New Jersey contains 21 counties and 566 municipalities. Each city and town has its own unique regulations pertaining to film production. New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission staff members are well versed in these matters, and should be consulted before specific communities are approached.

As a rule, filmmakers working in New Jersey are required to carry general liability insurance in the amount of $1 million ($2 million in the City of Newark). Additional insurance may be required of crews using pyrotechnic effects or performing stunts. Typically, production companies are asked to present certificates of insurance naming property owners as "additional insured." Further, property owners must be relieved of all liability in connection with production work taking place on their respective locations.

Many cities and towns in the state have no formal permit procedure. However, permits are generally required for filming such locations as county, state and national parks and historic sites, state and county highways, railroad and airport terminals and military posts.

New Jersey's unique landscapes are beautiful on ground level and even more awe-inspiring from the sky. When doing aerial photography in the Garden State, however, there are very important rules and regulations that must be adhered to. Drones are permitted in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but are subject to FAA regulations and flight controls put into place by local governments. Drone operators are required to be FAA Certified and follow standard federal guidelines. Maintaining proper distance from no-fly-zone locations, such as airports, and avoiding highly populated areas are just two of the safety precautions that must be considered. Drone operators must obtain permission from the controlling entities in the areas where drone photography will be taking place: local municipalities, parks departments, the Department of Transportation, etc. In some cases the State Police, must be formally notified.

General information about usage of drones can be found at:
https://www.faa.gov/uas

For specific information and guidance on the use of drones in New Jersey, contact the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission:
njfilm@njeda.gov