Producers Guild of India signs MOU to support Indian film production in state of New Jersey

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New Jersey’s film-friendly environment is making waves on the world stage. The Producers’ Guild of India (PGI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the state of New Jersey in an effort to facilitate the shooting of Indian films in New Jersey.

The MOU was signed between PGI, Choose New Jersey and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority during Choose New Jersey’s economic mission to India in December. The MOU opens communication channels for idea sharing and information on best practices for film production and promotion. It will also assist PGI with location scouting in New Jersey.

The Indian film industry’s boom coincides with New Jersey’s rise as a premier destination to shoot and produce film and television in the United States. As Indian filmmakers have increasingly considered New Jersey as a shooting location for projects, this MOU strengthens the relationship between the Indian film industry and New Jersey.

“There has been a quantum increase in the number of Indian productions filming internationally,” said Shibasish Sarkar, President, Producers’ Guild of India. “Traditionally, international shoots were restricted to a handful of destinations and were almost exclusively the domain of a very few mega-budget productions. However, today’s Indian filmmaker is not averse to shooting pretty much anywhere in the world, irrespective of the scale of their productions. New Jersey is an attractive destination for Indian films for a host of reasons and we look forward to working closely with our counterparts in New Jersey to realize the immense potential for collaboration.”

New Jersey offers one of the nation’s most attractive incentive programs for filmmakers, featuring a 30 or 35 percent tax credit and a 2 or 4 percent diversity bonus. The state also offers a pro-film environment with cooperative counties and municipalities, an extensive transportation system and a breathtaking variety of locations and landscapes. The New York-New Jersey metro area has the highest concentration of creative and technical professionals outside of California, including a strong network of support services and vendors.

“New Jersey is fast becoming one of the country’s most sought-after locations for film and TV production,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “As India’s vibrant film industry seeks more international filming options, we welcome the opportunity to proudly display all that New Jersey has to offer, not only in investments and incentives but also in unparalleled locations and talent pool.”

“Throughout his tenure, Governor Phil Murphy has fostered an engaging relationship with India, solidifying New Jersey as a top destination for Indian business investment,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. “New Jersey’s film sector has exploded over recent years, leading to major productions setting up shop in the state and record-breaking spending. We are thrilled to welcome India’s film industry, which will expand film production in the state, create jobs and generate greater economic activity.”

He continued, “India is a vital business partner and cultural ally for New Jersey. Their shared economies are advancing in pharmaceuticals and health, technology, food and beverage, film and digital media and manufacturing, making our business relationship a natural fit. Indian filmmakers will find community and dynamic places to shoot in New Jersey towns like Edison, Iselin and Jersey City, which have some of the highest populations of Indian residents in the United States.”

PGI is the premier film, television, and digital content producers’ body that represents the most important producers of audio-visual content in Hindi cinema. Established in 1954 by industry stalwarts, PGI assumes various roles, including the development of film, television and new media production sector in India by working with the Indian government and stakeholders on critical industry challenges.

Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading non-profit business attraction organization, harnesses the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. It work globally, using marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the state and convening power in collaboration with the Governor’s Office and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators to make New Jersey their home.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.