3-22-2023 11:45am

Morristown Embraces the Silver Screen as Zach Braff Returns to Film A Good Person

Morristown Shines as Zach Braff's Cinematic Homecoming Breathes Life into Local Economy and Landmarks

Renowned New Jersey native and Scrubs star, Zach Braff, made a triumphant return to his home state to shoot his highly anticipated feature film, A Good Person. The movie, which is written and directed by Braff, dives into the turbulent life of Allison, a character who faces the devastating consequences of a tragic accident. Set to premiere in theaters on March 24th, this gripping drama has executive producer Beverly Rogers at the helm.

Braff, who is no stranger to directing, made his debut in 2004 with the romantic comedy Garden State. The film, which starred Braff alongside Natalie Portman, was shot across various picturesque New Jersey towns, from Cranford to Wallington. The success of Garden State laid the groundwork for A Good Person, which features an all-star cast including Florence Pugh, Morgan Freeman, Molly Shannon, Chinaza Uche, Celeste O'Connor, and Jackie Hoffman.

A Good Person showcases the beauty and charm of North Jersey, with scenes shot at well-known locations like the Colonial Pharmacy, the now-closed Pastime Bar in Elizabeth, and the Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown. Fans of Braff will also recognize the athletic field of Columbia High School in Maplewood, his alma mater, and Montclair State University, which served as a basecamp during filming.

This captivating drama has not only put Morristown and surrounding towns in the spotlight but also contributed significantly to the local economy. Producers Killer Films and MGM spent a staggering $11 million in New Jersey and hired 194 cast and crew members for the production of A Good Person.

“We’re thrilled that Zach Braff decided to shoot his third feature film in his home state, casting New Jersey as the lead character,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “Not only did many towns enjoy an economic benefit from the filming of this project, they’re also benefiting from the image enhancement of seeing familiar locations on the big screen.”

Michael Uslan, Chairman of the NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission, shared that the movie is one of many recent projects drawn to the state by the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program. This initiative offers a tax credit for qualified productions filming in the area, boosting local businesses and creating jobs. In 2022 alone, production work enhanced the local economy by more than $650 million, generating thousands of employment opportunities.

As the excitement for A Good Person's release builds, Morristown residents can take pride in their town's starring role on the big screen. The movie not only showcases the beauty and charm of North Jersey but also highlights the area's growing prominence in the film industry, setting the stage for even more cinematic adventures in the future.