New Jersey
Billy Crystal series ‘Before’ spent $64M filming in N.J. with Jersey actors you know
Billy Crystal plays a child psychiatrist in the new Apple TV+ series “Before.”
Crystal, an Emmy and Tony winner, may be known for his long history as a funnyman, but here he stars in a thriller — one filmed in New Jersey (see trailer below).
The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission tells NJ Advance Media that the Apple show, which premieres Friday (Oct. 25), reported spending more than $68 million filming in the state.
Production spanned Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic and Morris counties (full list of locations and towns below).
Filming in Jersey took 71 days, starting in May 2023 and ending in March 2024, says Joseph Marra, a project officer with the commission. Production had to go on hiatus during the Screen Actors Guild strike and started up again in December 2023.
Jacobi Jupe and Billy Crystal in the show. Crystal plays a child psychiatrist. Apple TV+
In the 10-episode limited series, Crystal, 76, plays Dr. Eli Adler, a child psychiatrist mourning his wife. He meets a boy who is somehow connected to his own past.
Besides filming in Jersey, the show also boasts plenty of Jersey talent.
Emmy and Tony winner Judith Light (“Poker Face,” “Transparent,” “Ugly Betty,” “Who’s the Boss?”), a Trenton native, stars in the show as the late wife of Crystal’s character.
Her character may not be alive, but she’s very much in the show because Adler can see her, or has visions that she’s there.
Tony-nominated Jersey actor Maria Dizzia (”Agatha All Along,” ”Orange is the New Black”), who grew up in Cranford, is also in the show.
Jersey actor Maria Dizzia with Billy Crystal in “Before.”Apple TV+
Oscar nominee Rosie Perez (”The Flight Attendant,” “Do the Right Thing,” “White Men Can’t Jump,” “Fearless”) plays the foster mother of the boy, played by Jacobi Jupe.
Tenafly’s Hope Davis (”Succession,” “Perry Mason,” “Your Honor,” “American Splendor,” “Asteroid City,” “Home Alone”), a three-time Emmy nominee, also appears in the show in a recurring role.
Other cast members include Ava Lalezarzadeh (”Big Mouth”) and Julia Chan (”Saving Hope,” “Silent House”).
Two episodes of the series debut Oct. 25 and the rest will be released weekly on Fridays.
Oscar nominee Rosie Perez and Jacobi Jupe in “Before.”Apple TV+
“Before,” created by Sarah Thorp and produced by Crystal, was based out of Sustainable Studios in Moonachie, but also filmed in a lot of other places.
Here’s a county-by-county list. You can watch a trailer for the show below.
Bergen County
Sustainable Studios, Moonachie
Essex County
Essex County Courthouse, Newark
CareWell Health Medical Center (formerly East Orange General Hospital), East Orange
The pool at Ironbound Recreation Center, Newark
National Newark Building, Newark
Grace Church, Newark
Walnut Street between Broad and Orchard streets, Newark
Private homes in Newark, Montclair and Glen Ridge
Hudson County
The Donegal Saloon, Kearny
Maxwell Place Park, Hoboken
Coles Street, Jersey City
Private homes, Jersey City
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Jersey City
Hampton Court Terrace, Jersey City
The Barrow Mansion, Jersey City
Morris County
Jockey Hollow, Morristown National Historical Park
Passaic County
Private homes, Paterson
St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, Wayne
“Before” premieres Friday, Oct. 25 on Apple TV+.
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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
New Jersey
Parsippany Positioned for the Spotlight Through New Jersey’s Film Ready Program | Parsippany Focus
PARSIPPANY — As New Jersey continues to experience a surge in film and television production, Parsippany-Troy Hills is emerging as a prime candidate to benefit from the state’s expanding entertainment industry through participation in the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission’s Film Ready Program.
The Film Ready initiative is designed to prepare municipalities to effectively attract and support film and television productions. By becoming Film Ready certified, communities like Parsippany signal to producers that they are organized, welcoming, and capable of accommodating the unique needs of the industry.
The economic potential is substantial.
