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New Jersey's film and television industry is set to grow as 14 municipalities and four counties are now certified as Film Ready Communities. The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, made the announcement.
These communities, including 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 have completed a multi-step training process to earn this certification.
The Film Ready New Jersey Program equips these communities with the tools needed to welcome top-tier productions. This means they're ready to accommodate movie and television producers effectively. The program also helps these communities market themselves as attractive filming 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 CEO 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."
The next step in this initiative is a workshop at the Morris Museum on April 23rd. Participants will receive training from industry professionals and learn about hosting on-location filming's economic impact.
Steven Gorelick, NJMPTC Executive Director said that partnerships with municipal and county governments are vital for success in the state's film industry. He added that through this program they're encouraging cities and towns to readily welcome filmmakers.
This move comes amidst a surge in production activity in New Jersey since the revival of its tax credit program which has attracted 175 feature films and television shows so far.