(NEWARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), announced on March 13, 2024 that 14 municipalities and four counties have completed the Film Ready New Jersey Program and are now designated as Film Ready Communities. The multi-step training and certification process prepares communities to accommodate movie and television producers and effectively market themselves as film destinations.

“The Film Ready New Jersey Program is helping the state’s film industry grow by giving municipalities and counties the tools needed to welcome top-tier productions to their communities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “As more productions choose New Jersey as their backdrop, the training provided by the Film Ready Program will generate an economic boost for communities across the state by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and attracting tourism.”

Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Fair Lawn, Jersey City, Manville, Newark, Plainfield, Pompton Lakes, Rahway, Ridgefield Park, Ringwood, Roseland, West Orange, Westwood, and Bergen, Passaic, Somerset, and Union counties are among the newest cohort of Film Ready Communities. For more information about these communities, click here.

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 “film-ready” designation provides an elevated platform for certified communities to promote themselves as filming destinations and connects film and television professionals with skilled and knowledgeable liaisons across the state.

The NJMPTVC will host the next Film Ready Workshop at the Morris Museum on Tuesday, April 23. Click here for more information and to register for the workshop.

Workshop participants will receive training and guidance from industry professionals, local mayors, and NJMPTVC Commissioners and staff. Participants will also learn about the economic impact of hosting on-location filming, ordinances and permitting, opportunities for small businesses, and the expanding infrastructure.

“The State of New Jersey offers many advantages to the film and television industry, including communities that are prepared on day one. Through the Film Ready New Jersey Program, we are encouraging our cities and towns to readily welcome filmmakers and enjoy the many benefits when production crews come to town, said NJMPTC Executive Director Steven Gorelick. “Partnerships with our municipal and county governments are vital to the state’s film industry success.”

New Jersey has a rich history in entertainment, and the state’s motion picture and television industry is at the forefront again as production has exploded in recent years. Since the revival and enhancement of the NJEDA’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, the state has attracted 166 feature films, television shows and digital media projects. This activity has generated $2.3 billion in spending. New Jersey now enjoys a constant flow of filmmaking across every county from Cape May to Sussex, hastening the demand to prepare municipalities for an influx of film and television production.

The New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission (NJMPTVC), part of the NJEDA, is staffed by industry professionals and serves as a resource for production companies. The Commission promotes film and television production in New Jersey.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.