TORONTO – Governor Phil Murphy hosted a reception on Sep 8th, to honor the seven productions filmed in New Jersey that are premiering at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The productions include Americano, Millers in Marriage, Presence, Relay, Riff Raff, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and The Room Next Door. The filming of these productions took place in various communities throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Union counties.

“I congratulate the seven New Jersey-filmed productions that are screening at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. We are proud of all the producers, directors, actors, and crews who had a part in making these tremendous films,” said Governor Murphy. “Film makers have their eyes on the Garden State and all our great state has to offer. Since I took office, my administration has worked hard to bring the film industry back to New Jersey, helping to return the state to the spotlight.”

Governor Murphy reinstated the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program in 2018 and expanded the program in 2021 and 2023. The program offers 30-35 percent tax incentive for all film and television productions. Additional incentives are offered for productions with approved diversity plans.

The state’s film tax credit program has led to a boom in the state’s film industry. In 2022, overall in-state production spending exceeded $650 million, besting the previous record of $500 million the year prior. In addition, motion picture, television and streaming productions in the state created over 8,500 jobs in 2022. The surge in production has been accompanied by increased interest from studios looking to build facilities in New Jersey. Netflix, Lionsgate, and 1888 Studios are currently in development, with other studios across the state being proposed.

“New Jersey’s film industry has grown tremendously under Governor Murphy’s leadership, making the Garden State a national leader in the industry in just a few years,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The state’s iconic landmarks, eclectic landscapes, diverse talent, and enticing incentives make New Jersey a prime location for all types of productions. When productions come to New Jersey, they create good-paying jobs, support mom and pop businesses, and generate economic activity across the state.”

“The seven productions being honored at the Toronto International Film Festival prove that New Jersey is not only the best place to raise a family but also the best place to film,” said Wesley Mathews, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey. “Under the Murphy Administration, the Garden State has become the premier destination for television and film production. The state’s commitment to enhancing its film industry infrastructure and incentives ensures that we’ll keep attracting more productions and further solidify our status as a leading filming destination.”

“Having several productions filmed in New Jersey screen at the acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival symbolizes the momentum of the state’s film industry,” said New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission Executive Director Jon Crowley. “Major productions and studios are attracted to the breadth of local talent, diverse filming locations, and generous incentives that New Jersey has to offer.”

“Shooting ‘Millers in Marriage’ in New Jersey was an incredible experience,” said Aaron Lubin & Ellen Schwartz, Producers of Millers in Marriage. Besides the outstanding cast & crew, New Jersey gave us an extraordinary spectrum of distinct locations from friendly and eager homeowners to businesses. The tax credit was truly phenomenal. For an independent production, the extra resources from the State of New Jersey, make an enormous difference to our budget.  Shooting here is a producer's dream and we look forward to making another film here soon!" 

Reporters interested in more information on the New Jersey Canada economic mission may contact Mahen Gunaratna ([email protected]) and Ingrid Austin ([email protected]) or visit choosenj.com/CanadaMission for additional details.