Princeton To Start Film Permit System With Fees Targeting Major Studios

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton will charge film and television productions $500 per day to shoot on public property and up to $1,000 for street closures under a new ordinance specifically targeting major studios and streaming platforms.

The municipality introduced the new ordinance that explicitly defines "major motion pictures" to include productions from NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Walt Disney Studios, Sony Pictures, Amazon, MGM Studios, Netflix, and A24. The ordinance also applies to any film with a budget of at least $20 million or a recurring weekly television series.

Princeton is a popular destination for motion pictures and TV series, with big productions like "Oppenheimer" and "A Beautiful Mind" setting up base in town for long-term filming.

According to the ordinance, productions filming on public property will pay $500 daily, with street closures costing $1,000 for the first block and $500 for each additional block. The base permit fee ranges from $100 to $250, depending on advance notice, with nonprofit and student films charged just $25.

Film crews must hire off-duty Princeton police officers at the municipality's standard hourly rates and provide insurance coverage of $500,000 per person and $1 million per occurrence for bodily injury, plus $300,000 for property damage.

The ordinance restricts residential filming to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends. Productions must apply at least five business days before filming, though the municipal administrator may waive this requirement.

Major motion pictures may receive approval for shoots exceeding the standard three consecutive days or six total days at the administrator's discretion. Setup days for major productions may count as filming days if they create a significant disruption.

Affected businesses and residents must receive written notice at least three days before filming begins. Productions must also reimburse the municipality for lost parking meter revenue and any damage to public property.

The municipality reserves the right to deny permits if filming would "unreasonably interfere" with adjoining properties, impede traffic flow, or endanger public health and safety.

Violations carry penalties of up to $2,000 in fines, 90 days imprisonment, or 90 days of community service, with each day of violation constituting a separate offense.

The ordinance takes effect on passage and publication. Approved permits will be shared with Princeton police and fire departments as well as the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.

A public hearing on the ordinance will be held on Feb.23.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com