Production Resources
Whether you’re planning your first shoot in Washington or returning for your next production, you’ll find the resources you need to navigate permitting, connect with local crew and services, identify filming locations, and understand production requirements.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help connect you with the right resources for your production.
Find Local Crew + Support Services
Washington’s film industry is supported by a talented workforce and a statewide network of production professionals. Explore the resources below to connect with the people and services you need at every stage of production.
Production Directory
Search Washington Filmworks’ Production Directory to find local crew, vendors, production companies, equipment, post-production services, and other additional production support throughout Washington
Film Liaisons
Connect with local film liaisons across Washington who can help identify locations, navigate local resources, and connect productions with community partners.
Music Creators
Find local film composers, musicians, and all things sound-related for your next project on the Seattle Composers Alliance website.
Permitting + Government Resources
The resources below connect you with the local, state, and federal agencies responsible for permitting and managing public lands, transportation, environmental regulations, and other filming considerations throughout Washington. Requirements, fees, and permitting processes are established by the agencies that manage each resource and may change over time. Washington Filmworks provides guidance and links to the appropriate permitting authorities but does not issue permits.
Not sure where to start? We’re happy to help identify the permits, agencies, and resources that may apply to your production.
Most filming on public property requires permission from the city, county or other public agency with jurisdiction over the location. Permit requirements vary across Washington and are determined by local jurisdiction.
Many larger cities have established film offices or streamlined film permitting processes. In other communities, permitting may be handed through a city clerk’s office, parks department, public works department, or another local government office. Some jurisdictions may not issue a dedicated film permit and instead require a special event or special use permit.
If you are unsure where to begin, start with the local government website or contact City Hall or the county administration office. They can direct you to the appropriate department for filming inquiries.
County permits are commonly required when filming on country roads, in country-owned facilities, or in unincorporated areas.
Need help navigating local permitting or finding the right contact? We’re happy to help connect productions with the appropriate local resources. Contact us at 206.264.0667 or Info@WashingtonFilmworks.org
The Washington State Department of Ecology protects, preserves, and enhances the state’s natural environment. Depending on your production activities and filming location, environmental permits or approvals may be required to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Productions planning activities that could impact waterways, wetlands, protected habits, or other environmentally sensitive areas should review permitting requirements early in the planning process.
Not sure which permits your project may need? Visit the Department of Ecology to learn about regulations and permits.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages more than five million acres of state-owned lands and aquatic areas across Washington. These lands include working forests, shorelines, agricultural lands, natural resource conservation areas, scenic viewpoints, and a wide variety of landscapes that may be suitable for filming.
Because DNR lands are managed for forestry, conservation, recreation, and other public uses, filming requires advance coordination and approval. Permit requirements, location availability, fees, insurance, and operational restrictions vary depending on the location and the scope of the production.
It’s important to note that DNR-managed lands are not state parks. Many roads are unpaved and may be used by logging trucks, heavy equipment, and other active operations. Productions should plan accordingly and coordinate closely with DNR staff.
If you’re considering a DNR-managed location, visit the Department of Natural Resources to learn more.
Filming on Washington state highways requires coordination with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Washington State Patrol (WSP). WSDOT manages the permitting process while Washington State Patrol oversees traffic control and public safety during filming activities.
Because filming on state highways often requires coordination across multiple agencies, productions should begin the permitting process well in advance of their anticipated shoot dates. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the project and the level of traffic impacts.
If your production involves filming on a state highway, visit Washington State Department of Transportation to learn more.
You can also take this shortcut to find direct information about the application process.
Filming on military property requires advance approval from the appropriate branch of the US Armed Forces. Each branch has its own policies, security requirements, review process, and filming restrictions.
Because productions on military property often require additional coordination, security review, and lead time, filmmakers should begin the approval process as early as possible. Permit requirements, insurance, access, and filming permissions vary depending on the location and the nature of the production.
Learn more:
U.S. Army Entertainment Media Liaison (OCPA-West)
U.S. Navy Entertainment Use + Production Requests
U.S. Marine Corps Entertainment Media Liaison Office
The U.S. Forest Service manages Washington’s six National Forests, encompassing millions of acres of public land, including mountains, old-growth forests, rivers, lakes, scenic byways, and wilderness areas. These landscapes offer a wide variety of filming locations, from dense evergreen forests and alpine meadows to rugged peaks and historic recreation sites.
Commercial filming in a National Forest may require a special use permit. Permit requirements, review timelines, and operational restrictions vary depending on the location and scope of the production. Productions should coordinate with the appropriate National Forest office early in the planning process to determine permitting requirements and location availability.
Washington’s National Forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6). The Region 6 website is a helpful starting point for locating the appropriate forest office and accessing permitting information.
The National Park Service (NPS) manages Washington’s national parks, national historical parks, national historic sites, national recreation areas, and other protected federal lands. These locations offer a diverse range of filming opportunities, from iconic mountain landscapes and historic sites to coastal scenery and cultural landmarks.
Commercial filming within National Park Service managed lands may require a permit. Because permit requirements, review timelines, fees, and operational restrictions vary by park and the scope of the production, filmmakers should contact the appropriate park office early in the planning process.
Each National Park Service site maintains its own permitting information and application process.
Visit the National Park Service in Washington to find Washington’s National Park Service sites and access park-specific permitting information.
