WF APPROVES EPISODIC SERIES Z NATION

Post Apocalyptic Drama to Film in Spokane this Summer

• Funded 97 Standard Program projects
• Funded 6 Filmworks Innovation Lab projects
• Had an estimated economic impact of $268 million

Increasing demand from production to film in Washington State means our incentive funds have gone quickly this year. We still have limited commercial funding available and watch for the return of the Filmworks Innovation Lab this summer.

Please contact staff at (206) 264-0667 with inquiries or go to  www.WashingtonFilmworks.org for information.

CELEBRATING THE SUMMER SHOOTING SEASON

A Letter from Washington Filmworks Board Chair Don Jensen 

WF Board Chair Don Jensen

There is a lot to celebrate as we consider the upcoming summer shooting season. WF Board Chair Don Jensen offers up his insight about projects shooting this summer, the success of Commercialize Seattle, the return of the Filmworks Innovation Lab and the status of funding for the remainder of the year.

Read his full letter here.

COMMERCIALIZE SEATTLE FEATURES NEW WORK

The Commercialize Seattle campaign drives more production and advertising business to the region and the website showcases some of the best commercial work coming out of Washington State. When we’re out selling our state as the best spot on the planet to make commercials we point people to the Latest Work section to prove it.

Why should you participate? Commercialize Seattle highlights locally made commercials and is a hub where brands and agencies look to find talent. Local production companies and agencies can register here and learn more about how to submit work. We showcase new commercials monthly. Remember, advertising is the best thing any of us can do!

Watch for monthly Commercialize Seattle news on the WF Blog. We’ll feature the next Latest Work installment tomorrow.

INCENTIVE FILMS EARN FESTIVAL ACCOLADES

Go film! Washington incentive films have been busy making headlines. Feature film 

A Bit of Bad Luck celebrated its world premiere at the Boston International Film Festival this month. Filmed in Seattle and Morton, the film stars Cary Elwes, Terri Polo, and lots of Washington-resident cast. A release date is to be announced soon. Be sure to check out the trailer while you wait.

Lucky Them, directed by Megan Griffiths and starring Toni Collette, Thomas Haden Church, Ryan Eggold and Oliver Platt, has been working the U.S. film festival circuit. Indiewire named it a “Critic’s Choice” at the Tribeca Film Festival and Lucky Them screened at the Nashville Film Festival this month. The feature lands in theaters May 30 and shows off several iconic Washington locations, including gorgeous Snoqualmie Falls.

How many iconic WA locations can you spot in the Lucky Them trailer? Click to watch.

Box Walk is making a splash on both sides of the Atlantic! One of the first projects awarded funding assistance from the Filmworks Innovation Lab, Box Walk got a strong festival start. The short was nominated for Best Short Film at the Madrid International Film Festival, Best Director of a Short (Tony Fulgham) and Best Producer of a Short (Jill McBride). 

 

Actor Tony Doupe and Director Tony Fulgham on location with Box Walk.

 

 

Stateside, Box Walk screened at the Nashville Film Festival, earning a coveted spot at the Academy Award-qualifying fest amid a record 2,347 shorts submitted! 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDED READING

The WF Blog discussed industry changes, locations, and profiled a number of local film businesses and organizations this month. Subscribe to get our posts via email. See recent highlights below.

Unique Worlds, Big Characters – Screaming Flea Productions is one of the Northwest’s largest producers of nonfiction programming for cable and is working to cultivate more content in Washington.

Scarecrow Video – National Treasure – Near 50th and Roosevelt Way in Seattle is a national treasure. Part film archive, part gathering place, Scarecrow Video is one of the country’s largest independent video stores and a resource for filmmakers.

Pilot Season Overhaul Unfolds – Is the traditional TV model on the way out or already dead? Many networks are forging new models for their original content.

WF Visits Snoqualmie Valley – We recently took a trip to the Snoqualmie Valley to share the economic impact motion picture production has and scout for potential locations. Take a look.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SIFF EXPERIENCE – FMI HAPPY HOUR APRIL 30

Click for 2014 SIFF Trailer. You will be returned home safely, but forever changed.

As a filmmaker, attending a film festival is not just about getting tickets to screenings. It is a great opportunity to network, meet like-minded compatriots and future collaborators to further your career, whether you have a film in a festival or not. A special presenter from SIFF will discuss the festival line-up and how to navigate SIFF’s selection of films this year.

FMI Happy Hours are the last Wednesday of the month at Spitfire in Seattle. These events are the perfect opportunity to network, discuss, and collaborate across disciplines. Guests 21+ are welcome. Things kick off at 5 pm. The featured presentation begins around 6:30 pm.