The basics:

• 19 towns, 2 counties added as Film Ready New Jersey communities
• Program trains local officials to host TV and film productions
• NJ now has 43 certified Film Ready communities
• Designation supports local economies, small business & job creation

A new cohort of New Jersey communities are now “Film Ready,” opening opportunities to take advantage of the production boom here in the great Garden State.

NJBIZ has previously reported about the Film Ready New Jersey Program. The five-step certification and marketing program educates municipalities and counties on the nuts-and-bolts of motion picture and television production – as well as sets a framework and basic standards for attracting filmmaking.

The program includes training and guidance from industry professionals, local mayors, commissioners and staff of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, which is part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Topics include the economic impact of hosting on-location filming, ordinances and permitting, small business opportunities, expanding film infrastructure and more.

The latest cohort

The NJMPTVC announced Aug. 1 that 19 municipalities and two counties had completed the program – and designated them as “Film Ready Communities.” The latest include:

• Atlantic City
• Bridgewater
• Carteret
• Clinton Town
• 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 County

Along with the first cohort that completed the program last year, there are now 43 Film Ready Communities here in the Garden State.

As NJBIZ has reported, the film production sector is continuing to grow in size, scope and impact here in Jersey – both in terms of dollars and culturally – with the state playing a starring role in major motion pictures, such as the Academy Award-nominated film “A Complete Unknown,” and the recently released “Happy Gilmore 2,” both of which featured scenes filmed all around the state.

Laying the groundwork

Recent legislation passed in Trenton and signed into law during the state budget process expands the film tax credit program, which has been a big driver in the sector’s growth.

“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,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan, who noted the leadership of Gov. Phil Murphy as New Jersey has reestablished itself as a premier destination for the industry, resulting in job creation, small business support, and the driving of economic growth in communities across the state.

Sullivan said, “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.”

“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,” said NJMPTVC Executive Director Jon Crowley, who NJBIZ recently interviewed for a story on the state’s production sector growth. “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 host its next workshop at the 2025 League of Municipalities in Atlantic City Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information is available here.