According to the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, Steven Spielberg’s latest film, Disclosure Day, generated an estimated $34 million in qualified production spending during just 23 days of filming in New Jersey while employing more than 1,800 crew members. The production filmed in 10 municipalities across six counties, including several locations in Morris County. Statewide, New Jersey recorded an estimated $834 million in film production spending in 2024, with 556 productions hiring more than 31,000 crew members.
Film productions bring direct economic activity into a community. Crews require hotel accommodations, dining, transportation, equipment rentals, and a variety of local services. With Parsippany’s strong hospitality sector, major hotel corridors, corporate campuses, and convenient access to interstate highways, the township is ideally positioned to capture this spending. Local businesses—from restaurants and caterers to dry cleaners and transportation providers—stand to benefit when productions are in town.
Participation in the Film Ready Program also opens the door for local residents to access employment opportunities, both directly on productions and through supporting industries. From set construction and security to catering and logistics, film projects create a wide range of temporary and repeat job opportunities.
“Parsippany is uniquely positioned to take full advantage of New Jersey’s growing film industry,” said Mayor Pulkit Desai. “Our central location, diverse landscapes, and business-friendly environment make us an ideal destination for film and television production. By embracing the Film Ready Program, we are opening the door to new economic opportunities, increased visibility, and meaningful partnerships that will benefit our residents and local businesses.”
Parsippany offers a diverse landscape of corporate campuses, suburban neighborhoods, historic sites, parks, lakes, and roadways that can double for a variety of filming locations. When featured in film or television, these locations can elevate the township’s profile, attracting visitors and future investment. Municipalities across the state have seen increased tourism and recognition after appearing in major productions.
“Becoming Film Ready is about more than just attracting film crews. It’s about positioning Parsippany as a forward-thinking community that welcomes innovation and opportunity,” said Frank Cahill, Chairman of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee. “The ripple effect on our local economy—from hotels and restaurants to small businesses—can be significant. We are currently in the application process to bring this program to Parsippany. This initiative will create growth, visibility, and new opportunities right here in our community.”
New Jersey has made significant investments in becoming a national hub for film production, including major studio developments such as Netflix’s planned facility at Fort Monmouth and Lionsgate’s studio in Newark. As production activity continues to increase statewide, Film Ready communities are positioned to capture growing demand for filming locations and support services.
Film projects often generate excitement among residents, offering opportunities to see productions firsthand and even participate as extras. This fosters community pride while connecting residents to one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing industries.
Parsippany’s leadership, including its Economic Development Committee, has consistently focused on initiatives that drive business growth and visibility. Becoming Film Ready aligns with that mission, reinforcing the township’s reputation as a business-friendly, forward-thinking community.
As New Jersey’s film industry continues to expand, Parsippany is well-positioned to leverage its strategic location, infrastructure, and community support to become a destination for production companies seeking their next set.
With the right preparation and partnerships, the cameras may soon be rolling right here in Parsippany.
For additional information contact Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, at (973) 559-6000.
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New Jersey
Vote: Who should be the New Jersey High School Softball Player of the Year for 2026?
The 2026 New Jersey high school softball season has come to an end. Now is the time to answer the question: Who should be the New Jersey Softball Player of the Year?
Here are High School on SI’s New Jersey Softball Players of the Year for 2026. Scroll down to read about the list and cast your vote below.
Voting ends Sunday, July 5th, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Madison McDougall, St. John Vianney
McDougall was named Gatorade New Jersey Softball Player of the Year after leading St. John Vianney to a perfect season and the Non-Public A state championship. The senior and Monmouth commit went 29-0 with a 0.30 ERA and 312 strikeouts in the circle, along with a .626 batting average and 17 home runs at the plate.
Gabby Gonzalez, St. John Vianney
Gonzalez also helped the Lancers go undefeated in softball. The senior and FIU commit batted .500 with 51 hits, 43 RBIs, 12 home runs, 13 doubles, and 35 runs.
Brooke Douglas, Ocean City
Douglas led Douglas to the South Jersey Group 3 championship. The senior and Rhode Island commit batted .543 with 51 hits, 42 RBIs, 12 home runs, seven doubles, two triples, and 25 runs.
