FWD Funding Initiative
About
The FWD Funding Initiative was piloted in 2024 to invest directly in film industry workforce development efforts unique to individual community needs across the state. The initiative supported Washington businesses serving historically underrepresented communities through film industry awareness programs, training efforts, and job placement activities.
Impact to Date
(As of July 2025)
$129,000
Invested directly in workforce development efforts
11 Businesses
Selected to receive funding
6 Counties
Served through funded programs (King, Spokane, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Chelan, Pierce)
357 Individuals
Served through funded programs
69%
Of those served identify as members of historically underrepresented communities
Funded Businesses
Round 1:
Northwest Film Forum’s Seattle-based ACTION! Narrative Apprentice Program program targets emerging filmmakers who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and/or living with disabilities, providing them with one-on-one job training and mentorship from industry professionals. Through a structured five-phase program, participants gain hands-on experience in film production, culminating in a premiere screening at the Local Sightings Film Festival.
Through their virtual Power P.A. Course, Film Academy offers job training, resources, and support to individuals from historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+ persons, and those residing in rural communities. The Power P.A. Course delivers comprehensive virtual training modules covering various aspects of production assistant roles, empowering participants to launch their careers in the film industry.
The Rural Quickstart Production Program in Rosburg combines job training and placement with the goal of offering residents of Wahkiakum and Pacific counties paid education in film and television production. Its aim is to tackle the existing worker shortage in the region. Participants will produce seasonal tourism commercials, short-form interview programs, and narrative content.
The We F.E.W! (Filmmakers of Eastern Washington) Set Experiences job training program aims to organize and empower the Eastern Washington film community, reaching out to underrepresented voices in the region to increase access. Through the We F.E.W! Set Experience Shorts, the program provides opportunities for filmmakers of all experience levels to collaborate on film projects.
The Shyan Selah Foundation’s Artist Workshop in Federal Way raises awareness of careers in the film industry among students aged 14–25 in South King County, with a focus on underrepresented communities, including Black and brown youth, and those from low-income households. The workshop aims to demystify the entertainment industry and expose participants to various career pathways within the film industry.
Round 2:
Atina Film Studios, helmed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Anita M. Cal, is a production company with a purpose to empower marginalized storytellers and help bring their imaginations to film festivals, television and movie screens. Their Short Film Workshop provides on-set experiences, script writing, and producer training.
Tasveer’s mission is to inspire social change through thought-provoking South Asian films, art and storytelling. Their Video Production Program intends to support Seattle-area South Asian high school and college students to learn about film industry careers and shadow professionals on a working set.
This Skill Center serves 9th–12th grade students from area school districts. Their Training Camera Operators program trains students for industry jobs, and students can earn industry certifications through the school.
Round 3:
Sui Productions has received funding to support Songs From the Youth Program, which serves youth from underrepresented communities in Tacoma. Participants will learn about the film and music business, and the program will culminate with the recording of a song for a feature film.
Olympic College (OC) has received funding to support Supplemental Skill Workshops, a training program providing access to specialized skills taught by industry professionals. In early 2025, the OC Film School will offer zero-cost, hands-on production assistant workshops, and grip & electric training workshops at the Bremerton campus. In June 2025, a zero-cost, virtual script supervisor workshop will be offered.
Seattle Documentary Association has received funding to provide scholarships for filmmakers to attend Craft & Collaboration (C&C), their signature annual event. This year, C&C will offer a two-day educational and networking experience designed for documentary filmmakers of all levels, from novice to professional.