Volume 1 | Issue 2
SPRING 2008


Legilative Update
Success in 2007
Fundraising Campaign
Ch-ch-ch-changes!
NWFilm.com
We've Moved


Contact WFW:
WashingtonFilmWorks
1218 Third Ave., Ste. 1515 Seattle, WA 98101

Ph: 206.264.0667
Fax: 206.382.4343

email us

WELCOME TO WashingtonFilmWorks!

Legislative Update
WashingtonFilmWorks is currently working with lobbyist Jim Hedrick to pass legislation that strengthens the production tax incentive program. If passed, the bill will help make Washington State more competitive with our Pacific Northwest neighbors and the more than 38 states nationwide with similar programs in place. Legislation has been introduced in the House (HB 2872) and Senate (SB 6423) and aims...

• Allow the B&O tax credit to remain at dollar for dollar (the credit is currently scheduled to decrease to 90% in 2008)
• Increase the statewide program cap from $3.5M to $10M
• Eliminate the $1M cap per production
• Change the spending threshold for commercials from $250,000 to $150,000
• Stagger 4-year terms of each Board member

The bill is scheduled for a hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means TODAY. We don’t want this bill to be amended in committee and we need your help to make this happen!

PLEASE contact your legislator -- write to them, email them or call! Explain how this industry impacts your life and tell your story. This is a short session (which is over March 13) so do not delay and reach out to your legislators TODAY. Who is your representative? Visit the Washington State Legislature website at www.leg.wa.gov.

If you have questions about the legislation or WashingtonFilmWorks contact Executive Director Amy Dee at Amy@WashingtonFilmWorks.org or 206.264.0667.

Success in 2007
WashingtonFilmWorks had a banner first year and since launching the program in February 2007 eight projects have completed production including three feature films, three movies of the week for television and two national commercials. The first project approved by the Board of Directors, “The Holidays” starring Dave Coulier, premiered on Lifetime Television in December 2007. And you may have also seen Dr. Robert Jarvik, inventor of the artificial heart, walking on the beaches of the San Juan Islands in one of two Lipitor commercials that were shot in Washington State. The program continues to gain momentum and we look forward to more success in 2008!  

Fundraising Campaign
WashingtonFilmWorks has launched our 2008 fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $3.5M to incentivize film production statewide. Washington based businesses that contribute to the fund may receive a business and occupation (B&O) tax credit equal to the cash contribution. To find out more about how to contribute please visit our website at www.WashingtonFilmWorks.org (or call us at 206.264.0667).

Ch-ch-ch-changes!
WashingtonFilmWorks
We are pleased to welcome Ruthann Taylor to the WashingtonFilmWorks team. A true patron of the arts, Ruthann has dedicated the early part of her career to organizations such as the Seattle Opera, the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle International Film Festival. With a wealth of non-profit knowledge, Ruthann is a wonderful addition and joins WashingtonFIlmWorks as our new Administrator. Ruthann can be reached at 206.264.0667 / Ruthann@WashingtonFilmWorks.org.

Washington State Film Office
After 10 years of dedication and service Suzy Kellett has decided to resign her position as Manager of the Washington State Film Office. Suzy’s last day in the office was January 30th and while she will be dearly missed we are left in the good hands of Lindsey Johnson. Lindsey has been appointed as the Interim Manager and can be reached at 206.256.6151 / LindseyJ@cted.wa.gov.

Seattle Office of Film + Music
Chris Swenson joins the Seattle Office of Film + Music as the new Film Program Coordinator. Chris has worked in film production in the Northwest on many commercial and feature film productions since 1994, most recently as Production Designer for Outsourced and The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle. He brings extensive hands-on experience and real-world production knowledge to the Office and can be reached at 206.733.9245 / Chris.Swenson@Seattle.Gov.

Sign Up for NWFilm.com
Media Index Publishing recently re-launched their production website visit www.nwfilm.com to see the new look! A great resource for visiting and out of town filmmakers find out how you can be listed for free on the site by sending an email to media@media-inc.com.

We’ve moved.
WashingtonFilmWorks has moved to the Seattle Tower
1218 Third Ave., Ste. 1515, Seattle, WA 98101
Ph: 206.264.0667, Fax: 206.382.4343


www.washingtonfilmworks.org

Image courtesy of Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau