Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey is on a mission to make the Garden State a top destination for TV and film production. His recent trip to the West Coast to promote New Jersey as a growing media and entertainment hub was met with great success. Murphy’s targeted efforts to court Hollywood studios and tech firms have led to a building boom in soundstages and production facilities across the state.
During his trip, Murphy discussed the impact of New Jersey’s production tax incentive program and highlighted the state’s competitive incentives, which are as attractive as any in the world. He emphasized the soft factors that make New Jersey an appealing location for productions, including the state’s values and pro-union stance.
In comparison to neighboring New York, Murphy sees Georgia as a bigger rival in luring productions. He pointed out that New Jersey’s incentives, including a 35% tax credit and additional benefits for diversity, make it a strong contender in the industry.
Major studios like Netflix and Lionsgate are already investing in New Jersey, with projects underway in Fort Monmouth and Newark. Additionally, new soundstages and production infrastructure projects are in the works in cities like Jersey City, Kearny, West Orange, and Bayonne.
Governor Murphy highlighted New Jersey’s diverse economic pillars, including pharmaceuticals, tech, fin-tech, adult-use cannabis, and sports betting. He also mentioned the state’s intentional focus on generative artificial intelligence as a key area for growth.
Looking ahead, Murphy aims to continue developing the state’s entertainment industry and fostering a supportive environment for productions. With a strong commitment to the arts and a passion for boosting New Jersey’s economy, Governor Murphy is paving the way for a thriving entertainment sector in the Garden State.