RETURN OF THE FILMWORKS INNOVATION LAB!

Washington Filmworks (WF) is pleased to announce the return of the Filmworks Innovation Lab. The first funding assistance program of its kind in the nation, the Lab is designed to support Washington based filmmakers and those using emerging technologies. WF believes that investing in the development of our local filmmakers is one of the most important things that we can do to create a long-term, sustainable film industry.

We’ve been working with filmmakers from the first cycles of the Lab and the WF Board of Directors to build an even stronger program and new guidelines will roll out in just a few days. If you have questions or want to be notified when new guidelines are publicly available, please contact staff at (206) 264-0667 or email Lab@WashingtonFilmworks.org.

INCENTIVE FILM 4 MINUTE MILE GETS RELEASE DATE

See the World Premiere at SIFF on June 5.
Gravitas Ventures has acquired the North American distribution rights to Washington incentive film 4 Minute Mile (formerly One Square Mile) and a 2014 summer release has been scheduled. The feature co-stars Kim Basinger (L.A. Confidential), Kelly Blatz (Glory Daze), Cam Gigandet (Burlesque), Rhys Coiro (Entourage), Analeigh Tipton (Crazy, Stupid, Love) and Richard Jenkins (Jack Reacher). Production took place in the Seattle area in 2012. 
 
An August 1 theatrical release is anticipated. Can’t wait till later this summer to see 4 Minute Mile? The Seattle International Film Festival hosts the World Premiere on June 5. Learn more on the WF Blog.

WASHINGTON INCENTIVE FILMS AT SIFF 2014

Washington incentive films have been well represented at the fortieth annual Seattle International Film Festival. Audiences are treated to Washington’s charm through the lens of these films. Congratulations to the local cast and crew that made these projects a reality!

  

 

  • Washington incentive feature 4 Minute Mile celebrates its World Premiere at SIFF on June 5 and screens again June 6. Director Charles-Olivier Michaud is scheduled to attend. The film shot at locations throughout Seattle, such as Fishermen’s Terminal, the Ballard Locks, Rainier Beach and Garfield High School.
  • Washington incentive film Lucky Them, directed by Megan Griffiths, was the Renton Opening Night film at SIFF. The feature shot at Snoqualmie Falls, in North Bend, in Carnation and at several recognizable locations around Seattle, including the K.R. Trigger Building in the SoDo neighborhood.
  • Box Walk, directed by Tony Fulgham, screened as part of ShortsFest Opening Night. The short film received funding assistance from the Filmworks Innovation Lab and brought production to rural areas of the state including Moses Lake, Soap Lake, Mazama, Winthrop and Cle Elum.
  • The Maury Island Incident, directed by Scott Schaefer, screened as part of Seattle Supersonic Shorts. This short received funding assistance from the Filmworks Innovation Lab and is being made into a web series. The project filmed at the Landmark on the Sound, in the waters off Des Moines, and at the Tin Room Bar in Burien, Washington.

COMMERCIALIZE SEATTLE MAKES AN IMPACT

Work from Hand Crank Films was recently featured by Commercialize Seattle.

Since its launch last fall, the Commercialize Seattle campaign continues to drive more production and advertising business to the region. More than 50 local production companies and ad agencies have registered with the initiative, with another 39 inquiries from out-of-state agencies interested in bringing their production to Washington. WF has allocated funding assistance to 5 projects as part of Commercialize Seattle, representing an average hourly rage of $50 for workers! These projects have had an estimated economic impact of $5 million in Washington State.

We need your help to keep building momentum. Several times a month we feature work from registered companies on the Latest Work section of the Commercialize Seattle website. This website is a hub where brands and agencies look to find local talent and resources. The Latest Work showcases some of the best commercial work coming out of Washington State. 

Local production companies and agencies can register here and learn more about how to submit work. Watch for monthly Commercialize Seattle news on the WF Blog.

RECOMMENDED READING

The WF Blog discussed a bevy of film activity across the state this month, from Seattle, to Walla Walla, to Spokane and beyond. Subscribe to get our posts via email. See recent highlights below.

A Message from Lacey Leavitt – In April WF announced we had allocated our 2014 incentive funds in 4 short months. Seattle-based producer Lacey Leavitt encourages the film community to get involved in increasing the state film incentive by sharing their story with Governor Inslee. 

Walla Walla – A New Kind of Creative Economy – A series of initiatives designed to foster a thriving creative economy are positioning Walla Walla to be a poster child – one that shows you can have commerce and a wonderful lifestyle because of technology. Learn how film plays a role.

Casting Z Nation – Across Washington film professionals, vendors and support businesses are working on Z Nation. This 13 episode series for Syfy is filming in Spokane and is the first television series WF has provided funding assistance to. Hear from Big Fish NW Talent on their role.

THE ART OF THE PITCH – FMI HAPPY HOUR MAY 28

Liza Keckler, Vice President of Development at Screaming Flea Productions, will share some of her secrets on what takes a pitch from good to gold. The Seattle-based production company is one of the Northwest’s largest producers of nonfiction programming for cable networks, and man do they know how to pitch! After several decades creating content for national and international broadcast Screaming Flea Productions has worked with almost every cable network and developed a diverse slate of programs. From Hoarders, to Biography, from The Legend of Mick Dodge to Sell This House, the wide range of programming being produced under the Screaming Flea banner is evidence that they can pitch almost anything. This presentation will cover everything from how to tell a great story to finding your inner confidence. Join us Wednesday, May 28, at Spitfire for our May Film + Music Interactive Happy Hour Event and learn from one of our city’s pitching experts on how to leave your audience wanting more.

FMI Happy Hours 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.

About:
1411 Fourth Ave., Suite 420
Seattle, WA 98101
www.WashingtonFilmworks.org
(206) 264-0667