CALL TO ACTION: Contact Key Representatives

Jobs, Revenue, and Missing the Boat

It’s not often that business and labor agree on public policy.  When it does happen, it generally means the policy has created good jobs and increased revenue for the state. The Motion Picture Competitiveness Program (MPCP) is one of these rare examples.

Over 260 Washington based businesses have signed on to the business letter of support and the legislation has received endorsement from influential organizations such as the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. The Washington State Labor Council also endorsed the program and urged lawmakers to increase funding in a resolution that was passed at the statewide labor convention last July.

Last week, Washington Filmworks announced that the $3.5 million fund has been exhausted and that we are now turning business away.  If the program works and we have business knocking at our door, do elected officials really understand the missed opportunities?

Washington Filmworks is engaged in a meaningful conversation with The Weinstein Company about the possibility of filming Boys in the Boat in the Evergreen State.The film will likely garner critical acclaim and Academy Awards® and Boys in the Boat merchandise will undoubtedly replace the Sleepless in Seattle t-shirts at SeaTac airport.  These film projects aren’t opportunities that come up every day.  Right now is a historic moment – will elected officials work to bring this important and iconic Washington State story home?  Or will they miss the boat and let the film be made in Vancouver, BC?

While there is significant interest in making the film in Washington State, we need the business model to support it.  As the budget negotiations continue in Olympia, we urge ALL film industry professionals to reach out to the key legislators listed below. When you call or write these legislators….

• Tell them why you think it’s important that Boys in the Boat be filmed in Washington State
• Remind them that the MPCP is one of the few tax incentive programs that is strongly endorsed by BOTH business and labor
• Ask the representatives to include SB 6027 in the final budget.

Thanks for your continued support – and let’s work together so we don’t miss the boat on this important and historic opportunity!

Speaker of the House Frank Chopp – (D-43)
360-786-7920
frank.chopp@leg.wa.gov

Representative Pat Sullivan – (D-47)
360-786-7858
pat.sullivan@leg.wa.gov

Representative Eric Pettigrew – (D-37)
360-786-7838
eric.pettigrew@leg.wa.gov

Representative Larry Springer – (D-45)
360-786-7822
larry.springer@leg.wa.gov

About Washington Filmworks: Washington Filmworks is the non-profit 501(c)(6) organization that manages the state film office and production incentive programs. Our mission is to create economic development opportunities by building and enhancing the competitiveness, profile and sustainability of Washington’s film industry. We do this by creating possibilities for local and national filmmakers and offering comprehensive production support as well as financial incentives.