It’s one thing to say your municipality is prepared to handle the flood of film and television productions that are entering the state.
It’s another to have completed a program to show that you are.
On Friday, the N.J. Motion Pictures and Television Commission announced that 19 municipalities and two counties have been designated as Film Ready Communities following completion of the Film Ready New Jersey program.
The 21 areas, which join 22 locations that were part of the program’s first cohort last spring, include:
Atlantic City
Bridgewater
Carteret
Clinton Township
East Brunswick
Florence Township
Gloucester Township
Guttenberg
Keyport
Leonia
Little Silver
Livingston
Maplewood
Moorestown
Mount Holly
New Providence
Ocean
Sparta
Union Township
Hunterdon County
Salem Counties
Film Ready New Jersey is a 5-step certification and marketing program that educates municipalities on the basics of motion picture and television production and sets basic standards for attracting filmmaking.
The NJMPTVC’s Film Ready Workshops provide training and guidance from industry professionals, local mayors, and NJMPTVC Commissioners and staff, covering topics such as the economic impact of hosting on-location filming, ordinances and permitting, opportunities for small businesses, and expanding film infrastructure.
The areas all completed a program that prepares communities to accommodate movie and television producers and effectively market themselves as film destinations, bolstering the state’s standing as a national leader in film and television production.
The Motion Picture and Television Commission works under the guidance of the N.J. Economic Development Authority.
EDA CEO Tim Sullivan was thrilled to tout the list.
“From the Jersey Shore to the Pine Barrens, and from vibrant cities to quiet suburban neighborhoods, New Jersey offers a remarkable variety of landscapes that meet the diverse needs of film and television productions,” he said.
“Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has reestablished itself as a premier destination for the industry — creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and driving meaningful economic growth in communities across the state. Through the Film Ready New Jersey Program, municipalities are better positioned to welcome and support productions of every scale, from big-budget blockbusters to independent films.”
NJMPTVC Executive Director Jon Crowley said the program is impactful.
“The NJMPTVC has built consistency into the Film Ready program so when studios or networks bring projects to New Jersey, Film Ready localities are prepared for any opportunity that may arise,” he said. “As the Garden State continues to break records in film and television production, initiatives like Film Ready exemplify the state’s commitment to ensuring towns and counties across the state share in the industry’s immense economic benefits.”
The NJMPTVC will be hosting their next workshop at the 2025 League of Municipalities in Atlantic City on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information on the event, click here.
