Think of iconic movies and TV shows, and the bright lights of Hollywood or New York City probably come to mind. But did you know that New Jersey, the often-overlooked Garden State, has been quietly making a name for itself as a prime filming location? From bustling boardwalks to quiet suburban streets, New Jersey offers incredible diversity for filmmakers.

As a limo service with a front-row seat to the action, we’ve seen firsthand the transformation of familiar NJ spots into cinematic masterpieces. Here’s a peek behind the curtain, with some inside stories from our chauffeurs who’ve been in the presence of stars:

The Jersey Shore: More Than Just Snooki and Situations

The Jersey Shore, with its sandy beaches, bustling boardwalks, and unique characters, has long been a source of fascination for filmmakers.

• The Wrestler (2008): Darren Aronofsky’s gritty drama starring Mickey Rourke captured the faded glory of a washed-up wrestler. Our limos ferried cast and crew to iconic Asbury Park locations, adding authenticity to that melancholy seaside atmosphere.

• Jersey Shore (2009-2012): Okay, we can’t ignore the reality TV phenomenon that put Seaside Heights on the map. While not our typical clientele, we sometimes spotted cast members rolling to clubs in extravagant limos. Love it or hate it, it showcased a certain side of the Shore.

Sopranos Territory: Suburban NJ with an Edge

New Jersey’s sprawling suburbs might seem ordinary, but they’ve provided the perfect backdrop for tales of mafia kingpins, dysfunctional families, and everyday people with hidden depths.

• The Sopranos (1999-2007): Is there a more quintessentially New Jersey show? We’re proud to say our limos graced certain scenes, discreetly transporting actors to those iconic locations – Satriale’s Pork Store, the Soprano family home, and of course, the Bada Bing!

• Garden State (2004): This indie favorite painted a quirky and poignant portrait of suburban NJ life. We loved spotting familiar diners, malls, and those sprawling highways during our re-watches.

Historic Charm: When NJ Steps Back in Time

With its rich history and diverse architecture, New Jersey easily doubles for different eras.

• Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014): Atlantic City’s roaring twenties came to life in this HBO hit. Our chauffeurs saw the transformation firsthand, marveling at the vintage cars and costumes while transporting stars to the glitzy set.

• The Irishman (2019): Martin Scorsese’s epic crime saga required meticulous period detail. We were involved in transporting actors and crew to locations in NJ that were seamlessly transformed into decades-past settings.

The Limo Driver’s Perspective

Being a limo chauffeur on a film set is a whirlwind. There are long hours, meticulous planning, and the thrill of seeing a simple street corner turned into a movie magic scene. But amidst the chaos, there are moments of genuine connection, and brushes with stardom:

• “Nice Guy” Keanu: One chauffeur shared how Keanu Reeves, true to reputation, went out of his way to learn everyone’s names on set, always greeting crew members with a smile.

• A-Lister’s Unusual Request: A-list actress, known for her diva demands, surprised everyone by requesting a detour…to a local Target for a snack run! A reminder that even stars crave normalcy sometimes.

Why NJ Shines on Screen

• Tax Incentives: Generous state incentives attract major productions.
• Proximity to NYC: Easy access to a vast pool of talent and resources.
• Diverse Locations: Beaches, cities, suburbs, farmland – NJ has it all!
• Dedicated Film Community: Experienced local crews make filming a breeze.