Connecting Students with the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission

This semester, Stevens School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) strengthened its ties with the entertainment industry by hosting the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission (NJMPTC). The day of events gave students and faculty the chance to connect with industry leaders, discuss career opportunities in film, television and digital media, and explore potential future partnerships between HASS and NJMPTC.

The NJMPTC, part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, has supported the state’s film and television industry for over 45 years. The commission boosts the state’s economy by helping filmmakers secure financial incentives, permits, production services and site access.

Bringing over a century of combined industry expertise, Jon Crowley, a television producer and executive director of NJMPTC; David W. Schoner, Jr., a film producer and associate director of NJMPTC; Carol Cuddy, a producer and NJMPTC commissioner; and Janice Kovach, commissioner and mayor of Clinton township, visited HASS.

Over the course of the day, they learned why HASS is uniquely positioned to connect students with New Jersey’s expanding entertainment sector. The demand for skilled professionals in visual arts, media and audio technology is rising, and Stevens students are well-prepared to meet the call.

“HASS prepares students with a strong foundation in technology and creative problem-solving, ensuring they graduate with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce,” said Kelland Thomas, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. “It was an exciting opportunity to share our students' work, showcasing to the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission how dynamic their skillsets and creative visions truly are.”

The event opened with faculty presentations showcasing the strengths of Stevens’ visual arts and technology and music and technology programs, both of which offer Bachelor of Arts degrees. These majors provide students with the creative and technical skills needed to enter the film industry in roles that require design, sound and digital media expertise.

Christopher Manzione, an associate professor, introduced the visual arts and technology program, spotlighting how courses blend traditional art techniques with modern digital tools. The major requires students to choose a concentration in design, moving image, creative programming or game design, ensuring they develop skills in the area that interests them. Jonah King, an assistant professor, also highlighted their students' interactive digital media projects, emphasizing the value of learning with creative technologies.

Michael Flannery, a lecturer, presented the music and technology program, which equips students for careers in sound design, audio engineering and post-production. Through a curriculum covering music theory, production, sound design and electronic music, the program ensures graduates are well-prepared to meet industry standards at the very start of their careers.

After the presentations, NJMPTC representatives spoke with HASS faculty and staff members to explore ways to expand career pathways for students. Their discussion focused on skill development, employment opportunities and potential studio partnerships. Together, they agreed on a shared vision: supplementing students’ academic training with professional industry experience. Already, these efforts are paying dividends, as HASS students were invited to apply for summer internships with the commission.

To conclude, an industry panel—moderated by Nicole Malantchouk, HASS’s director of student success—offered students insights on how to break into the industry and navigate their early careers. Students asked about career strategies and industry trends. Time and again, the panelists emphasized the value of learning on the job and highlighted why New Jersey was an excellent place to do so. Another key topic was how artificial intelligence is reshaping media production, with panelists debating whether AI is a tool for innovation or a threat to creative roles.

“There is an increasing percentage of work made possible by computer-generated imagery (CGI),” said Crowley in the room with students. “Students at Stevens are well-positioned to find work in these areas, whether it’s working with volume on sound stages with backdrops designed digitally or handling shot replacement with CGI.”

“HASS students are immersing themselves in these technologies, which provides a great entry into the entertainment industry,” continued Crowley. “Stevens is hatching the next generation of digital effects artists.” Throughout the day, HASS and NJMPTC laid the groundwork for a strong partnership. With its tech-powered education, HASS is preparing graduates who are well-equipped to meet industry demands and thrive in New Jersey's rapidly growing film and television sectors.