Looking Ahead to NJ Film Expo 2026 - From the CVC Team

As we gear up for this year’s NJ Film Expo, it’s hard not to reflect on the incredible momentum that started building for us last year.

For The Chris Vaughn Company, the Expo wasn’t just an event, it was a meeting ground. A place where conversations turned into relationships, and where Jersey’s creative community felt more unified than ever.

One of the highlights from last year was reconnecting and building with some exceptional talent across multiple disciplines.

Chris Vaughn pictured with executives from Berkshire Hathaway.

We had a great time connecting with Nova Rivers, whose energy and industry awareness reminded us how important strong professional networks are to sustaining independent film growth in New Jersey. Conversations like those matter, they lay groundwork for long-term collaboration.

Spending time with Corey Machado, a respected post-production specialist, was another standout. Post-production is where story rhythm and emotional tone truly take shape, and it’s always inspiring to speak with someone who understands the technical craft behind refining a film’s final impact. Those discussions about workflow, polish, and finishing strategy were meaningful and practical.

We also had the pleasure of connecting with Mabel Olmo, whose work as an on-camera performer speaks to the kind of authentic, grounded performances we value at CVC. Talent like that is what gives independent film its heart.

And engaging with rising creatives like Julia Kusmenko reinforced something we believe strongly: the future of New Jersey filmmaking is already here, it’s just building.

Chris Vaughn with Brian McKenna (Brian McKenna of BtOVEN Music) and Company.

But one connection that truly stood out for us last year because of the notable connection Vaughn expressed he experienced. It was his time with:

Brian McKenna of BtOVEN Music.

Brian is a composer and producer whose work reflects both classical discipline and cinematic ambition. BtOVEN Music has built a reputation for delivering emotionally resonant scoring and production work that enhances narrative rather than overpowering it. For a company like ours — where story, character arcs, and thematic weight matter deeply, that kind of musical intelligence is invaluable.

What made the connection even stronger was the alignment. Shared Jersey roots. Shared belief in storytelling that means something. Shared excitement about building projects that feel both regional and universal.

The conversations we had last year about music integration, thematic scoring, and elevating narrative moments have stayed with us. And as we look toward this year’s NJ Film Expo, there’s genuine excitement about continuing that dialogue, and expanding it.

The Expo represents something important for New Jersey. It’s not just panels and networking. It’s ecosystem building. It’s infrastructure forming. It’s creatives realizing they don’t have to leave the state to build something significant.

For The Chris Vaughn Company, this upcoming Expo feels less like a first handshake and more like a continuation.

We’re grateful for the time we shared last year. We’re excited to reconnect. And we’re looking forward to what this year might spark.

NJ Film Expo 2026 - we’re ready.