Unlock Major Savings: How the NJ Film Tax Credit Can Boost Your Production Budget

by Anthony Lopez-Rizzo

Image by Saturation.io

New Jersey is rolling out the red carpet for filmmakers, offering one of the most competitive tax credit programs in the country. Whether you're producing a feature film, TV series, or digital media project, the NJ Film and Digital Media Tax Credit can cover up to 35% of your qualified production expenses—dramatically stretching your budget while keeping your project on track.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

• 35% Credit: For qualified film and digital media production expenses spent in New Jersey.

• 30% Credit: For projects shot within a 30-mile radius of Columbus Circle in NYC.

• Additional Bonuses: Productions meeting diversity hiring goals can earn an extra 2% to 4% credit.

Are You Eligible?

Projects must be:

• A feature film, TV series, or show of at least 22 minutes aimed at a national/regional audience.

• Spending at least 60% of total production costs in NJ or have over $1 million in qualified expenses.

• Starting principal photography within 180 days of applying.

• Including a “Filmed in New Jersey” credit in the end titles.

Reality shows are generally ineligible unless they meet strict criteria, and certain productions (like news, sports, and fundraising content) don’t qualify.

Application Tips & Fees

• Applications are processed first-come, first-served, so get your paperwork in early.

• Fees range from $100 for indie projects to $25,000 for mega-productions, depending on your project’s size.

• Your application must be complete—otherwise, you’ll lose your spot in line.

Want Even More? Apply for the Diversity Bonus

New Jersey offers an additional 2–4% bonus if your production prioritizes hiring women and minority workers:

• 2% bonus: Hire at least 25% women/minority crew.

• 4% bonus: Meet the 2% criteria plus ensure 25% of on-screen talent are women/minority NJ residents who are union members.

Diversity Incentives:

To promote job growth and inclusivity, productions that commit to hiring at least 25% women and minority talent—both on-screen and behind the scenes—can unlock additional tax credits. A well-crafted Diversity Plan is required, along with detailed reporting to verify your efforts.

Heads Up:

• Cannabis businesses are not eligible for these tax credits.

• Productions must begin filming within 180 days of application approval.

• You’ll need to include a “Filmed in New Jersey” credit in your end titles.

Digital Media Bonus:

Post-production services, including VFX, can snag up to a 40% tax credit if done in qualified NJ facilities—making it one of the most attractive post-production incentives nationwide.

Get Started

• [New Film Tax Credit Online Application]

• [Application Checklist]

• [Diversity Plan & Tracking Forms]

• [FAQ & Budget Templates]

Whether you're shooting a blockbuster, a streaming hit, or creating immersive digital content, New Jersey’s tax incentives can stretch your budget and make the Garden State your production’s next big star.

Understanding incentives like the NJ Film Tax Credit is just one piece of the puzzle. At Pitchcraft Media Inc., we specialize in PR, digital marketing, and social media campaigns that amplify your project’s visibility from pre-production buzz to post-release engagement. Whether you’re an indie filmmaker or a major studio, we craft tailored strategies that get your story seen, shared, and talked about.

📩 Let’s talk about how we can elevate your next project. Contact us today for a free consultation.