Counties. Aspire Youth Development will collaborate with Creative Content OnDemand to deliver core technical instruction and leverage its existing network to create employment, apprenticeship, and other work experience opportunities.

• Independent Content Studio ($386,998) – Independent Content Studio will provide training for Assistant Editor, Audio and Video Technician, and Set Design positions in a hybrid format, with in-person instruction taking place in Paulsboro and Gibbstown. Independent Content Studio will collaborate with Paulsboro High School, Rowan University, and All That’s Good Productions to deliver the proposed 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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