Whether you’re bringing production vehicles into Washington or transporting oversized equipment, it’s important to understand the state’s vehicle permitting requirements. The resources below provide guidance on temporary trip permits, commercial vehicle requirements, and oversize/overweight permits for productions operating in Washington.
For information about temporary trip permits and commercial vehicle licensing, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing.
For information about oversize and overweight permits, route restrictions, permit fees, and commercial vehicle requirements, please visit the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Washington State Parks manages more than 100 parks across Washington including beaches, forests, lakes, historic sites, lighthouses, and other scenic locations. These parks offer a wide variety of filming opportunities, but commercial filming requires advance approval and permitting.
Permit requirements, fees, insurance, and review timelines vary depending on the location and scope of the production. Productions should begin the permitting process early and coordinate with the appropriate park before submitting an application.
Additional approvals may be required for activities such as drone operations or productions with significant impacts to park visitors or natural resources.
For information about state parks, features, and permits, please visit Washington State Parks.
Employment Information
Washington’s employment laws and labor organizations help support a safe, professional, and thriving film industry. The resources below provide guidance on workers’ compensation, business registration, unemployment insurance, labor organizations, and employing minors in Washington.
Production companies employing workers in Washington State are generally required to comply with Washington’s workers’ compensation and workplace safety requirements. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) administers industrial insurance, workplace safety programs, and other employer responsibilities.
Employers should review L&I requirements before production begins to ensure they have the appropriate workers’ compensation coverage and understand their obligations under Washington law.
For comprehensive information, please visit the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
Production companies conducting business in Washington may be required to register with the Washington State Department of Revenue and comply with applicable state tax requirements, including Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, sales tax, and other filing obligations.
The Department of Revenue provides guidance on business registration, tax reporting, exemptions, and filing requirements for businesses operating in Washington.
For comprehensive information, please visit the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Production companies employing workers in Washington may be required to report wages and pay unemployment insurance taxes through the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD). Reporting requirements vary depending on the nature of your business and where your employees perform their work.
The Employment Security Department provides guidance on employer registration, wage reporting, tax rates, and unemployment insurance requirements for businesses operating in Washington.
To learn more, visit the Washington State Employment Security Department.
Washington is home to a strong network of labor unions and professional guilds representing performers, craftspeople, technicians, musicians, drivers, and other film industry professionals. Productions should contact the appropriate organization early in the planning process to understand applicable agreements, staffing requirements, and production obligations.
SAG-AFTRA – Performers
IATSE Local 488 – Studio Mechanics, crafts, and technicians
IATSE Local 600 (International Cinematographers Guild) – Camera department professionals
Musicians’ Association of Seattle, Local 76-493 – Musicians and recording professionals
Teamsters Local 174 – Western Washington transportation and support services
Jurisdiction may vary depending on the production location and applicable labor agreements. Contact the appropriate union for current jurisdiction information.
Washington has specific employment requirements for minors working in film, television, and commercial productions. Before hiring anyone under the age of 18, employers should review Washington’s child labor laws and ensure they have the appropriate business licensing, work permit endorsements, authorizations, and any required variances.
Additional requirements may apply depending on the minor’s age, work schedule, school attendance, and the nature of the production. Productions employing union performers should also consult applicable SAG-AFTRA agreements and requirements.
Resources:
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries – How to Hire Minors
Child labor requirements, required authorizations, and employer responsibilities.
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries – Theatrical Variances
Information on when a variance is required and how to apply.
Washington State Department of Revenue – Minor Work Permit
Information on obtaining a minor work permit endorsement through your Washington business license.
Resources and guidance for productions employing minors.
Production Logistics
From travel and production facilities to weather and seasonal planning, these resources are designed to help productions prepare for filming in Washington.
Soundstages, Studios + Specialty Filming Facilities
Washington offers a growing network of sound stages, production studios, flexible creative spaces, and specialty filming facilities for film, television, commercial, and digital media productions. Because facilities continue to evolve, we recommend contacting Washington Filmworks to discuss your production’s needs and identify the best options for your project.
Travel
Airports
Air travel is generally quick and easy in Washington State. Browse the WSDOT airports list for everything from major hubs to general-aviation strips.
Ferries
Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the United States, connecting island and coastal communities through Puget Sound.
Weather + Seasonal Planning
Washington’s diverse geography creates a wide range of filming conditions throughout the year. From alpine snowfields and temperate rainforests to high desert landscapes and coastal beaches, understanding seasonal weather, daylight hours, and regional travel conditions can help productions plan more effectively and safely.
Production Best Practices
Washington Filmworks is committed to supporting productions that strengthen our industry and the communities where filming takes place. Explore resources that promote safe, inclusive, respectful, and sustainable production practices.
Inclusive Film Sets
For everyone to be their best on set and fully participate in the work environment, employers and coworkers need to follow the law, feel safe and feel comfortable.
Set Safety
Safety should always be the top priority on every production. Whether you’re working on a union or non-union set, these resources provide guidance, tools, and reporting options to help create a safe working environment for everyone involved.
Washington State Code of Conduct
As guests, treat locations and the public with courtesy. If we don't all work toward building good relationships in the local communities where we work, we will see less production and fewer jobs for everyone. Please follow these guidelines.
Sustainable Production
The film, television and commercial production industry traditionally consumes vast amounts of energy and unsustainable resources. There are numerous ways to reduce your production’s carbon footprint and any steps you can take, large or small, can make a difference.