Famous Movies and TV Shows Filmed in New Jersey

Did you know New Jersey was the first place for American movies? This fact is not well-known today. In 1887, Newark’s Hannibal Goodwin invented nitrocellulose film, starting American cinema.

Thomas Edison built on this idea in West Orange. He made Black Maria, the first movie studio in America. It made “Fred Ott’s Sneeze,” the first movie to get copyright in the U.S.

Today, many movies and TV shows are filmed in. They cover all genres, from superheroes to dramas. Shows like “The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire” show off New Jersey’s different places.

After 2018, New Jersey brought back its Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program. This move brought big productions back to where it all started. It shows New Jersey’s dedication to its role in movies and TV.

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Iconic Movies Filmed in New Jersey

New Jersey has starred in many Hollywood classics. Its diverse landscapes and close location to New York City make it a favorite for filmmakers. They find authentic East Coast settings here, avoiding the challenges of Manhattan.

The 1970s were a big time for films in NJ. Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” (1972) used Jersey City for a famous scene. The “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli” moment was filmed where Liberty State Park is now.

Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” (1990) also filmed in Fort Lee. The house on Inwood Terrace was Henry Hill’s family home. This created a real suburban feel for the mob story.

Horror fans know New Jersey from “Friday the 13th” (1980). Camp NoBeBoSco in Blairstown was Camp Crystal Lake. It was the perfect setting for Jason Voorhees’ terror.

Universities in NJ have also been in films. Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind” (2001) featured Princeton University. Scenes were also shot at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Madison campus.

Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) used Newark. City Hall and Military Park became Gotham City. This showed how New Jersey’s cities can be used for fantasy worlds.

New Jersey’s film history keeps growing. Dozens of blockbuster movies have been filmed here. Filmmakers find New Jersey’s locations versatile for many types of films.

New Jersey’s rich film history is vast. It offers diverse settings for films. From city streets to university campuses, it’s a key location for authentic East Coast scenes.

Notable TV Series Set in New Jersey

New Jersey’s mix of city life and suburban beauty has drawn TV producers. It’s been the setting for many TV shows set in New Jersey. These shows have left a mark on popular culture.

HBO’s “The Sopranos” is a big name in New Jersey TV. It showed the life of a North Jersey crime family. Creator David Chase used his hometown of Clifton and North Caldwell to add real local flavor.

“Boardwalk Empire” on HBO took viewers back to Atlantic City in the 1920s. It told the story of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson’s rise. Even though it was filmed in Brooklyn, it captured Atlantic City’s spirit.

“Oz” was set in a Bayonne warehouse. It was a gritty HBO series that used the location to create a harsh prison setting. Scenes were also filmed at the Military Ocean Terminal Base.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” has a big presence in New Jersey. It films scenes in North Bergen and Hudson County. This adds real New Jersey to the show.

“House” is a medical drama set in New Jersey. It’s filmed in California but is set at Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. This places Dr. Gregory House in New Jersey’s medical world.

MTV’s “Jersey Shore” made Seaside Heights famous. It followed eight housemates in South Jersey. The show sparked debate but also brought tourists.

These shows have shaped how people see New Jersey. They show the state’s versatility as a filming location. From North Jersey suburbs to the Shore, TV finds inspiration in the Garden State.

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Unique Filming Locations in New Jersey

New Jersey is a treasure trove for filmmakers, with everything from historic sites to modern studios. It all started with Thomas Edison’s Black Maria in West Orange, the first film studio in America. Fort Lee became the hub for silent films, home to big names like Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox.

Places like the Jersey City Armory have been used for films like “A Bronx Tale” and “Eyes Of Laura Mars.” The Teaneck Armory has also been a favorite, appearing in “You’ve Got Mail” and “Sweet and Lowdown.” Its large interior makes it ideal for filming.

The state’s natural beauty is another draw for filmmakers. The Great Falls of Paterson offers breathtaking views, thanks to its park renovation. Princeton University’s campus, with its Gothic architecture, is perfect for period dramas. The NJ Palisades, with their cliffs overlooking the Hudson River, add drama to any scene.

New Jersey’s role in film production is growing. NBC turned the Meadowlands Arena into a studio in 2019. New spots like Criterion Group’s Caven Point Studio in Jersey City are popping up. In 2024, Netflix will start building their second-largest studio at Fort Monmouth, making New Jersey a top spot for filming.

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