New Jersey filmmaker Alec Palumbo joins ROI-NJ Multimedia Journalist Thomas Philip on the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight to discuss his journey from making short films to producing his first feature-length documentary.

Palumbo discusses the challenges of financing projects independently, the importance of building relationships through film festivals and networking, and the lessons he has learned from producing a feature.

He also discusses his documentary, “I Called Her Mary,” which was filmed in New Jersey, and the process of submitting the project to film festivals.

The conversation also explores Palumbo’s outlook on the future of New Jersey’s film industry, including the expansion of studio infrastructure and new opportunities for independent filmmakers across the state.

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New Jersey’s film and television industry has grown rapidly in recent years, fueled in part by state tax incentives designed to attract productions.

On the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight, Alex Holderbaum, partner and team leader of Withum’s Theatre and Entertainment Services team, and Conor Barnes, partner and team co-leader of the firm’s Music Industry team, join ROI-NJ Multimedia Journalist Thomas Philip to discuss how the state’s film tax credit works and what the industry’s growth could mean for New Jersey’s economy.

Withum is a top-25 advisory, tax and accounting firm providing accounting, tax, audit and advisory services to clients across a range of industries.

Its Theatre and Entertainment Services team provides accounting, attest, tax and advisory services to theatrical, film, music and other entertainment clients. The team’s leadership group has more than 100 combined years of experience serving the theatre and entertainment industry, giving it specialized experience with the financial issues facing productions and entertainment businesses.

During the conversation, Holderbaum and Barnes explain how New Jersey’s film tax incentives can help make the state financially attractive to productions and break down the process filmmakers must navigate to qualify for and ultimately receive a credit.

The discussion also examines the role CPAs can play beyond the incentive itself, including tax planning, business structure, distribution and licensing agreements, and other financial considerations facing productions.

Holderbaum and Barnes also explore the industry’s broader economic impact, including new opportunities for real estate, construction, hospitality, professional services and other businesses supporting New Jersey’s growing production ecosystem.

Listen to the full conversation with Alex Holderbaum and Conor Barnes on the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight.

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As New Jersey’s film and television industry continues to grow, local movie theaters are finding new ways to connect audiences with productions being made across the state.

On the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight, Doreen Sayegh, owner of the Cranford Theater and a board member of the Garden State Film Festival, joins ROI-NJ Multimedia Journalist Thomas Philip to discuss the changing movie theater business, the importance of the communal moviegoing experience and the connection between theaters and New Jersey’s growing film industry.

Sayegh grew up in the movie theater business, working alongside her family before reopening the Cranford Theater in 2019 after it had been abandoned.

Just four months after reopening, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the theater to close. Sayegh responded by offering takeout concessions and temporary drive-in screenings before reopening the theater in 2021.

Sayegh discusses how streaming and shorter theatrical windows have changed the industry while emphasizing that theaters can offer audiences something they cannot get at home: a shared experience.

The Cranford Theater has also expanded beyond traditional movie screenings, hosting comedy shows, film festivals, independent filmmaker screenings, fundraisers and other community events.

Sayegh sees an opportunity for local theaters to play a larger role in New Jersey’s film production boom by showcasing movies filmed in the state. She also discusses how productions can benefit local communities by bringing cast and crew members into restaurants, shops and other businesses.

Looking ahead, Sayegh believes theaters must increasingly become destinations by creating memorable experiences and giving audiences reasons to leave their homes.

Listen to the full conversation with Doreen Sayegh on the latest episode of Garden State Greenlight.

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