Tax Breaks Helped Bring ‘Joker’ Movie To Newark: NJEDA

NEWARK, NJ — Warner Brothers studios will get a big boost from state tax credits for filming the upcoming “Joker” origin movie in New Jersey, officials say.

On Tuesday, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) approved $1.96 million in tax incentives to WB Studios Enterprises Inc. for its “Joker” project.

The studio shot footage in Newark last year, turning the downtown area into a seedy, 1980s-style Gotham City. Producers also filmed in Jersey City.

The film, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the eponymous Clown Prince of Crime, debuts on Oct. 4.

• See related article: Which Scenes From 'Joker' Movie Were Shot In Newark? (VIDEOS)

The credits for Warner Brothers were awarded as part of the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which Gov. Phil Murphy revived into law last year after his predecessor, Chris Christie, let the program expire.

• See related article: Gov. Phil Murphy Signs 'Snooki Amendment' Into Law
• See related article: GOP Senator Blasts Gov. Murphy's Tax Break For Film Industry

To qualify for the tax credits, companies must spend 60 percent of their total budget through qualified New Jersey vendors, or spend at least $1 million in qualified expenses in the state.

According to its application to the NJEDA, the studio’s estimated production expenses came to $88.97 million. Estimated qualified film production expenses in New Jersey came to about $7.63 million.

The studio also qualified for bonus diversity tax credits available under the program. To qualify for the bonus, Warner Brothers had to submit a diversity plan for the recruitment and hiring of women and minority persons. The company will receive the credit upon completion if the production company can demonstrate a “good-faith effort” to undertake the strategies and meet the goals of the approved plan, the NJEDA stated.

Here’s how the company described the “Joker” movie to the NJEDA:

“The origin story of Joker, from a mild-mannered, put-upon and pathetic young man caring for his addled, delusional mother, to a twisted, angry and tortured figure allowing himself to act in an unhinged, anarchic and murderous fashion, becoming a symbol of controlled insanity in the process.”

The “West Side Story” adaptation, filmed in Paterson and produced by Twentieth Century Fox, also got about $6.85 million in NJEDA incentives on Tuesday.

“These two major productions are bringing jobs to our state and bolstering the economy of New Jersey while supporting our diverse communities,” Gov. Murphy said. “I am proud to see the film industry growing and thriving in the Garden State and excited to see New Jersey become the backdrop for more movies and television shows in the future.”

“Film and digital media are among the high-growth sectors targeted in Governor Murphy’s economic plan because attracting major studio productions benefits the communities where filming takes place as well as the hundreds of businesses and workers throughout our state that supply materials and services for the film industry,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said. “We are especially pleased that Warner Brothers Studios and Twentieth Century Fox – two of the biggest players in the film industry – have not only decided to film here, but have also made hiring a diverse workforce a priority.”

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