15 NJ towns named Film Ready Communities

The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission announced 15 municipalities are designated as the newest Film Ready Communities after completing the state’s Film Ready New Jersey Program.

As NJBIZ has previously reported, the Film Ready New Jersey initiative is a five-step certification and marketing program. The initiative includes workshops led by industry professionals as well as local leaders.

The program trains municipalities on how to attract and manage film and television productions, including guidance on permitting, public safety coordination and local economic opportunities tied to filming.

The newest communities to earn the designation are:

• Edison
• Fanwood
• Garwood
• Hamilton
• Hanover
• Highland Park
• Hightstown
• Lambertville
• New Brunswick
• Newton
• Oceanport
• Phillipsburg
• Randolph
• Robbinsville
• Shrewsbury

With the addition of this cohort, New Jersey now has 58 Film Ready Communities statewide.

State officials say the program helps municipalities prepare for continued growth in New Jersey’s film and television industry by establishing consistent standards and helping local governments market themselves as filming destinations.

‘The perfect locale’

“New Jersey’s variety of landscapes and locations, from charming main streets and bustling city blocks to rugged mountains and vast farmland, are a major asset for the state’s film and television industry, ensuring producers can find the perfect locale for their next feature film,” said Evan Weiss, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Aurthority (NJEDA), which oversees the NJMPTVC. “The newest cohort of Film Ready Communities will be prepared for the industry’s continued growth, which will create jobs for residents, support small businesses, and drive meaningful economic growth in municipalities across the Garden State.

“As film and television production continues to break records in New Jersey, local communities need to be prepared to handle the unique needs of the industry,” said NJMPTVC Executive Director Jon Crowley. “The Film Ready Program establishes statewide consistency and provides expert guidance on everything from permitting to public safety management, strengthening the state’s industry leadership as more producers choose the Garden State for their next big production.”

Weiss added, “We look forward to working with Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration to support the continued momentum of this integral industry.”