East Brunswick, NJ Filming & Production: Student Filming (2026)
Key Facts
- Who is exempt
- Students of high schools, colleges, and universities
- Age proof
- Applicant verified as 18 years of age or older
- Crew requirement
- All staff and crew must be volunteers
- Student permit fee
- None, under § 101-12(E)
- Standard permit fee
- $100 basic plus $150 per day
- Maximum fine
- $2,000 per day
Summary
In East Brunswick Township, New Jersey, students of high schools, colleges, and universities are exempt from the film permit requirements in § 101-11B(1) through (3) of the Township Code. To qualify, the applicant presents a valid student ID, proof of being 18 or older, the reason for the shoot, and verification that all staff and crew are volunteers.
Students of high schools, colleges, and universities are hereby exempt from the film permit requirements in § 101-11B(1) through (3). To qualify for the exemption, the applicant must present a valid student ID, verification that the applicant is 18 years of age or older, the reason for the film shoot, and verification that all staff and crew are volunteers. ... E. Filming permit for student applicants filming for educational documentary or public television purposes (no daily rate required): none.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 101 of the East Brunswick Township Code requires a permit from the Municipal Clerk to film on public or private land in the Township. The Township Council adopted the chapter on 11-28-2022 as Ord. No. 22-27 and amended it in its entirety on 6-12-2023 as Ord. No. 23-16. Section 101-11 carves out one group: students of high schools, colleges, and universities.
The exemption is not automatic. The applicant presents four things: a valid student ID, verification that the applicant is 18 years of age or older, the reason for the film shoot, and verification that all staff and crew are volunteers. The exemption turns on every staff and crew member being a volunteer. As printed, the exemption points to the requirements in § 101-11B(1) through (3). Section 101-11 has no subsection B, while the conditions for filming on public lands in § 101-4B(1) through (3) cover insurance, a written indemnity agreement, and a $500 cash or maintenance bond deposit. A student crew planning to use a street, sidewalk or park should confirm with the Municipal Clerk's office, in writing, which items are waived before shooting.
Fees follow the same split. The basic filming permit costs $100 and the daily filming fee is $150 per day, but § 101-12(E) sets the filming permit for student applicants filming for educational documentary or public television purposes at none, with no daily rate required. Nonprofit applicants filming for those purposes pay $25. The code defines FILMING as the taking of still or motion pictures for commercial or educational purposes intended for viewing on television, in theaters or for institutional uses, and it excludes filming of news stories and of public and private events.
A student project that does not meet the exemption goes through the full process. Apply before the four-business-day cutoff in § 101-4A unless the Township Business Administrator waives it, propose shooting times between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (§ 101-4C), and give written notice at least three days ahead to any businesses, merchants or residents the shoot directly affects (§ 101-5B).
Violations & Fines
Filming without a required permit, or otherwise violating Chapter 101 or its rules, is punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding $2,000 per day under § 101-13, and each day a violation occurs or continues is a separate offense. The Township Business Administrator can refuse a permit under § 101-6, and a denial can be appealed within 10 days under § 101-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need a filming permit in East Brunswick Township?
Is there a fee for a student film permit in East Brunswick Township?
Who issues film permits in East Brunswick Township?
What is the penalty for filming without a permit in East Brunswick Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in East Brunswick
Compare East Brunswick to another location·View the New Jersey filming & production overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Student Filming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle student filming.