The Story
On June 12, 2026, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission said Steven Spielberg’s new sci-fi film, Disclosure Day, spent an estimated $34 million in qualified production expenses during 23 days of filming in New Jersey.
The production hired more than 1,800 crew members and shot in 10 towns across six counties. Those New Jersey locations doubled for places like Kansas, Missouri, and Maryland.
Amblin lists the film as directed by Steven Spielberg, written by David Koepp, with Janusz Kaminski as cinematographer. The cast includes Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colman Domingo, Eve Hewson, and Colin Firth.
Why This Matters
It is easy to look at a Spielberg movie and think the lesson is money. Big crew. Big name. Big machine.
But the real lesson is location strategy.
New Jersey officials said the production was looking at another state before the film commission showed Spielberg’s team that New Jersey had the mix the story needed: cities, rural towns, film infrastructure, a deep crew base, and access to a private railway for a key scene.
That is filmmaking. Not just finding a pretty backdrop. Finding the place that solves the scene.
What We Can Steal From It
First, scout for story, not just looks. A location should carry mood, movement, sound, light, and texture. If it only looks cool, it is not enough.
Second, think in doubles. One town can become three states if the angles are right. That saves time and keeps the crew moving.
Third, ask what the scene truly needs. Not “we need a train.” More like, “we need controlled access, safe movement, timing, parking, power, and a clear path for the camera.” That is how a scene becomes shootable.
Fourth, know the local film ecosystem. Tax credits matter, but crew depth, permits, vendors, and production support matter just as much.
Our Take
Good producing is creative work.
When we plan a shoot, the location is not a line item. It is part of the story. It shapes how the camera moves, how the talent feels, how the light falls, and how fast we can work.
Spielberg’s team had the resources to shoot almost anywhere. They still had to pick the place that served the movie best.
That is the note for all of us this week: the right location does more than hold the frame. It helps make the film.
Sources
Today in Business: Spielberg’s Disclosure Day spent more than $30M during filming in New Jersey
News 12 New Jersey: Spielberg film spent $34M in New Jersey during production