Ocean County and OCC Invest in Media Production Opportunities

As media production in New Jersey rapidly expands, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and Ocean County College (OCC) are investing in the new generation of media and film professionals by redesigning pathways for students and strengthening the County’s response to meet this evolving industry.

Beginning in Fall 2026, OCC is offering a new Media Production concentration for students to tailor their education to specific career goals through specialized courses and hands-on experience. Students will build skills in areas such as high-quality audio and video production, filmmaking and cinematography, editing and post-production, storytelling, and content creation. Students will build connections through introductions with industry professionals, attending workshops, and working directly with local production companies.

OCC’s campus has served as a partial filming location for two recent feature films. During the filming of these productions, students from OCC’s Viking Video and media students had the opportunity to work on set as Production Assistants and background extras, giving them valuable real-world experience in the industry.

In a shared effort, under the leadership of Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione, the Ocean County Film and Television Advisory Commission is dedicated to fostering a thriving job market for local media production professionals and is working to ensure that media production in the County contributes positively to local economy and tourism.

“Ocean County is a premier destination for film making offering a diverse landscape in proximity to major cities. By investing in the next generation of media professionals, we continue to strengthen the County’s growing film and media production industry,” said Bacchione, liaison to Ocean County College and the Film Commission. “We are grateful to Ocean County College for the continued effort to provide students with real-world experience and networking opportunities.”

“Ocean County College is excited about the newly revised Pathways Program, an academic model that organizes the degree and certificate programs into nine distinct areas of study, including Media, Communication, and Design with the option to focus on Media Production,” said Dr. Pamela Monaco, President of Ocean County College. “We have already benefited from Ocean County’s support through Commissioner Bacchione and the Ocean County Film Commission in the development of this program. OCC will be but one partner in the collaboration throughout the County to make Ocean County and New Jersey Film Ready.”