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Montgomery considers 'film-ready' designation after recent production; staff urges due diligence
Summary
Following a recent film shoot at a local museum, county film officials requested Montgomery consider a 'film-ready' certification. Township staff cautioned that grant conditions and existing recreational plans need review before deciding and suggested adopting local permitting rules to recover costs from productions.
County film liaison recently contacted Montgomery about pursuing a 'film-ready' designation through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority after production activity at the local museum. Staff said the certification would require the township to designate a film liaison, adopt an ordinance to govern permitting and fees, and provide a list of film-worthy locations.
The township attorney/staff cautioned the committee to consider pending grant-funded plans for the former municipal building and other recreation facility projects before making decisions about the property or committing to certification. "I would caution the governing body that there's a couple of things that need to be looked at before you just can fully consider the request," a staff member said, urging due diligence on grant impacts and competing municipal priorities.
Staff also noted that a film permit fee ordinance would allow the township to recoup costs associated with road closures and staff time while enabling a more proactive response to production requests. Committee members expressed general interest; staff will gather more information and return with options for ordinances and revenue/fee structures.
What happens next: staff will collect further details about the certification process, draft potential permitting language and report back to the committee for a policy decision.
