"Why Aren’t More Films and TV Shows Produced in New Jersey?"

This was the central question at last night's free panel on filmmaking at the Audible Lounge, a beautifully renovated retail space on Bloomfield Avenue. The talk, led by Thom Powers (Artistic Director of the Festival), featured several speakers from the industry, including Tom Bernard of Sony Pictures; Carol Cuddy, producer of True Detective, The Departed; Joseph Chianese of EP Financial Solutions; Terry Casaletta of Teamsters Local 817; and NJPAC Executive Producer David Rodriguez.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Terry Casaletta pointed out to a packed floor, "14,000 NJ residents work in the TV and film industry, but less than 10% make their living in NJ." The majority work in NY and elsewhere, even though NJ has many viable filming locations. States like New York and Louisiana (where True Detective is filmed) offer much higher "tax incentives" for producers, whereas NJ offers very little, around 20% (Chianese). If these programs disappear or are suspended, local businesses like supply shops suffer. 

"People are looking for cost effective places to go," David Rodriguez said. 

Why, then, are tax breaks so low for NJ filmmakers? Some of the guests suggested that NY's proximity is the cause; since so many films and shows are produced there, greater incentives in NJ would compromise business in NY. A show like Boardwalk Empire, which is set in Atlantic City, NJ, is shot in nearby Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Even the interior locations in The Sopranos were shot in Queens (Cuddy).   

Is there a solution to this problem? "How do you motivate the political powers that be?" Tom Bernard asked. "Put a face on the problem; go to the mayor of your town." Another step is to reach out to senators and assemblymen, or to visit the NJ Legislature website.

"More employment helps us in NJ," Terry Casaletta said. Why should residents be forced to work out-of-state when so many film crews live here and pay high taxes here? 

Films like The Wrestler and shows like The Sopranos, beautifully and realistically capture aspects of NJ. Wouldn't it be great if more productions portray the Jersey we know--a multicultural state that is both urban and rural and home to historic sites and Victorian architecture?  A state populated with national parks, thriving ethnic enclaves, and some of the best seafood around.

More to come, as always.