TOP HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITERS AT PULLING FOCUS, SUNDAY SEPTMEBER 25 

 It is time for the final installment of PULLING FOCUS for 2011 and Washington Filmworks has saved the best for last!  Buck Henry, the Academy Award nominated screenwriter of THE GRADUATE, HEAVEN CAN WAIT and CATCH-22, co-creator of GET SMART and ten time host of Saturday Night Live will be joined by Scott Moore and Jonathan Lucas, writers of the highest grossing R-rated comedy in motion picture history, THE HANGOVER.  Along with local legend Warren Etheredge, PULLING FOCUS will be a light-hearted look at the serious business of comedy in Hollywood.  This is a rare opportunity to meet the minds behind some of the biggest comedies of the last 40 years!

Tickets for the event will go on sale on Thursday, September 1st.  Check our Facebook page on Thursday for all the relevant details and a link to purchase tickets. 

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WASHINGTON FILMWORKS PANEL AT CITYARTS FEST IN OCTOBER

Are commerce and art really as mutually exclusive as they appear? The accepted paradigm has long been that a businessperson cannot be artistic and the artist cannot profit from their work without “selling out,” but is this perception a reality?

Financially, what does a film director in Seattle need to do in order to be a success, supporting themselves and their loved ones?  How can a filmmaker take advantage of their skill and passion to be a commercial success without compromising their integrity as artists? To help better explain this, a panel of industry and business veterans has prepared a practical step-by-step guide about how to make a living as a film director in Seattle.  These talented Seattle based directors will share information about how they learned not only how to survive, but to thrive in their chosen field.  And drawing upon their perspective and experience as members the Seattle directing community they will provide examples of success and shortcomings, shedding new light on how best to utilize resources in the region and how to employ creative thinking to overcome real-life obstacles.

The night will consist of an hour of conversation, followed by an hour of socialization to allow the community to continue the discussion and share their own insights into this exciting topic.

Panelists include:
Sue Corcoran, Producer (HUMPDAY, IRA FINKLESTEIN’S CHRISTMAS).
James Keblas, Director of the Seattle Office of Film + Music.
Amy Lillard, Executive Director of Washington Filmworks.
Mark Titus, 2004 Washington State Screenplay Competition winning screenwriter, owner of August Island Pictures.
Douglas Horn, writer(IRA FINKLESTEIN’S CHRISTMAS), director ($5 Cover)

This fun and FREE event will begin at 4pm on October 20th at the FRED Wildlife Refuge on Capital Hill (127 Boylston Ave E Seattle, WA 98102).

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more updates about this exciting panel.

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FILMWORKS IN THE NEWS

Here is a look at some recent press around Washington Filmworks and some of the projects we have approved for funding assistance.

Is that a wrap on film making in Washington?
KOMO 5’s Eric Wilkinson on set with 21 & OVER at the University of Washington and what it means for the state’s film future.

Survivor of human trafficking and sex slavery on set in Kirkland
The real-life inspiration for the gripping film EDEN visits the set in Kirland.

Production Company brings Hollywood to Spokane Rich Cowan and his colleagues with North x Northwest discuss what having a feature film means to Eastern Washington.

‘EDEN’ film being shot in Ellensburg Ellensburg enjoys the benefits of a film on a local economy.

Washington Filmworks (WF), is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (6) organization that offers production assistance to commercials, television and feature films shooting in Washington State as well as manages the production incentive program.  Currently, WF is seeking a part-time Intern with a minimum 3-month commitment of 20 hours per week.  Prior background in film not required, but individuals must be self-motivated with strong communication, computer, writing, and organizational/research skills.
Applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary educational program leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree and in good standing at their college or university.  Students must retain their status until the end of the internship.

Detailed Job Responsibilities Include

–       Contributions to the Washington Filmworks newsletter
–       Assist with grassroots lobby efforts for 2012 Renewal Campaign
–       Development and update of social websites (Facebook, Twitter)
–       Conduct Internet research on media/industry news/national incentive updates and information
–       Aid staff at industry events
–       Manage in-house database
–       General office administration

Send a brief letter of interest, and resume to info@washingtonfilmworks.org.

The internship will be for Fall term, beginning September 1, 2011.

Please note that this is not a production internship.