NJEDA Approves $3M in Grants to Strengthen Digital Media Workforce
Awards under the NJ Film Works Grant Program will prepare NJ residents for careers in a critical sector
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.