(LINCROFT, NJ) -- Brookdale Community College celebrated the ribbon cutting for the New Jersey Film Academy on December 4, 2024, at the Advanced Technology Center (ATeC) Building on its Lincroft campus. This event marked a significant milestone in New Jersey's workforce development as the state prepares to launch comprehensive training programs in the entertainment industry in spring 2025.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege for me to bring this training to our great state of new Jersey, as we work to revitalize and return this vital industry to its birthplace,” said NJ Film Academy Director Diane Raver.

Supported by the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative, the NJ Film Academy will offer courses at four community colleges: Brookdale, Mercer County Community College, Camden County College, and Hudson County Community College. As the lead institution in the Center of Workforce Innovation for Film & Television Production, Brookdale Community College will play a pivotal role in equipping students with industry-recognized credentials and specialized skills for careers in New Jersey’s growing film sector.

Thirteen community colleges statewide have already expressed intent to partner with the NJ Film Academy, creating a robust network to deliver training across all production areas. Through experienced faculty and industry-approved programs, the NJ Film Academy ensures that graduates will be well-prepared with the credentials and skills employers seek, positioning New Jersey as a prime location for film production.

The NJ Film Academy, led by Raver, will offer three tailored curriculum tracks: On Set Production; Production Office and Accounting; and Hair, Makeup, and Wardrobe.

Each track includes the prerequisite course Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry that may lead to internship opportunities that provide students with practical, real-world experience. In addition, the New Jersey Film Academy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been established to support students by providing scholarships and resources to enhance their educational experience.

This collaborative effort, led by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) demonstrates a commitment to economic growth and workforce readiness. By streamlining and standardizing training programs across campuses, the NJ Film Academy offers accessible, high-quality education statewide, supporting New Jersey’s vision of becoming a leading destination for film and television production.

The New Jersey Film Academy (NJFA) supports educational opportunities to meet the increasing need for professionals in the entertainment and related industries in New Jersey. The Academy was created by industry veterans and educational experts to support workforce needs for high-demand careers in New Jersey film and creative industries. The NJFA supports rigorous professional training with goals to lead to film and television production craft internships and placement in creative industries work base learning and jobs.