Program designed to commit funding assistance to Washington resident filmmakers and to projects utilizing new forms of production or emerging technologies.
Seattle, WA – July 19, 2012 – Washington Filmworks is pleased to announce the launch of the Filmworks Innovation Lab. The program is designed to invest in Washington’s local creative community and to encourage the development of original storytelling that capitalizes on new forms of production and technology. The Board of Directors of Washington Filmworks may commit up to $350,000 annually and funds will be administered in two cycles – Film Cycle (opens August 2012) and Innovation Cycle (opens January 2013).
The following briefly outlines the eligibility criteria for the Film Cycle:
- Motion pictures may be narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, or a series pilot. They may be feature-length or shorts.
- Projects must spend $50,000-$499,999 on qualified in-state expenditures upon award of the Filmworks Innovation Lab funding assistance.
- 85% of the workforce must be Washington State residents.
- Projects must utilize Washington residents in at least two of three following “key creative” positions: Writer, Director, Cinematographer.
- Projects must utilize at least one Washington resident Producer.
- Projects must utilize at least one Washington resident Lead Actor.
The level of funding assistance will be based on the merit of the project and will be between 1% – 30% of the investment in Washington State’s economy. For a full list of Innovation Lab Guidelines and Criteria please visit the following link:
https://www.washingtonfilmworks.org/index.php/InnovationLab/Guidelines/
“The Innovation Lab is an investment in our local creative community and ultimately, an investment in the future of filmmaking for our state,” said Executive Director, Amy Lillard. “By leveraging our existing film infrastructure and the diversity of our in-state technology resources, we are uniquely positioned to incubate a groundbreaking digital entertainment platform that fosters a new creative economy for Washington.”
Since 2007, Washington Filmworks has awarded funding assistance through the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program (MPCP). The MPCP was created by the Legislature specifically for the purpose of “revitalizing the state’s economic, cultural, and educational standing in the market of motion picture production, and assisting and providing services for attracting the film industry” to do business in Washington. In March 2012, new legislation was passed that renewed the MPCP. This new legislation allows Washington Filmworks to commit up to 10% of its annual funding allocation to provide financial support for filmmakers who are Washington residents, and for film projects that are using new forms production.
Have questions about the Filmworks Innovation Lab?
Send an email to Lab@WashingtonFilmworks.org or call 206.264.0667