Independent filmmaking requires more than creativity. It demands the mindset of an entrepreneur — balancing limited resources, financial uncertainty and the challenge of building a sustainable career.

Newark-based filmmaker and viral content creator Phil Mazo understands that reality firsthand. Through his production company, Small Mallet Pictures, Mazo has built a career defined by creative risk-taking, from producing solo films during the COVID-19 pandemic to bringing his latest short, “Replay,” to theaters across the country.

On this episode of Garden State Greenlight, Mazo discusses the journey behind “Replay,” a three-and-a-half-minute docu-comedy built around real VHS footage of his appearance on a New Jersey public-access chess show at age 12. The film went on to screen at major festivals, including Palm Springs International ShortFest and the Calgary International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary Short.

“Replay” later secured nationwide theatrical distribution through Spotlight Cinema Networks, screening before feature films at hundreds of art-house and luxury theaters — a rare achievement for a short film.

The conversation also explores Mazo’s path as an independent creator, his New Jersey State Council on the Arts fellowship, the challenges of running a small production company and the broader question of what independent filmmakers need to thrive in New Jersey’s growing film ecosystem.

For Mazo, the answer starts with the work itself.

“You have to create your own opportunities,” he said. “And you do that by doing the work.”

New Jersey’s film and television industry is undergoing a major transformation, fueled by expanded tax incentives, growing studio infrastructure and a renewed effort to make the state a long-term home for productions of all sizes.

Few people have witnessed that evolution more closely than David Schoner, senior advisor to the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. Having spent decades helping productions navigate the state’s resources, Schoner has seen New Jersey transform from a filming location into a rapidly expanding production hub.

On the first episode of Garden State Greenlight, Schoner discusses the factors behind the state’s growth, from its diverse locations and skilled workforce to its concierge-style approach to supporting productions. The conversation also explores the impact of major studio investments, including Netflix, Lionsgate and 1888 Studios, and what their arrival means for the future of the industry.

Beyond large-scale productions, Schoner emphasizes the importance of supporting independent filmmakers, local businesses and the next generation of film workers. The episode examines the resources available to New Jersey creatives, including workforce development programs and the state’s NJ 411 production directory.

Drawing from his own experience as a filmmaker and producer, Schoner also reflects on the importance of relationships, finding a creative voice and building a sustainable career in the entertainment industry.

As New Jersey continues to expand its film footprint, Schoner believes the state’s greatest strength is its ability to support everyone from major studios to first-time filmmakers — helping creators build careers close to home.