Frame by Frame
The Art and Science of Stellar Storytelling
By Jason Schuler on June 11, 2025
When we set out to transform a long-vacant industrial space in Madison, NJ into a full-service local production studio, we weren’t thinking about awards…we were thinking about access. Access to talent. Access to gear. Access for clients who are tired of schlepping into the city for high-end video work.
A group selfie from the awards stage at last week’s event
Citation & Commendation presented to Awakened Films
But this month, something special happened: Awakened Films was honored with the 2025 “Best Total Renovation” Award by the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and received a joint citation from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly, presented by Senator Anthony Bucco. The recognition highlights not only our physical transformation but also our commitment to making world-class video production more accessible right here in Northern New Jersey.
Last week, Senator Anthony M. Bucco presented Co-Founders Jason & Gillian Schuler with a joint citation from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly, recognizing their investment in local economic development and the creative arts.
Local studio owners, Jason and Gillian Schuler, present their citation and commendation from Senator Bucco
“This space is more than just an office…it’s where stories are brought to life,” said Jason Schuler, Co-Founder & Creative Director at Awakened Films. “We’re honored to receive this award and so grateful to be part of a community that values creativity, growth, and connection.”
The production studio’s transformation began in 2022, when Awakened Films purchased a long-vacant industrial property and converted it into a fully equipped production facility for branded content, editing, and storytelling. The space now serves as a creative hub for the team’s full-time staff, collaborators, and clients.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to do business in such a vibrant, supportive community,” added Gillian Schuler, Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer at Awakened Films. “The Madison Chamber has been an amazing partner, and we sincerely thank Senator Bucco for his kind words and continued support of local businesses like ours.”
Read the full press release.
Read about it in the news.
If you’re a brand manager, creative director, or part of a corporate marketing team, you know this truth: speed, quality, and proximity rarely show up in the same place. That’s exactly what we set out to change.
Our Madison-based studio features:
It’s not just a commercial space; it’s a strategic resource for teams that need to move fast. We help our clients achieve brand quality standards, right here in Northern New Jersey.
Over the past few years, New Jersey has become a production destination for filmmakers, thanks in large part to the New Jersey Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which offers up to 35% in incentives for qualifying productions. Big players like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon are filming here. But so are global brands, nonprofits, and corporate teams who want the polish of a Manhattan studio without the cost, commute, or red tape.
We’ve had Fortune 500 Companies, Global Brands and National Nonprofits choose to film at our local NJ studio because they get:
Invested in Our Clients. Invested in Our Community.This renovation was more than drywall and lighting grids—it was a bet on the power of creative infrastructure. We believe the stories that shape culture and brand identity shouldn’t be limited to zip codes south of 42nd Street.
We’re honored by the recognition from the Madison Chamber and the State of New Jersey. But more than that, we’re excited to keep building—projects, partnerships, and a space where great ideas come to life.
Want to see the space for yourself?
Schedule a visit to our New Jersey studio: https://awakenedfilms.com/studio
