NJ Launches Film Ready Program to Boost Local Film Industry and Economy

New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, Secretary of State Tahesha Way, and the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC) launched the Film Ready New Jersey program at Kean University on Friday. 

The program aims to support municipalities and counties in accommodating location filming and promoting their communities as filming destinations, positioning New Jersey as a top production destination.

The event welcomed county and municipal employees from Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, and Union counties to participate. 

During the program, First Lady Tammy Murphy highlighted New Jersey's diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to pristine beaches, farmland, wetlands, and forests, as unique assets for the film and television industry. She emphasized that the growing film industry would boost the state's tourism and economy.

Secretary Way expressed excitement over the booming film production in the state and the benefits it brings to local communities. NJMPTVC Executive Director Steven Gorelick stressed the importance of partnerships with municipal and county governments for the state's success in attracting filmmakers.

The Film Ready New Jersey certification process was outlined during the instructional part of the event, followed by information on marketing communities for filmmaking, creating film-related municipal ordinances, and ensuring safe film set protocols with police, fire, and first responders.

The 5-step certification and marketing program aims to attract filmmakers and showcase communities as filming destinations. Originally created as a pilot program in Fall 2022, four Somerset County communities have already completed the training and certification process to be designated "Film Ready Communities."

As the Film Ready New Jersey program continues to expand, more municipalities across the state will have the opportunity to complete the training and certification process, thereby promoting their communities as ideal filming locations. 

By becoming "Film Ready Communities," these municipalities will attract a growing number of film and television productions, creating a ripple effect that benefits local businesses and the state's economy.

The success of the pilot program in Somerset County has paved the way for a wider implementation of Film Ready New Jersey, with the potential to position the state as a highly sought-after destination for film and television production. 

As more communities become certified, the program will continue to build momentum, bolstering New Jersey's reputation as a top choice for filmmakers and contributing to the state's economic growth.

The Film Ready New Jersey program offers a promising opportunity for local communities to capitalize on the state's diverse landscapes and attract film and television productions. 

As the program expands and more municipalities become certified, New Jersey will continue to solidify its status as a premier filming destination, benefiting both the local economy and the state's tourism industry.