Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, Invest Newark, was recently awarded a $750,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board. NJEDA approved $3M in grant awards to five workforce development initiatives under the New Jersey Film Works Grant Program.

This funding will allow in-person training and job placement support for production assistant and rigger/grip/set grip positions through collaboration among Invest Newark, the Newark Office of Film and TV (NOFTV), Express Newark’s Community Media Center, NewarkWORKS One Stop Career Center, Newark Film School, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. As training facilitators, these implementing partners are key to the city's developing future at the vanguard of national entertainment and media production.

“Newark continues to bask in the spotlight of attention to our multi-faceted development of artists and makers as we celebrate this significant investment in our film and production industry,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “We are poised to apply this funding quickly to meet the demands of our growing prominence in the world of film and TV with a new generation of next-level production experts. We are grateful to Governor Murphy, NJEDA, Invest Newark and all who made it possible.”

“Newark has firmly put itself on the map as a production-ready city, with growing infrastructure and a deep reserve of locally-sourced talent. This impactful support from the NJEDA will allow our coalition of partners to greatly expand access to our city’s thriving film & TV industry,” said Desireè Hadley, Director of the Newark Office of Film and Television. “These funds will generate a pool of skilled production professionals to launch this exciting new phase in Newark’s long history of contributions to the film industry.”

“Invest Newark is pleased to receive this grant and support the important work of partners like the Newark Office of Film & Television,” said Marcus Randolph, President & CEO of Invest Newark. “This funding will position local talent to participate in a high growth sector both for Newark and the whole of New Jersey — an industry that generated more than $833 million and employed more than 30,000 crew members statewide in 2024."

“NewarkWORKS One-Stop Career Center is proud to stand alongside local partners in expanding access to the growing film and digital media industry in the City,” said Cody Piggot, Assistant Director of Operations for NewarkWORKS. “This investment strengthens Newark’s creative economy and creates tangible career pathways for our residents in production, technical, and behind-the-scenes roles."

Grant 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. Focused on providing opportunities for residents of overburdened communities, this competitive program is in line with Governor Phil Murphy’s mission to strengthen economic opportunities for New Jerseyans statewide.

About Invest Newark

Invest Newark is the city of Newark’s Economic Development Corporation. Our organization propels the City’s strong and diverse economy, builds vibrant communities, and creates opportunities for all Newarkers. Invest Newark supports small, women and minority-owned businesses, invests in world-class internet service, spurs real estate development and executes economic development activities to produce and sustain economic growth, generate jobs and create wealth for the citizens of Newark.

About Newark Office of Film and TV

The City of Newark Office of Film and Television (NOFTV) is dedicated to promoting Newark as a premier filming destination while fostering a supportive environment for filmmakers. By championing the local film industry, the office seeks to enhance Newark’s cultural profile, stimulate economic growth, and showcase the city’s rich tapestry of locations to a global audience. Desireè Hadley serves as the Executive Director of NOFTV and is dedicated to marketing and promoting the City of Newark as a premiere production location and facilitating film, television and multimedia production in the city. For production and hiring updates, and more information visit

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