"Song Sung Blue" Hits the Right Note for New Jersey's Economy

Focus Features’ recent film Song Sung Blue brought more than star power to New Jersey – it delivered meaningful economic benefits to communities across the state, fostering job creation, workforce development opportunities, and supporting small businesses, showcasing the powerful role that film production has in driving economic growth.  

A $27 million boost to the Garden State 

Song Sung Blue contributed an estimated $27 million to communities across the state, with filming taking place in 12 different townships and cities statewide. This broad investment touched numerous sectors and small businesses, from hospitality and catering to transportation, construction – and even a local amusement park – illustrating how NBCUniversal’s film production acts as a catalyst for a wide array of local economic activity. 

Generating 2,000 jobs for local workers 

The production created approximately 2,000 local jobs, offering opportunities for New Jersey residents to work across a range of departments. The project provided jobs for both seasoned professionals and emerging talent looking to gain industry experience in departments such as accounting, transportation, and carpentry. 

Supporting nearly 200 New Jersey vendors 

Throughout the filming process, the production team partnered with nearly 200 New Jersey-based vendors, representing everything from equipment rentals and logistics companies to restaurants and specialty shops. This level of engagement highlights the extensive network required to bring a feature film to life and the many local businesses that benefit along the way. 

Investing in the next generation through the Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship 

In addition to economic contributions, Song Sung Blue played a role in developing the next generation of behind-the-scenes talent. The film participated in the Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship, an initiative that provides hands-on training, real-world experience, and mentorship across key below-the-line departments. This innovative experience cultivates the next generation of costume designers, prop masters, camera operators, technicians, and the myriad roles crucial to production by collaborating with local partners to source up-and-coming talent. 

On the set of Song Sung Blue, three trainees joined the crew in Accounting, Wardrobe, and Music, gaining invaluable exposure to real-world experience on a major Focus Features production. Through programs like this, the company continues to foster a stronger pipeline of below-the-line professionals both in New Jersey and across the industry.