This Morris Co. Town Wants To Be In The Movies As ‘Hollywood East’ Grows

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A town in Morris County is making moves to become a regular filming location for movies, as North Jersey becomes an increasingly popular filmmaking location for major studios.

Hanover Township has officially taken steps with the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission to become an “NJ Film Ready” community, according to local police.

Not only does this mean that local audiences might see their hometown as a backdrop for a blockbuster movie, but it also gives local businesses the opportunity to work with major production companies.

“Local businesses and vendors can now register to be part of upcoming film and TV productions in our area,” a township statement read. “Whether you offer catering, lodging, equipment rentals, transportation, makeup, or more, this is your chance to support productions and showcase your services.”

To register as a support service or vendor for future film crews, click here to enroll in the NJ-411 Production Directory.

‘Hollywood East’

With more and more movies being filmed in New Jersey, by big production companies nonetheless, the area is shaping up to be a lucrative one for filmmakers.

Even ahead of Netflix’s $848 million film studio opening in Monmouth County, the streaming giant has already planted its feet in the Garden State.

See More: NJ Hits It Big With 'Happy Gilmore 2,' Continues Growth As 'Hollywood East'

Between “Happy Gilmore 2” and the upcoming Netflix comedy “Little Brother,” Netflix joins several other production companies in using New Jersey as a backdrop for their film.

See some recent movies and shows filmed in North Jersey below:

• “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere”: Jeremy Allen White stars as the NJ rock n’ roll legend. Filmed in Rockaway, Denville, Chatham, and Harding, among other NJ locations. In theaters Oct. 24.
• “Song Sung Blue”: Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson portray the real-life Neil Diamond tribute band “Lightning and Thunder.” Filmed in Denville and St. Elizabeth’s University in Morristown. In theaters Dec. 25.
• “The Home”: Pete Davidson starred in this horror/thriller about a nursing home that isn’t what it seems. Filmed at Saint Francis Residential Community in Denville. Released in August, now streaming.
• “Crystal Lake”: Produced by A24, this prequel series to “Friday the 13th” was filmed in Blairstown, Warren County, where the original movie was filmed. Starring Linda Cardellini and Callum Vinson, the show is set to stream on Peacock in 2026.
• “Little Brother”: This Netflix comedy starring John Cena and Eric Andre was filmed in Madison Borough, among other NJ locations. The movie’s release date is TBD.
• “Happy Gilmore 2”: Filmed in Bedminster, Belleville, Bloomfield, Clifton, Closter, Demarest, Florham Park, Washington Township, and other NJ locations, this Adam Sandler sequel was Netflix’s number one movie in more than 60 countries after its opening weekend. Released in July, now streaming.
• “A Complete Unknown”: The Oscar-nominated Bob Dylan biopic was filmed in several Bergen County locations, as well as Hoboken. Released last year, the movie is available on streaming services.

To learn more about filmmaking in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission’s website here.