Lights, Camera, Action: Basking Ridge Gets 'Film Ready'

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Township is setting the stage to become "film ready."

On Tuesday night, the Township Committee unanimously introduced an ordinance to establish regulations and permit requirements for the filming throughout Bernards Township.

"The Township Committee of Bernards Township recognizes that there is a growing interest in using the Township of Bernards as a filming location by film, TV, and digital formats, and that it is necessary to regulate licensing of film permits and fees," according to the ordinance.

This ordinance is one of the steps needed in a comprehensive process to become a member of New Jersey’s Film Ready Communities program, a certification from the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.

Other steps include demonstrating the Township has film locations, expertise, and resources to support video shoots.

Mayor Jennifer Asay went on two occasions earlier this month along with a state photographer to take photos of 29 shooting locations in the Township.

Additionally, Asay said the Township will issue a flyer to residents and local businesses who may want to submit their properties to serve as a filming site.

"The benefit of this, aside from the hopes to support the arts, is it translates to economic development. Supporting our business community. So it's something I can’t wait for," said Asay.

Associate Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Dave Schoner spoke on Tuesday about how filmmaking in 2022 generated $700 million in the Garden State and 8,500 jobs.

Committeewoman Ana Duarte McCarthy was pleased with the "economic empowerment" that can come with becoming "film ready" town.

"I read about the pandemic’s impact on the hospitality industries, among others, and the revitalization that this could provide," said McMcCarthy.

Showing the positive impact of becoming "film ready," Schoner gave an example where one 12-episode television series shot in New Jersey generated $325,000 worth of business for a local dry cleaner.

"New Jersey filmmaking is booming and it really is exploding in a very positive way. We've been very fortunate to have so much filming in the state because of our film and TV tax incentives," said Schoner.

A public hearing and a final vote on Bernards Township's ordinance will be held on June 11.

Bernards Township would join Hillsborough, Franklin, South Bound Brook, and Watchung who were named "film ready" in 2023.

The Somerset County Commissioners launched the Film Commission in 2001 to take advantage of the state’s tax credit program for video productions, which can provide up to 35 percent tax credit for qualified expenses, plus additional diversity bonuses of up to four percent. Read More: These Somerset County Towns Are 'Film Ready'

The Somerset County Film Commission’s partnership with its Film Ready Communities is part of a larger effort to educate production companies about the unique benefits of Somerset County for filming of all types.

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