Mackenna Savage, Red Bank Catholic
Savage put up impressive numbers for Red Bank Catholic in 2026. The sophomore notched 15 wins in the circle with a 1.43 ERA and 286 strikeouts in 176.2 innings pitched.
Jordyn Ambrosius, West Deptford
Ambrosius stepped up for West Deptford this past season. The junior went 15-7 with a 1.75 ERA and 247 strikeouts in 143.2 innings pitched.
Audrey Amoruso, Indian Hills
Amoruso led Indian Hills to its second straight state sectional title. In the circle, the senior and Fordham commit went 20-5 with a 1.01 ERA, 248 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 159.2 innings pitched. At the plate, she batted .476 with 26 RBIs and four home runs.
Gemma DeJoseph, Delran
DeJoseph was very impressive for Delran in 2026. The sophomore led the state with 62 hits, while batting .620 with 48 RBIs, three home runs, 14 doubles, and 37 runs.
Jillian Cianfrocca, Mount St. Dominic
Cianfrocca led Mount St. Dominic to the Non-Public A state finals. The senior and Villanova commit hit .534 with 47 hits, 54 RBIs, 16 home runs, 15 doubles, and 54 runs.
Ava Kelshaw, Mount St. Dominic
Kelshaw also played a major role for a strong Lions team. The junior and Michigan commit notched an impressive 26 wins in the circle with a 0.63 ERA and 257 strikeouts. Additionally, she batted .388 with 33 RBIs.
Chloe Jacobson, Summit
Jacobson played a pivotal role on a strong Summit team in 2026. The sophomore hit .553 with 52 hits, 54 RBIs, 15 home runs, 10 doubles, and 39 runs.
Gylian Hixenbaugh, Donovan Catholic
Hixenbaugh was very solid for Donovan Catholic this past season. The junior and Dartmouth commit went 17-3 with a 1.86 ERA, 161 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 128 innings pitched.
Ella Redheffer, Clearview
Redheffer led Clearview to the South Jersey Group 3 finals. The sophomore stepped up by batting .583 with 56 hits, 40 RBIs, six home runs, 17 doubles, 48 runs, and 26 stolen bases.
About Our Athlete of the Week Voting
High School on SI voting polls are meant to be a fun, lighthearted way for fans to show support for their favorite athletes and teams. Our goal is to celebrate all of the players featured, regardless of the vote totals. Sometimes one athlete will receive a very large number of votes — even thousands — and that’s okay! The polls are open to everyone and are simply a way to build excitement and community around high school sports. Unless we specifically announce otherwise, there are no prizes or official awards for winning. The real purpose is to highlight the great performances of every athlete included in the poll.
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New Jersey
Yellowcard Brings Ocean Avenue to New Jersey’s Own Ocean Avenue
Yellowcard played the Stone Pony Summer Stage on Friday June 12th. It was an astounding set. The band performed nineteen tracks from every era and iteration of the band. It was a special night for anyone who is a fan.
Openers Plain White T’s and New Found Glory also deserve special credit for fitting the bill flawlessly. It was the perfect way to set the stage for the show to come. Both bands have a strong stage presence and were able to captures the crowd’s full attention.
Yellowcard opened with a video of the Paramount stars. They continued their set by playing interlude snippets of other major movies such as “Back To The Future,” “Top Gun,” “The Goonies,” and the “Ghostbusters.” It really felt like we were watching a cinematic experience as well as a concert. The production was second to none. There was even pyro during certain moments of the show.
The band played six tracks off their new album Better Days. This was a huge highlight of the show. Better Days is not only the best Yellowcard album since Ocean Avenue, it’s one of the best pop-punk releases of the decade. The band worked tightly with Travis Barker, Avril Lavigne, and Alkaline Trio to enhance all aspects of the genre. The new tracks warranted even more of a reception than older tracks. We were truly watching a band in their prime.
Overall, Yellowcard are showing us the new heights bands can reach within the pop-punk genre. Their breakup and triumphant return displays to us that anything is possible. Please enjoy our gallery below from photographer Anthony Vito Cosentino.
Plain White T’s
New Found Glory
Yellowcard
All Photos by Anthony Vito Cosentino
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