New Jersey Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy to Host “Filming in the Garden State” Panel During 23rd Annual Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival.  This inaugural event, sponsored by the AACCNJ, NJEDA, and Choose New Jersey, will bring together key leaders to highlight the film industry’s growing presence in NJ

TRENTON, NJ — July 2x, 2025 — New Jersey Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy announced today she will host the Filming in the Garden State (FiGS) event, in collaboration with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during this year’s Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival. The event will bring together key government and industry leaders to showcase New Jersey’s surge in film production and its commitment to innovation and equitable economic growth. New Jersey’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which was established by Governor Phil Murphy in 2018, aims to attract more production companies to film and create digital media content in New Jersey and to encourage the development of large-scale studios in the state.

Assemblywoman McCoy is a leader known for turning vision into action. A former Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Labor and a respected HR executive, McCoy brings unmatched expertise in curating talent pipelines not only to jobs but to long-term community wealth.

“This initiative isn’t about catching a trend, it’s about setting a standard,” said Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy. “New Jersey has the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to lead in film and media. We’re putting our people first and making sure opportunity follows.”

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff and Members of the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ and the over 124,000 black-owned NJ businesses, we are honored to sponsor the 23rd Annual Celebration of the best of Black Cinema at the prestigious Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF),” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President and CEO of AACCNJ. “We are happy to support the exceptional talent that will be on display, as diversity will be showcased for locals, and others that will travel from around the world to witness black excellence.”

New Jersey State Senator Benjie Wimberly will offer welcoming remarks at the FiGS event.
“I know this island. I know the history, the culture, and the opportunity that flows through this place - I know exactly what we need to bring back to Jersey," said Senator Wimberly.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), a sponsor of the FiGS event, serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth and administers the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program. The program helps to strengthen the State’s economy by attracting film, television, and digital media production, as well as the associated economic benefit that is generated through these productions, such as permanent job creation, decent living wages, increased tourism activity and spending, infrastructure and community investment in production facilities, support for local small businesses and vendors, and the expected surge in value from media exposure.

“New Jersey’s film industry has grown exponentially under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, and it has become a proven driver of jobs, innovation, and economic inclusion,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Our diverse landscapes, talented workforce, and recently strengthened tax incentive program make New Jersey a prime location for filmmakers to do business. We are committed to ensuring workers, small businesses, and communities in every corner of the state stand to reap the economic benefits of this burgeoning industry.”

The NJEDA panel will feature Executive Staff members Tai Cooper, Chief Community Development Officer; Michelle Bodden, Chief Organizational Culture Officer; and Elizabeth Parchment, Team Lead Special Projects, New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC).

“New Jersey is poised to be a top destination for film and television production, which will help create good-paying jobs and bolster our economy,” said Bodden. “The NJEDA is proud to spearhead workforce development initiatives that will help give our residents the tools and skills needed to enter the film industry in the state.”

The NJMPTVC, which is part of the NJEDA, serves as a vital engine for production logistics and permitting. The Commission plays a critical role in ensuring New Jersey is not only attractive to filmmakers—but fully prepared to support production at every level.

“New Jersey is continuing to attract top-tier, award-winning productions because of all the state has to offer,” said Jon Crowley, Executive Director of the NJMPTVC. “The Film Commission remains dedicated to ensuring municipalities are ready and prepared to welcome productions to their community. When productions set up shop in local towns, it drives the economy by supporting small businesses and the hiring of local residents.”

As the state’s leading nonprofit economic development organization, Choose New Jersey plays an equally key role in amplifying New Jersey’s film industry strengths, from its world-class workforce to its unparalleled diversity of locations.

“We’re not just promoting New Jersey — we’re presenting a new model for how states support the creative economy,” said Wesley Mathews, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey. “With strong public-private partnerships, we’re telling the world: New Jersey is where stories are told and careers are made.”

Kenneth Gifford, founder of the Newark International Film Festival and owner of Ironbound Studios, will also join the event as a panelist. With deep roots in Newark and a rising profile in national film circles, Gifford’s leadership is shaping pathways for emerging talent and new investments alike.

FiGS will also honor those whose work has shaped the cultural and economic landscape of New Jersey and beyond. Stephanie Tavares-Rance and Floyd A. B. Rance III, co-founders of the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, are celebrated for curating one of the country’s most powerful cultural platforms. Their vision has created space for art, storytelling, and commerce to meet, making their partnership with New Jersey both natural and deeply significant. They will be honored with the Trailblazers Award.

Rhonda Adams-Medina, Global Head of Business Affairs at Audible, the leading producer and provider of premium audio storytelling, is a proud New Jerseyan whose groundbreaking career in entertainment business affairs has had a transformative effect on the media landscape across film, television, and audio. Her work in high-profile deal-making has helped introduce iconic intellectual property to audiences worldwide while playing an important role in championing the booming sector of premium audio content. For her legacy exemplifying what homegrown New Jersey talent can achieve on the world stage, she will receive the Garden State Vanguard Award.

Strategic guidance for FiGS has been provided by Taneshia Nash Laird, founder of ThriveTide Partners, cultural economist, and former President & CEO of Newark Symphony Hall. Her leadership weaves together innovation, policy, and equity. “As a lifelong champion for cultural and economic equity, I knew I had to support this work,” said Taneshia Laird. “From Newark to Trenton to Martha’s Vineyard, we’re building something lasting, a creative economy that includes everyone.”

Filming in the Garden State: Martha’s Vineyard Edition is more than an event—it’s a declaration of intent. Under the leadership of Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy and a coalition of forward-thinking partners, New Jersey is aligning its policy, its people, and its cultural power to create a model for inclusive, innovation-driven economic development.