|
NEWS & PRESS
April 2008
 WashingtonFilmWorks Legislative Update
WashingtonFilmWorks is pleased to announce that the state legislature unanimously passed SSB 6423. The bill, prime sponsored by Senator Lisa Brown (D-Spokane), goes far to improve upon the legislation passed in March 2006. In the House, the legislation was sponsored by Rep. Phyllis Kenney (D-Seattle). The bill as passed makes the following changes to current law:
- Allows the B&O tax credit to remain at a dollar for dollar amount rather than decreasing the credit to 90 percent starting in 2009
- Eliminates the $1 million per production cap
- Changes the investment requirement for TV commercials from $250,000 to $150,000
- Modifies the governing board to staggered 4-year terms
Governor Gregoire signed the bill in Spokane on Thursday, March 20 and the changes to the program will be implemented this June.
Prior to being amended in committee, the original bill would have increased the statewide annual cap for contributions from $3.5 million to $10 million. Because of the current state of our economy the legislature was unwilling to allocate additional funds for the program. WashingtonFilmWorks will continue to push for additional funds in future sessions to help ensure that our state re-emerges on the national and international scene as a premiere destination for motion picture production.
February 2008
Newsletter
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 to...
• 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
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 .
If you have questions about the legislation or WashingtonFilmWorks contact Executive Director Amy Dee at 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 (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 / .
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 / .
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 / .
Sign Up for NWFilm.com
Media Index Publishing recently re-launched their production website, visit 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 .
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
September 25, 2007
WashingtonFilmWorks
Reaches 2007 Fundraising Goal
Private non-profit organization raises $3.5M to encourage film production statewide.
Spokane, WA (September 25, 2007) -- WashingtonFilmWorks (WFW) announced today that it has successfully reached its 2007 fundraising goal and raised $3.5M to incentivize film production statewide. With the addition of the $2.7M raised in 2006, the organization now has over $6M to lend funding assistance to commercials, television projects and feature films shooting in Washington State.
WFW can raise up to $3.5M per calendar year and Washington based businesses with a Business and Occupation tax liability can make cash contributions to WFW and receive a tax credit in return. Contributions have been both big ($1M) and small ($2K), and support has come from a variety of businesses statewide. WFW would like to thank their 2006 and 2007 contributors which include, among others., Alpha Cine Labs, Avista Corp., Holland America Line, IMDb, Inventive Pictures, Media Agents Inc, Sheraton Seattle, Starbucks, Sterling Savings Bank, and Washington Trust Bank. For additional information on contributing to the fund for 2008, visit the section of the WFW website.
Since launching the program in February of 2007 the Board of Directors has approved a variety of filmmaking projects including five feature films, two national commercials and three movies of the week for television. According to a report recently completed by the state's Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, there is a return on investment of 5:1 for the first two projects that have completed the program.
"As board members we are excited about bringing the film industry back to Washington State and we are grateful for all of our investors who have chosen to join with us in this effort." said Becky Bogard, chair of the WFW Board.
"Sterling Savings Bank is happy to support WashingtonFilmWorks mission. We understand the positive economic impact that filmmaking has on Spokane and Washington State and we are thrilled to sponsor a program that makes our city a creative and vibrant place to live," said Bill Zuppe, Chairman and CEO of Sterling Savings Bank.
History
WFW was formed in July 2006, pursuant to legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Brown (D., Spokane). Following the appointments by the Governor of the Board of Directors, the organization received its tax-exempt designation and began to aggressively pursue contributions. By the end of calendar year 2006 WFW had raised $2.7M from Washington state businesses.
In January 2007, WFW hired an executive director, Amy Lillard Dee. Before accepting applications for funding assistance, the Board and staff created rigorous guidelines, criteria and application forms for the program. A website () was created for easy public access to information.
 March 15, 2007
WashingtonFIlmWorks is sad to announce the passing our Co-Chair Mark Charles Paben. Mark was a true patron of the arts and will be dearly missed on our board and within the creative community. A celebration of his life is planned for April 16. For additional details please visit .
Mark Paben was a partner with K&L Gates and chairs its real estate practice group. Mark was a well-known arts/cultural and community activist. He just stepped down as chair of the Seattle ArtsCommission (appointed by Mayor Greg Nickels). He was also an active board member of ArtsFund and the Seattle Repertory Theatre. He was quoted extensively on regional arts issues and has penned various opinion editorials for the Seattle Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Paben was a member of US Bank's Washington State Advisory Board, and served on the steering committee for Northwest Harvest's capital campaign.
|
