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Council discusses joining Film Ready New Jersey program; attorney to review sample ordinance
Summary
Council members discussed enrolling Princeton in the Film Ready New Jersey certification and marketing program. A council member asked the municipal attorney to review a sample ordinance and to consider designating a film liaison and backup; staff and Experience Princeton would handle steps to compile location directories and permissions.
A council member asked the mayor and fellow council members on July 14 to consider enrolling Princeton in "Film Ready New Jersey," a five-step certification and marketing program run by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The council asked municipal counsel to review a sample ordinance that would help the town participate in the program.
The council member said the Film Ready program educates municipalities on accommodating on-location filming, sets standards for attracting production, and provides a platform to promote certified communities. "So look out Hollywood," the council member said, summarizing the economic-development pitch.
The presenter recommended designating a primary film designee for the town and a backup (the speaker suggested the municipal clerk as a backup). They also said Experience Princeton — a local marketing and tourism group — could compile a directory of photos, location descriptions and business services needed by production companies.
Council members asked municipal counsel to review the sample ordinance and return with suggested language. No formal vote was taken; the request was presented as an announcement and a proposed next step so the administration and legal staff could evaluate the draft and report back.
Council members framed the proposal as an economic-development tool: the program offers training modules and a marketing channel that could streamline permitting and help local businesses be connected to on-location production needs. The presenter and other council members described the potential financial benefits if Princeton attracts film or television projects but did not provide a budget, timetable or estimate of expected production activity.
Next steps identified at the meeting included municipal counsel review of the sample ordinance and follow-up coordination with Experience Princeton and the municipal clerk’s office to determine staff capacity and any regulatory changes needed for certification and marketing work.
