PLEASE NOTE: New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission has a new general email address: njfilm@njeda.gov. All other commission contacts can be reached using their original email address with the new domain ending in @njeda.gov.
Special effects sequences, depending on their nature and scope, may require specific permits and/or permissions from the state, its counties, or municipalities.
Effects using explosives must be performed by an effects coordinator who is LICENSED TO USE EXPLOSIVES IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY. Advanced inspection of a given site by the local utility companies may also be necessary in some cases.
Pyrotechnical effects must be performed in cooperation with local fire department officials, who may inspect designated location sites and materials to be used. In certain instances, permission from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection must also be granted.
Your first contact when using and storing devices and materials related to explosives and squibs is:
Inspector Dave Melegari
Department of Labor & Workforce Development
1 John Fitch Plaza, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 386
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-203-2084
Inspector Samantha Lewis
Department of Labor & Workforce Development
1 John Fitch Plaza, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 386
Trenton, NJ 08625
908-334-4905
Once the Municipalities are informed and approve, the Division of Fire Safety gives final approval.
EXPLOSIVE PERMIT APPLICATION:
For Environmental Impact/Safety Review:
Joe Corleto
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Permit Coordination and Environmental Review
609-292-9451
Most New Jersey counties, cities, towns, state parks, county parks, national parks, historic sites, highways, railroad and airport terminals, and military posts have their own unique regulations pertaining to 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. Property owners must be relieved of all liability in connection with production work taking place on their respective locations. Typically, production companies are asked to present certificates of insurance naming property owners as "additional insured."