The Borough of Westwood is excited to announce its designation as a Film Ready Community. Westwood joins a cohort of 14 other municipalities and four counties (including Bergen County) recognized by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), under the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
Westwood is the only municipality in the Pascack Valley, and just one of three in Bergen County (including Ridgefield Park and Fair Lawn) to have completed the five-step training and certification process which prepares communities to accommodate movie and television producers and effectively market themselves as a film destination.
According to the borough in a press release it shared with Pascack Press on April 9, the designation ensures Westwood’s entries in the state’s Reel Scout database (nj.gov/njfilm/production-location.shtml) are marked with the Film Ready Community seal of approval, serving as an endorsement from the state to interested location scouts that Westwood welcomes motion picture production.
Borough Clerk Karen Hughes and Councilwoman Beth Dell completed the certification on behalf of Westwood in late 2023 by learning the basics of motion picture and television production as well as basic standards, set by the state, for attracting filmmaking. Dell credits the work of Hughes, Councilwoman Erin Collins, and Councilwoman Lauren Letizia in assisting with the designation process.
All four spent time with Joe Marra, New Jersey production coordinator in March 2022, touring Westwood locations to be photographed for bulk submission to the database. Additional information and photographs were obtained through the records of the Westwood Historic Preservation Commission.
According to the NJEDA, the film-ready designation provides an elevated platform for certified communities to promote themselves as filming destinations and connects film and television professionals with skilled and knowledgeable liaisons across the state. Hughes will serve as Westwood’s appointed liaison and film ambassador.
“The Film Ready New Jersey Program is helping the state’s film industry grow by giving municipalities and counties the tools needed to welcome top-tier productions to their communities,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan in the press statement. “As more productions choose New Jersey as their backdrop, the training provided by the Film Ready Program will generate an economic boost for communities across the state by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and attracting tourism.”
The state also maintains a production services directory (njportal.com/dos/filmservice) to which businesses, ranging from catering and rental cars to lighting and costuming, are encouraged to self-list.
“Through the Film Ready New Jersey Program, we are encouraging our cities and towns to readily welcome filmmakers and enjoy the many benefits when production crews come to town, said NJMPTC Executive Director Steven Gorelick in the press release. “Partnerships with our municipal and county governments are vital to the state’s film industry success.” Such benefits might include increased revenue for the municipality through film permits, parking and municipal property usage, and patronage of local eateries and businesses by the cast and crews.
Mayor Raymond Arroyo noted that “Those of us who live in Westwood already know ‘there’s no place like home,’ and we are ready for our close-up!”
The municipality has already served as the backdrop for several productions of various sizes including upcoming feature film “Ezra,” starring Robert De Niro and New Jerseyans Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bobby Cannavale at Conrad’s Confectionery (107 Westwood Ave.) and the former Jack’s Cafe (325 Broadway).
In 2022, Westwood was backdrop for three films, “Cannibal Mukbang,” “Our Son,” and “Three Birthdays” at various locations around town including Conrad’s, Five Corners Convenience (103 Westwood Ave.), Westwood Cinema (182 Center Ave.), Westwood parks, and private residences.
Most recently, scenes from an episode of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” were filmed at Phoenician (284 Center Ave.) in August 2023 and the short film “Stateside” filmed at Westwood Pancake House (301 Old Hook Road) in October 2023.
New Jersey has a rich history in entertainment, and the state’s motion picture and television industry is at the forefront again as production has exploded in recent years. Since the revival and enhancement of the NJEDA’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, the state has attracted 166 feature films, television shows, and digital media projects. This activity has generated $2.3 billion in spending and Westwood is well positioned to capitalize on this economic potential.
The borough said it is working to create a landing page for those interested in filming in Westwood, and will to update its listing on the statewide database.
Add your residence or business to the database: nj.reel-scout.com/loc_add.aspx.
For more information: khughes@westwoodnj.gov, (201) 664-7100 ext. 100, and westwoodnj.gov.