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WF ANNOUNCES

Washington Filmworks has approved funding
assistance for three new projects, bringing the total number approved since
renewal to ten. Most recently, the Board of Directors has decided to provide
funding assistance for a new feature film and three commercials. These
productions mark a total of 81 projects approved through the standard program
since 2007. We continue to accept applications for funding assistance from
productions wishing to film in Washington State.

If you have a project that
qualifies, please contact our office at (206) 264-0667 or find out more
at www.WashingtonFilmworks.org.

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WE’VE LAUNCHED THE FILMWORKS INNOVATION LAB  

Washington Filmworks has officially rolled out
information on our newest funding assistance program, the Filmworks Innovation
Lab. This program is designed to commit funds to Washington resident filmmakers
and to projects utilizing new forms of production or emerging technologies. As
part of this initiative, our Board of Directors may offer up to $350,000
annually and funding will be administered in two cycles – the Film Cycle (opens
August 2012) and the Innovation Cycle (opens January 2013).  The
Innovation Lab requires that a project spend between $50,000 and $499,999 on
qualified in-state expenditures.

Please visit our website for more information on the program, full
guidelines and criteria, and instructions on how to apply. We begin accepting
proposals for the Film Cycle on Aug. 1, 2012 and close this preliminary phase
of the process on Aug. 31, 2012. Questions can be directed to Lab@WashingtonFilmworks.org
or call (206) 264-0667.

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NEW PROGRAM GUIDELINES & CRITERIA 

Legislation to renew WF went into effect on
June 7. Since that time, we’ve been working hard to implement required and
approved changes to our existing program.  As a result, Washington
Filmworks now has revised the Guidelines and Criteria for our standard program.
You can find an overview of the changes online.
Productions interested in funding assistance through WF’s standard
incentive program will want to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines
and criteria, which are available on our website.

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SAVE THE DATE TO CELEBRATE 

Washington Filmworks
would like to thank our community for their patience as we organize an event to
celebrate renewal and all of the amazing work that the Washington filmmaking
industry has been doing this year. With production season in full swing, we’ve
decided to shift our plans so that more people can participate. Please save
the date for Wednesday 12/12/12. We’ll be hosting a belated renewal
celebration in combination with our Annual Industry Update event in Seattle.
There’s a lot to announce and commemorate, including the inaugural recipients
of funding assistance from the Innovation Lab.  More details to come.

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WASHINGTON FILMWORKS’ LOCATION OF THE MONTH 

Known to locals as “the Mountain,”
Mount Rainier is certainly a site to behold. This massive volcano features 26
major glaciers and towers over the region, with a summit at 14,114 ft. On a
clear day it dominates the skyline facing south from Seattle, and can be seen
as far away as Portland, OR and Victoria, British Columbia. The Mountain has
challenged great filmmakers such as Cecil B. DeMille and its natural beauty has
stolen the spotlight from huge stars the likes of Robert Mitchum and Elvis.

While Mount Rainier can be seen from numerous
vantages, we field a lot of calls from filmmakers inquiring about filming
inside of Mount Rainier National Park. Keep in mind that filming in National
Parks requires ample planning. The process for a special use permit will
require at least two weeks, or longer for more complex projects. Productions
that would damage the park or interfere with visitors’ use will not be allowed,
and commercial filming is not permitted in wilderness areas. There is an
application fee, insurance is required, and other charges may be applicable.

To find more stunning photos and get additional
info. about special use permits, go to the Mount Rainier National Park website or contact
Special Use Permit Coordinator, Debbie Hannevig, at (360) 569-6622.

You may also contact Washington Filmworks
directly for more information about filming in the areas surrounding Mount
Rainier.

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A REMINDER WE’VE MOVED

As a reminder, Washington Filmworks has moved.
Please update our address in your records:

1411 Fourth Ave.

Suite 420

Seattle, WA 98101

Phone (206) 264-0667 / Fax (206) 382-4343

We’re closer to the din of the Seattle
sidewalks and just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of Pike and
Pine Streets. Our new home, known as the 1411 Fourth Ave. Building, has a fascinating
history. In 1991 this Art Deco-inspired structure was assigned to the National
Registry of Historical Places. Architect, Robert Reamer, was most famously
known as the creator of the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, but
Reamer also had a strong connection to the entertainment industry in Washington
State. He was responsible for the design of Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, Bellingham’s Mount Baker Theatre and Spokane’s Fox Theater.

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