As part of Hopewell Township’s ongoing commitment to economic development, we are proud to participate in the Film Ready New Jersey certification and marketing program through the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.
This exciting initiative helps position our community as a destination for film and television production—creating new opportunities for local businesses, workers, and residents.
In fact, film and TV production has been shown to generate a powerful economic multiplier effect, boosting local economies through direct spending – like cast, crew, location fees – as well as indirect spending – like hotels, catering, supplies.
And the best part? You can be part of it.
The opportunity
New Jersey has seen a surge in film and television production in recent years, with the state projected to reach $1 billion in annual production spending by 2026. While major investments like Netflix’s $850 million production complex at the former Fort Monmouth Army base make headlines, much of the action happens at local businesses and homes across the state that meet specific aesthetic or logistical needs.
We’ve already seen it happen organically right here in the Township. Just last year, a documentary filmed a segment at a local storefront—one of several productions that have already taken place in town.
With nearly 60 square miles of landscape, Hopewell Township offers everything from scenic farmland, rivers, and parks to industrial campuses, classic storefronts, and neighborhoods of every style.
By joining the Film Ready NJ program, we make it easier for productions to discover what Hopewell Township has to offer—while also promoting the local support businesses they rely on, like hotels, caterers, and dry cleaners.
What is Film Ready NJ?
We first learned about Film Ready NJ at the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference, after which Committee Member Michael Ruger attended a workshop on the certification process. Since then, he and I have been working with the state commission to begin the process for Hopewell Township.
Certification includes:
• Attending official workshops and coordinating with municipal staff
• Adopting formal policies—such as an ordinance or code of conduct—for on-location filming
• Uploading local properties and landmarks into a discoverable location database
• Submitting a directory of local businesses that support production (e.g., food service, lodging, equipment rental, construction, and more)
We are currently reviewing the best framework to ensure Hopewell Township is both film-friendly and protected. These guidelines help ensure that productions benefit our economy without disrupting our quality of life.
Where you come in
This is your chance to shine!
If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager and would like your property to be considered for future film projects, we encourage you to list it in the NJ Film Ready location database.
Doing so makes your property discoverable by film directors, location scouts, and producers looking for authentic New Jersey locations.
You can submit your property directly at nj.reel-scout.com/loc_add.aspx, or simply navigate there via film.nj.gov. There are already several Hopewell Township properties in the directory—and we’d love to see more!
We’re proud of Hopewell Township’s rich history and vibrant local economy. Film Ready NJ gives us an exciting new way to support our businesses, promote our town, and prepare for the spotlight—especially as we near the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s famous Delaware River crossing.
So when the cameras roll… we’ll be ready.
…And cut.
David Chait is the Deputy Mayor of Hopewell Township, which provided this content.
(Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.),
