New Jersey’s film and television industry has grown rapidly in recent years, fueled in part by state tax incentives designed to attract productions.

On the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight, Alex Holderbaum, partner and team leader of Withum’s Theatre and Entertainment Services team, and Conor Barnes, partner and team co-leader of the firm’s Music Industry team, join ROI-NJ Multimedia Journalist Thomas Philip to discuss how the state’s film tax credit works and what the industry’s growth could mean for New Jersey’s economy.

Withum is a top-25 advisory, tax and accounting firm providing accounting, tax, audit and advisory services to clients across a range of industries.

Its Theatre and Entertainment Services team provides accounting, attest, tax and advisory services to theatrical, film, music and other entertainment clients. The team’s leadership group has more than 100 combined years of experience serving the theatre and entertainment industry, giving it specialized experience with the financial issues facing productions and entertainment businesses.

During the conversation, Holderbaum and Barnes explain how New Jersey’s film tax incentives can help make the state financially attractive to productions and break down the process filmmakers must navigate to qualify for and ultimately receive a credit.

The discussion also examines the role CPAs can play beyond the incentive itself, including tax planning, business structure, distribution and licensing agreements, and other financial considerations facing productions.

Holderbaum and Barnes also explore the industry’s broader economic impact, including new opportunities for real estate, construction, hospitality, professional services and other businesses supporting New Jersey’s growing production ecosystem.

Listen to the full conversation with Alex Holderbaum and Conor Barnes on the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight.

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Get all of the latest New Jersey business news on ROI-NJ.com.

As New Jersey’s film and television industry continues to grow, local movie theaters are finding new ways to connect audiences with productions being made across the state.

On the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight, Doreen Sayegh, owner of the Cranford Theater and a board member of the Garden State Film Festival, joins ROI-NJ Multimedia Journalist Thomas Philip to discuss the changing movie theater business, the importance of the communal moviegoing experience and the connection between theaters and New Jersey’s growing film industry.

Sayegh grew up in the movie theater business, working alongside her family before reopening the Cranford Theater in 2019 after it had been abandoned.

Just four months after reopening, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the theater to close. Sayegh responded by offering takeout concessions and temporary drive-in screenings before reopening the theater in 2021.

Sayegh discusses how streaming and shorter theatrical windows have changed the industry while emphasizing that theaters can offer audiences something they cannot get at home: a shared experience.

The Cranford Theater has also expanded beyond traditional movie screenings, hosting comedy shows, film festivals, independent filmmaker screenings, fundraisers and other community events.

Sayegh sees an opportunity for local theaters to play a larger role in New Jersey’s film production boom by showcasing movies filmed in the state. She also discusses how productions can benefit local communities by bringing cast and crew members into restaurants, shops and other businesses.

Looking ahead, Sayegh believes theaters must increasingly become destinations by creating memorable experiences and giving audiences reasons to leave their homes.

Listen to the full conversation with Doreen Sayegh on the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight.

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As New Jersey continues to attract major studios, television series and independent productions, the state is establishing itself as one of the country’s leading destinations for film and television production.

On the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight, Jon Crowley, executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, joins ROI-NJ Multimedia Journalist Thomas Philip to discuss the factors fueling the state's remarkable growth and what comes next for the industry.

Crowley reflects on his three-decade career in production, from starting as a production assistant and editor to leadership roles at NBCUniversal and Time Warner before transitioning to lead the state's film commission.

The conversation explores how the commission serves as a connector among filmmakers, municipalities and businesses, helping productions navigate permitting, location scouting and workforce development while promoting New Jersey as a production destination.

Crowley explains why New Jersey has become one of the nation's fastest-growing film markets, pointing to the state's experienced workforce, diverse locations, expanding production infrastructure and competitive tax incentives. He also discusses the commission's efforts to simplify the production process, making it easier for projects of every size to film throughout the state.

The discussion examines the industry’s broader economic impact, including job creation, local business spending and investment in studios, post-production facilities and other support services extending beyond film sets.

Looking ahead, Crowley shares his optimism about New Jersey’s future as Netflix, Lionsgate and Paramount expand their presence in the state. He also outlines opportunities for filmmakers, businesses, property owners and crew members to participate in the state’s growing production ecosystem.

Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight.

Follow Garden State Greenlight on your favorite podcast platforms:

• Spotify
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Get all of the latest New Jersey business news on ROI-NJ.com.