| Photo by Voyage Pro on Unsplash
TRENTON, NJ – The Locations Managers Guild International (LMGI) has announced the nomination of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission for Outstanding Film Commission for its work on the Bob Dylan biopic: A Complete Unknown.
The film, starring Timothée Chalamet, was shot across 17 municipalities in New Jersey—including Hoboken, Jersey City, Paterson, Cape May, and Elizabeth. New Jersey locations doubled as New York City, Washington D.C., Rhode Island, Pittsburgh, and Northern California, showcasing the state’s versatility.
Iconic buildings like the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth stood in for Carnegie Hall, while Newark Symphony Hall became a San Francisco concert venue. All stage work was done at Palisades Stages in Kearny, further cementing NJ’s growing studio infrastructure.
“Over the past several years, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTC) has made a name for itself by offering top-tier service to location scouts looking to film in the state,” said Timothy Sullivan, CEO of NJEDA. “The commission’s hospitality and experience, paired with the State’s incentive program, local talent pool, and diverse locations has made New Jersey a premier destination for major, Oscar-caliber film productions—while also continuing to be a top choice for people to live, work, and raise a family.”
A Huge Win
The nomination is a huge win for New Jersey’s creative economy—and a great example of how location diversity and public support can elevate regional storytelling. The LMGI Awards, including the Outstanding Film Commission category, will be held August 23 in Santa Monica, California. New Jersey is up against commissions from British Columbia, Toronto, Egypt, New Orleans, and Montana.
Jon Crowley, executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, noted that this recognition “solidifies that New Jersey values not only the important role of location scouts, but our variety of different looks has caught the attention of filmmakers.”
The LMGI Awards will be held on August 23 in Santa Monica, and New Jersey is up against commissions from British Columbia, Toronto, Egypt, New Orleans, and Montana. If New Jersey clinches the win for A Complete Unknown, it could be a huge boost for regional filmmaking and cultural tourism.
According to LMGI, the event typically draws hundreds of industry professionals, including managers, production designers, and studio executives. It’s not just an awards night – it’s a celebration of how locations shape storytelling.
Commiossions elevate storytelling
The Outstanding Film Commission award from the Locations Managers Guild International (LMGI) has honored commissions that elevate storytelling through location support, creativity, and logistical excellence. The Outstanding Film Commission has honored commissions that elevate storytelling through location support, creativity, and logistical excellence. In recent years, it includes the Alberta Film Commission & Calgary (2023) Economic Development for The Last of Us, Hawai’i Film Office (2022) for the White Lotus Season 1, New York State Governor’s Office for Motion Picture & Televison Development (2021) for The Trial of the Chicago 7, and the Film Commission Chile (2020) for its Jack Ryan Season 2.
These commissions weren’t just helpful—they were transformative. They turned logistical puzzles into cinematic magic.
Not first time in the spotlight
This is not New Jersey’s first time in the spotlight – though it is one of the most high-profile nominations yet. The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission has been nominated before for the Outstanding Film Commission award by the Location Managers Guild International, but has never won.
According to New Jersey commission officials, this year’s nomination for A Complete Unknown is especially significant because it showcases New Jersey’s ability to double for major cities like NYC, D.C., and San Francisco, and reflects the state’s growing reputation as a filmmaking powerhouse. In addition, the film itself is also nominated for Outstanding Locations in a Period Feature Film, adding extra prestige to New Jersey’s bid.
