As film and television production continues to expand across New Jersey, the demand for unique filming locations has created opportunities well beyond the soundstage. On the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight, Moshe Gross, founder and CEO of Reset Locations, discusses how his company has become a bridge between property owners and productions looking to film in the Garden State.

Gross reflects on his transition from commercial real estate to the entertainment industry, explaining how his experience helping redevelop Bell Works in Holmdel revealed the value film productions could bring to commercial properties. That insight eventually led him to launch Reset Locations, a location agency that helps productions secure everything from office buildings and hospitals to warehouses and private homes while guiding property owners through the logistics of hosting a shoot.

The conversation also examines how New Jersey's restored film tax incentive transformed the industry, creating new business opportunities for companies that support productions behind the scenes. Gross discusses the rapid growth of location scouting, the importance of building trust with both filmmakers and property owners, and why New Jersey's diverse geography, infrastructure and proximity to New York continue to make it an increasingly attractive production destination.

Looking ahead, Gross shares his perspective on where the industry is headed, from the growing need for production offices, storage and temporary housing to the role technology and artificial intelligence may play in location scouting. Despite those changes, he believes authentic, real-world locations will remain an essential part of filmmaking—and that New Jersey is well positioned to capitalize on the industry's continued growth.

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

New Jersey’s film and television industry is expanding rapidly, but its continued success depends on more than tax incentives and new studio developments. It also requires strong partnerships between production companies and the communities that host them.

On the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight, Clinton Mayor and New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission Commissioner Janice Kovach joins ROI-NJ Multimedia Journalist Thomas Philip to discuss the role local governments play in supporting the state’s growing production economy.

Kovach explains how municipalities can prepare to welcome productions, why communication between filmmakers and local officials is critical, and how the commission works to bridge the gap between government and the entertainment industry. 

She also highlights the often-overlooked economic impact of film production, from hotels and restaurants to sign shops, transportation companies and other small businesses that benefit when productions come to town.

The conversation also explores New Jersey’s competitive advantages, including its diverse locations, expanding studio infrastructure and concierge-style support for productions. Looking ahead, Kovach shares why she believes the state is well-positioned to continue attracting major film and television projects while creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and communities across New Jersey.

Follow Garden State Greenlight on your favorite podcast platforms:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

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

Independent filmmaking requires more than creativity. It demands the mindset of an entrepreneur — balancing limited resources, financial uncertainty and the challenge of building a sustainable career.

Newark-based filmmaker and viral content creator Phil Mazo understands that reality firsthand. Through his production company, Small Mallet Pictures, Mazo has built a career defined by creative risk-taking, from producing solo films during the COVID-19 pandemic to bringing his latest short, “Replay,” to theaters across the country.

On this episode of Garden State Greenlight, Mazo discusses the journey behind “Replay,” a three-and-a-half-minute docu-comedy built around real VHS footage of his appearance on a New Jersey public-access chess show at age 12. The film went on to screen at major festivals, including Palm Springs International ShortFest and the Calgary International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary Short.

“Replay” later secured nationwide theatrical distribution through Spotlight Cinema Networks, screening before feature films at hundreds of art-house and luxury theaters — a rare achievement for a short film.

The conversation also explores Mazo’s path as an independent creator, his New Jersey State Council on the Arts fellowship, the challenges of running a small production company and the broader question of what independent filmmakers need to thrive in New Jersey’s growing film ecosystem.

For Mazo, the answer starts with the work itself.

“You have to create your own opportunities,” he said. “And you do that by doing the work.”

New Jersey’s film and television industry is undergoing a major transformation, fueled by expanded tax incentives, growing studio infrastructure and a renewed effort to make the state a long-term home for productions of all sizes.

Few people have witnessed that evolution more closely than David Schoner, senior advisor to the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. Having spent decades helping productions navigate the state’s resources, Schoner has seen New Jersey transform from a filming location into a rapidly expanding production hub.

On the first episode of Garden State Greenlight, Schoner discusses the factors behind the state’s growth, from its diverse locations and skilled workforce to its concierge-style approach to supporting productions. The conversation also explores the impact of major studio investments, including Netflix, Lionsgate and 1888 Studios, and what their arrival means for the future of the industry.

Beyond large-scale productions, Schoner emphasizes the importance of supporting independent filmmakers, local businesses and the next generation of film workers. The episode examines the resources available to New Jersey creatives, including workforce development programs and the state’s NJ 411 production directory.

Drawing from his own experience as a filmmaker and producer, Schoner also reflects on the importance of relationships, finding a creative voice and building a sustainable career in the entertainment industry.

As New Jersey continues to expand its film footprint, Schoner believes the state’s greatest strength is its ability to support everyone from major studios to first-time filmmakers — helping creators build careers close to home.