The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission announced on March 12 that 15 municipalities have completed the Film Ready New Jersey Program, joining the state’s growing list of Film Ready Communities. The program is designed to educate local governments about motion picture and television production, setting standards to attract filmmakers and expand economic opportunities in New Jersey’s film and television sector.
The newly certified communities are Edison, Fanwood, Garwood, Hamilton, Hanover, Highland Park, Hightstown, Lambertville, New Brunswick, Newton, Oceanport, Phillipsburg, Randolph, Robbinsville, and Shrewsbury. With these additions and previous cohorts from March 2024 and August 2025, there are now 58 Film Ready Communities across the state.
Evan Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), said: “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. 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. We look forward to working with Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration to support the continued momentum of this integral industry.”
Jon Crowley, Executive Director of NJMPTVC said: “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. 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.”
Film Ready New Jersey is a five-step certification and marketing program that helps communities accommodate movie and television producers while marketing themselves as destinations for filming. The program includes workshops led by industry professionals as well as local officials that cover topics such as economic impact from hosting productions on location; ordinances; permitting; opportunities for small businesses; and expanding infrastructure related to filmmaking.
