WASHINGTON FILMWORKS ANNOUNCES

 Washington Filmworks approves funding assistance for a feature film. This project marks a total of 71 projects approved through the Washington Filmworks program since inception in 2007. 

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WASHINGTON FILMWORKS NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Washington Filmworks is pleased to report that the summer of 2011 proved to be one of the busiest in the program’s history. Since January 2011, a total of 12 projects have been approved for funding assistance including 6 feature films, 1 television project and 5 commercials.  These projects have brought an estimated $15M into our statewide economy and created thousands of jobs, which provide health and retirement benefits for Washington workers.

On the heels of this success comes our challenge to keep Washington competitive for attracting and retaining film business.  As part of Washington Filmworks’ campaign to get the film incentives renewed, we are asking film community members to supply us with their legislative districts.  This information will allow us to target the key elected officials that represent you and your livelihood.

Confirm your legislative district here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/default.aspx and send us this information at info@washingtonfilmworks.org.

One immediate approach is to have the renewal of the film incentive program be included in the anticipated jobs package, which would be considered during the November/December special session.   Legislators are currently considering what they would like to see in the jobs package so please don’t hesitate to let your legislators know that it would be important to include our program renewal in the package. If this does not occur, then our sights will be set on the 2012 Legislative Session, opening January 9, 2012.

The production incentive program remains the best tool that we have to win motion picture business and create a long-term sustainable industry in Washington State.  While we no longer have funding assistance available for productions until after the program is renewed, we will continue serving the film industry through production and location assistance.  Washington Filmworks is deeply committed to the success of the statewide film industry and we look forward to working together to get the production incentive renewed in the coming months!

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FILMWORKS IN THE NEWS

As Washington Filmworks turns its attention to renewing the Production Incentive, we wanted to share with the community a letter that was sent to key legislators who are making considerations for a jobs bill in the upcoming Legislative Special Session.  Washington Filmworks strongly encourages members of the film community to identify their legislators and urge them to include the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program as part of the jobs bill.

Dear Senator,

– Since launching the program in February 2007, a total of 71 projects have completed principal photography with the help of funding assistance from Washington Filmworks including 29 feature films, 5 movies of the week for television and 37 commercials. These 71 projects have injected $69M into our statewide economy, with $31M being spent on wages and benefits for Washington workers and $37.9M being spent with Washington based businesses that rely on film work to keep their doors open and to employ their full time staff.

– The program continues to be the only production incentive nationwide that requires health and retirement benefits to cast & crew. As you consider deeper cuts to social services, the renewal of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program would help ensure that Washington film workers don’t need to rely on the state’s dwindling social services.

– Each year Washington Filmworks has experienced growth, bringing more money to the state and employing more Washington workers. Film professionals differ from a typical 9am – 5pm work force and often work up to 16-hour days on location rain or shine.  They are highly trained workers experienced in their craft that work on a variety of motion picture projects throughout the year.  The projects that the incentive brings to Washington State are consistently the best paying work, ensuring that film workers can support themselves and their families.

– The Motion Picture Competitiveness Program underwent a rigorous review by JLARC, which recommended that the program get renewed because it “is achieving the objective of maintaining Washington’s position as a competitive location for filming.” JLARC’s report also suggested that the film industry has a multiplier effect of 1.99, which means in 5 short years this program has had over $137M of economic impact.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

WASHINGTON FILMWORKS IS LOOKING FOR A WINTER INTERN

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 begin January 1, 2012.

Please note that this is not a production internship.