Princeton Council Considers Fees for Filmmakers Using Town as Backdrop

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The Princeton Council is considering an ordinance that would require filmmakers to pay fees to use the town as a backdrop for major motion pictures or TV shows. The proposed ordinance would charge $500 per day to film on public property and $1,000 per day to close down public streets. Producers could cut their own deals with owners of private property. The public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for February 23.

Why it matters

Princeton has been the setting for several major films in the past, including "Oppenheimer," "A Beautiful Mind," and "I.Q." While the town hasn't had any imminent plans for filming, the council wants to be prepared in case Princeton is used as a backdrop again. The fees would help offset the costs and disruptions associated with film productions in the community.

The details

The proposed ordinance would apply to all major motion picture producers or any film with a budget of at least $20 million. It would also apply to any recurring weekly television series. Filmmakers would have to pay $500 per day to film on public property and $1,000 per day to close down the first public street, plus $500 for each additional street that must be closed if it extends through an intersection with another street.

• The public hearing on the filming ordinance is scheduled for Monday, February 23.
• The Princeton Council will receive a report on the status of the urban tree canopy and consider affordable housing ordinances at its meeting on Monday, February 9.

What’s next

The public hearing on the filming ordinance is scheduled for Monday, February 23, where the Princeton Council will consider enacting the new fees for filmmakers using the town as a backdrop.