Garden State Greenlight

ROI-NJ

Garden State Greenlight is an ROI-NJ podcast exploring the business, policy and economic forces behind New Jersey’s growing film and television industry. Hosted by ROI-NJ Video Journalist Thomas Philip, the series features conversations with the executives, filmmakers, developers, policymakers and industry leaders shaping the state’s production landscape. Episodes examine the investments, infrastructure, incentives and workforce needs driving growth across New Jersey’s screen sector.

Episodes

  1. Janice Kovach discusses how local governments drive New Jersey's film industry growth

    2d ago

    Janice Kovach discusses how local governments drive New Jersey's film industry growth

    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: SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon MusicYouTubeGet all of the latest New Jersey business news on ROI-NJ.com.

    36 min
  2. Filmmaker Phil Mazo discusses independent film success in New Jersey

    Jun 26

    Filmmaker Phil Mazo discusses independent film success in New Jersey

    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.”

    40 min
  3. David Schoner discusses New Jersey’s rise as a film and television destination

    Jun 12

    David Schoner discusses New Jersey’s rise as a film and television destination

    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.

    24 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Garden State Greenlight is an ROI-NJ podcast exploring the business, policy and economic forces behind New Jersey’s growing film and television industry. Hosted by ROI-NJ Video Journalist Thomas Philip, the series features conversations with the executives, filmmakers, developers, policymakers and industry leaders shaping the state’s production landscape. Episodes examine the investments, infrastructure, incentives and workforce needs driving growth across New Jersey’s screen sector.

Information

  • Creator
    ROI-NJ
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ROI-NJ. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Garden State Greenlight