More areas of New Jersey officially dubbed 'film ready' to producers

Bergen County is officially "film ready" after receiving its certification to help market the area to television and movie producers.

The multi-step training and certification process helps areas prepare and market themselves as film destinations.

The Film Ready program is part of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, which is under the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

“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 Tim Sullivan, the commission's chief executive officer. “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.”

Bergen County is one of 18 places in the state to have received the designation last month, along with Passaic, Somerset and Union counties and Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Fair Lawn, Jersey City, Manville, Newark, Plainfield, Pompton Lakes, Rahway, Ridgefield Park, Ringwood, Roseland, West Orange and Westwood.

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco said it was only fitting the county received the certificate, as the home of the birthplace of the film industry. Over 120 years ago, the film industry began in Fort Lee, where it still has a deep history on display in the Barrymore Film Center.

“I look forward to the partnerships that await us as we embrace our Film Ready status and welcome productions to discover the beautiful diversity of our county," Tedesco said.

Film Ready New Jersey, an initiative of the commission, is a five-step certification and marketing program that educates municipalities and counties on the basics of motion picture and television production and enables them to effectively accommodate filming and market themselves as filming destinations.

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Since the revival and enhancement of the state Economic Development Authority'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.

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"The state of New Jersey offers many advantages to the film and television industry, including communities that are prepared on day one," said Steven Gorelick, the commission's executive director. "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."

The next Film Ready workshop will be held at the Morris Museum on April 23. Workshop participants will receive training and guidance from industry professionals, local mayors and New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission officials and staff members. Participants will also learn about the economic impact of hosting on-location filming, ordinances and permitting, opportunities for small businesses, and the expanding infrastructure.

"Bergen County is an incredibly diverse canvas for filmmakers, featuring laid-back suburban neighborhoods, to our beautiful parks, historic buildings and landmarks, and bustling urban spots boasting city skyline views,” county Commissioner Tracy Zur said.

"Our Film Ready certification underscores our commitment to warmly welcoming the film industry to Bergen County," Zur said. "We are excited to nurture the creativity of the filmmakers, which will help to strengthen our local economy and small businesses, further bolstering our pivotal position in New Jersey's economic landscape."