Laura Magura, of Barnlight Studios, asked the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 20 to create a countywide film commission to market the county’s locations and provide a single point of contact for film and television productions.
Magura told the commissioners that “film and television production is booming across New Jersey, creating jobs, boosting businesses, and bringing recognition to other counties,” and urged Sussex County to organize and promote local assets to attract productions.
A film commission, she said, would provide consistent permitting guidance and workforce development links with partners such as Sussex County Community College, and would help productions work with municipal authorities.
Director Carney said he had a sample resolution and asked that the board consider placing it on the next meeting agenda to support the Barnlight Studios initiative. Commissioner Henderson and other commissioners expressed support during the discussion but did not move a formal resolution during the Aug. 20 meeting.
Supporters said the county already has trades and services productions need — construction, welding, culinary and hospitality — and that a countywide commission would make it easier for productions to choose Sussex County. Magura said Barnlight Studios has begun producing a countywide drone project and location catalog to showcase Sussex County.
No formal vote was recorded in the public portion of the transcript. Director Carney indicated staff would prepare a sample resolution for the board’s next agenda so the board could consider formal action at a future meeting.
If placed on a future agenda, the commission would require coordination with municipal authorities for permitting and location access; Magura emphasized the film commission would work “while still working closely with each town's local authority.”
Commissioners did not provide timelines, budget figures, or a formal motion on Aug. 20; those details remain to be developed and will appear on a future agenda if the board directs staff to proceed.