More Movie And TV Shoots May Be Coming To Bergen County

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Bergen County towns are now better able to "effectively accommodate filming and market themselves as filming destinations," the county announced Wednesday.

That's because the county has completed a five-step program to become certified as a "Film Ready Community," offered by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

The certification and marketing program educates municipalities and counties on the basics of motion picture and television production, making them better accommodate productions, and attract them.

The county has been the setting for programs like "Real Housewives of New Jersey" in and around Franklin Lakes, and movies like "The Kill Room" with Uma Thurman, which was partly shot in the director's native Lyndhurst.

As the county eases out of the pandemic, filming has picked up in North Jersey towns, but some residents have asked cities to require givebacks when they take away parking and hold up traffic in residential areas.

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Right now, six TV shows and movies are filming in North Jersey, particularly in the Jersey City area.

Bergen County noted, in a release, "From bucolic suburbs to urban cityscapes, to the natural wonders of the Meadowlands and the mountains of Mahwah, the County of Bergen has much to offer filmmakers and provides friendly and favorable conditions for those looking to film. This designation further solidifies the County of Bergen’s role as the Economic Engine of New Jersey."

Birthplace Of Film

Fort Lee is considered the birthplace of the movie industry, and the Palisade rocks were the original "cliffhangers."

“As the birthplace of the motion picture industry, it is incredibly fitting for the County of Bergen to be designated as Film Ready,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III. “I look forward to the partnerships that await us as we embrace our Film Ready status and welcome productions to discover the beautiful diversity of our County.”

"Bergen County is an incredibly diverse canvas for filmmakers featuring laid-back suburban neighborhoods, to our beautiful parks, historic buildings and landmarks, and bustling urban spots boasting city skyline views,” said Commissioner Tracy Zur. "We are excited to nurture the creativity of the filmmakers, which will help to strengthen our local economy and small businesses, further bolstering our pivotal position in New Jersey's economic landscape."