15 New Jersey Towns Earn 'Film Ready' Designation

The Garden State continues to roll out the red carpet for movie and TV productions.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A dynamic abstract illustration featuring bold black silhouettes and geometric shapes in high-contrast white and red, conceptually representing the energy and activity of a film production taking place in a small town setting.New Jersey's growing film industry is bringing economic opportunities to towns across the state as they earn 'Film Ready' certification.Atlantic City Today

Fifteen more municipalities in New Jersey have been added to the state's official 'Film Ready' roster, bringing the statewide total to 58 communities certified to host movie and TV productions. The new additions span college towns, river communities, suburbs, and shore-adjacent boroughs across the northeastern part of the state, completing a five-step certification process to streamline filming permits and public safety.

Why it matters

As New Jersey has become an increasingly in-demand filming destination on the East Coast, the 'Film Ready' designation helps towns attract productions by signaling they have the infrastructure and processes in place to facilitate filming with less red tape. This can translate to a boost in local economic activity from catering, lodging, equipment rentals, and other production-related spending.

The details

The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission recently certified 15 additional municipalities as 'Film Ready', including college towns, river communities, suburban townships, and shore-adjacent boroughs across the northeastern part of the state. To earn this designation, towns must complete a five-step certification process covering permits, public safety, and other logistical considerations for hosting film productions.

  • In August 2025, the initial 21 towns were certified as 'Film Ready'.
  • As of April 2026, the statewide total of 'Film Ready' communities has grown to 58.

The players

New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission

The state agency responsible for overseeing and promoting New Jersey as a filming location, including the 'Film Ready' certification program for municipalities.

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The takeaway

New Jersey's growing reputation as a prime filming destination is leading more towns across the state to pursue 'Film Ready' certification, making it easier for productions to shoot on location and bringing economic benefits to local communities. While the latest round of certifications focused on the northeastern part of the state, the hope is that more South Jersey towns will also earn this designation in the future.