Motion Picture Cameras Return to New Jersey!

Thanks to the growth of PRG in Secaucus, producers can now list professional cameras among the many production-related resources and gear that can be found right here in New Jersey.

PRG has been a long-time provider of lighting, scenic, sound and video, including Enhanced Environments, both as dry-hire rental products and with full-service production support. “The key to our success has been developing strong client relationships and helping them realize their artistic vision.” Explains Peter Harrison, Market Operations VP at PRG.

The Missing Ingredient

Peter and his team have been aware of New Jersey’s thriving film and television industry; however, they didn’t realize that despite the state’s competitive financial incentives, diverse locations, skilled workforce, growing number of stages, and thriving infrastructure, camera rentals remained one of the few items that the state had not been able to offer. This proves problematic because as production budgets tighten, many producers are unable to carry three camera rigs, so when one rig goes down, what results is a long, time-consuming drive to Brooklyn for a repair or replacement. Often that means a teamster driver, a couple of camera department personnel, and potentially hours of down time.

“I had a chance meeting with new NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission Executive Director, Jon Crowley, that really opened my eyes,” explained Peter. “Jon stated plainly that the state needed cinematic cameras. PRG has significant depth in that area at our LA, Brooklyn, and Atlanta locations, and our team decided to make that work here in New Jersey. It has been a seamless fit integrating existing equipment and expertise into our NJ facility.”

PRG’s line of cameras include Arri Alexa, Alexa Mini, and Amira as well as Sony Venice, Panasonic, and Canon.

“Cameras are game changer,” states Crowley who has been at his new position for about 6 months and has dedicated significant time and resources on bolstering New Jersey’s production support services. “It is monumentally important that productions are able to find what they need in-state, and our Commission will keep striving for that.”

Crowley continues to work in this area. After overhearing a discussion within the camera department on the new Kathryn Bigelow feature filming in New Jersey, Jon sought out representatives from quality lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss at the CineGear trade show in Atlanta and arranged an impromptu meeting with PRG representatives to discuss adding an even larger offering of glass. “Making sure these crews have every piece of gear they need is job one,” states Crowley.

“The demand is here,” continues Crowley. “And we will continue to support that influx of activity in every way.” The State’s financial incentives have had a massive impact on the number of productions choosing to shoot in NJ. According to the Commission’s latest annual report, the state realized nearly $600 million dollars in revenue in 2023, all despite significant strike-related industry work stoppages.

In addition to an increase in filming activity within the state, Peter Harrison, and his team at PRG, recognize that their Secaucus, New Jersey location offers clear advantages. “We are seven miles outside the Lincoln Tunnel and two miles from Secaucus Junction Train Station, making it an easy destination for all production crews filming in the tri-state area.”

Peter’s team at PRG remains busy. They recently built and designed an Enhanced Environments car process set in Brooklyn’s Broadway Stages that is currently used for all car scenes in “Law & Order Organized Crime,” “Blue Bloods” and “FBI: Most Wanted.” They’ve rented cameras and lenses for “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and provided lighting for musical stage scene in the Jennifer Lopez remake of “Kiss of the Spiderwoman,” which was shot at Cinelease stages in Jersey City. “So far 2024 has been a busy year for us. It feels like we are continuing that momentum to move toward pre-pandemic levels in rentals and the live event markets,” shares Peter excitedly.

To learn more about PRG and their product offerings, visit their website: https://prggear.com/

To find more New Jersey based companies that service our growing film and television industry, visit our recently updated Production Services Directory, now called the NJ411.