Sparta certified as film-ready

Sparta is the first municipality in Sussex County to be certified as a film-ready community.

On April 8, the Township Council approved amendments to Sparta’s ordinance on filming.

During the meeting, Mayor Neill Clark said the amendments were requested by New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.

“They are trying to have consistency throughout the 562 municipalities so that an entertainment producer or television producer has some kind of degree of certainty and consistency with the time frames,” he said.

According to the ordinance, filming permit applications must be requested at least four days before the requested shoot date unless waived by township manager.

Any businesses or residents who would be directly affected by filming would receive written notice at least three days before.

Filming is allowed between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., with all equipment cleared by 10 p.m., unless otherwise agreed on.

Clark pointed out that Sparta officials are likely to know of a production company’s interest in filming there before it applies for a permit. Production companies go to the state commission first for recommendations on where to film.

A basic filming permit costs $100 and $25 for a nonprofit or student film. The daily fee for filming on public property ranges from $150 to $500 depending on the budget of the project.

Frank Dolce, chairman of Sparta’s Film Committee, along with committee co-chairmen Justin Karpowich and Roy McDonald and chief creative ambassador Kevan Ali, a film director, have been working with the state Motion Picture and Television Commission and the Township Council on this initiative for a year and a half.

The Film Committee developed a photo database featuring locations and businesses that expressed interest in participating in film and television project.

The committee aims to boost the local economy and showcase the township and surrounding communities.

Without divulging details, Dolce said, “There are a few projects already interested in the town.”

The goal is to “treat every project with the same due diligence, what amenities can we give you,” he said. “No project is too small.”