A ‘Big Deal’ For Newark: New TV Show Will Film At Symphony Hall

NEWARK, NJ — A “big deal” is coming to New Jersey's largest Black-led arts and entertainment venue.

The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission recently announced that Newark Symphony Hall will be the location for USA Network’s new television show, “America’s Big Deal.”

The show – hosted by Emmy Award-nominated "Access Hollywood" journalist Scott Evans – will feature entrepreneurs hailing from across the country, selling their ready-made products to live home viewers. Each week, contestants will take the stage for a product pitch; the entrepreneur with the highest dollar sales before the buying window closes during the episode will win the chance to strike a “life-changing deal” with one of the show's retail giants, producers said.

The “shoppable competition series” will broadcast live from Newark Symphony Hall on Thursdays at 9 p.m. beginning Oct. 14.

Newark and New Jersey officials said the show’s choice of filming locations will help regenerate a workforce that has been inoperative for nearly 18 months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are pleased that ‘America’s Big Deal’ has chosen Newark Symphony Hall for its debut season,” Mayor Ras Baraka said. “This project will not only boost recognition of our city’s most historic performing arts venue, but it will also serve as an economic development tool by creating jobs for local residents, helping put event staff and stagehands back to work.”

Spokespeople for Newark Symphony Hall pointed out that the venue recently joined forces with the Newark Alliance to host a free job training program for aspiring production assistants. The program – exclusive to Newark residents – is part of NSH’s new Training Academy, created to help people build careers in arts and entertainment.

• See related article: Free Job Training In Newark For Aspiring Production Assistants

“Part of Newark Symphony Hall’s mission is to leverage our venue for economic development, including creating jobs for Newark residents,” Newark Symphony Hall president and CEO Taneshia Nash Laird said. “As we begin to reopen after COVID lockdowns, we expect to attract more television and film productions at our historic performing arts center, which includes a 2,800-seat concert hall, a 1,200-person ballroom and a 250-seat black box theater.”

• See related article: $50M Facelift At Newark Symphony Hall Will Also Create Jobs

Other officials said the show is a win for the city and New Jersey.

“We’re delighted to host this groundbreaking competition right here in the Garden State, and wish all contestants much success,” New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way said.

“New Jersey is enjoying a record amount of production work this year, and Newark continues to be a magnet for film and television projects,” said Steve Gorelick, executive director of the NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission.

“A unique show such as ‘America’s Big Deal’ will bring great excitement to the city, and we are thrilled to welcome their production team,” Gorelick said.

Tony DiSanto, CEO of DIGA Studios – which is producing the show – said Newark Symphony Hall’s “stunning architecture, compelling history and prime location” were just a few of the many reasons they chose it.

“We can’t wait to hit the air live every Thursday night beginning October 14 on USA Network, and to share this great locale and show with the world,” DiSanto said.

• See related article: Newark Film Permits (See What Shows Came To The City Last Year)

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