New Jersey Adds 15 More Film-Ready Towns to Growing List

The Garden State continues to attract more film and TV production with expanded incentives and certified communities.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:04am

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A conceptual illustration using bold, geometric shapes and high-contrast colors to represent the film industry in New Jersey, without any text or identifiable elements.New Jersey's film industry continues to grow, with more towns certified as 'film ready' to accommodate the unique needs of movie and TV productions.Oceanport Today

The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission has announced that 15 new municipalities have been added to the state's list of Film Ready Communities, bringing the total to 58 towns that are prepared to accommodate movie and television producers. This latest list includes two towns from Monmouth County: Oceanport and Shrewsbury. The Film Ready New Jersey Program is a 5-step certification and marketing initiative that helps local communities market themselves as film-friendly destinations.

Why it matters

New Jersey has seen a surge in film and television production in recent years, with a 75% increase in filming count and a 12% rise in production spending. The state now offers up to $430 million annually in film and TV tax incentives, making it an increasingly attractive location for the industry. Ensuring more towns are 'film ready' helps the state capitalize on this growth and solidify its position as a premier production hub.

The details

The 15 new municipalities added to the Film Ready New Jersey Program have completed a 5-step certification process that prepares them to handle the unique needs of the film and television industry. This includes guidance on permitting, public safety management, and other logistical considerations. The program aims to establish statewide consistency and help local communities effectively market themselves as film destinations.

  • The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission announced the new Film Ready Communities on April 19, 2026.
  • Last year, the Garden State's filming count surged 75% and production spending increased 12%.

The players

New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC)

The state agency responsible for promoting New Jersey as a filming location and supporting the growth of the film and television industry in the state.

Jon Crowley

Executive Director of the NJMPTVC, who stated that the Film Ready Program helps local communities prepare for and attract more film and TV production.

Oceanport

A Monmouth County town that has been added to the list of Film Ready Communities in New Jersey.

Shrewsbury

Another Monmouth County town that has been added to the list of Film Ready Communities in New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jon Crowley, Executive Director, NJMPTVC

What’s next

The NJMPTVC will continue to work with additional municipalities across the state to certify them as Film Ready Communities, further expanding New Jersey's appeal as a filming destination.

The takeaway

New Jersey's strategic investments in film and TV production incentives, coupled with its growing network of 'film ready' communities, are helping the state capitalize on the industry's recent boom and solidify its position as an attractive alternative to traditional production hubs like California and New York.