WASHINGTON FILMWORKS ANNOUNCES
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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! _________________________________________________________
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, We are writing to urge you to include the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program as part of a jobs package you are currently considering. The Motion Picture Competitiveness Program continues to be the best tool that Washington State has to win motion picture business and to keep film industry professionals employed. – 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.
A bill to renew the program was introduced during the 2011 legislative session and passed out of the Senate with a vote of 30 – 16. However the bill was not considered by the full House. This program has proven to be a viable and important economic development opportunity for the state. Without the incentive the investment in the state will vanish, as will all of the employment opportunities it provides. Once again we urge you to include the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program as part of the jobs package you are currently considering. Thank you for your time and consideration. |
A MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON FILMWORKS BOARD CHAIR BECKY BOGARD
The Seattle Office of Film + Music in partnership with Washington Filmworks, GeekWire, the Art Institute of Seattle and the Recording Academy Pacific Northwest Chapter, invites you to attend the monthly Happy Hour at Spitfire in Belltown. The Happy Hour is a meet up for leaders in film, music and interactive industries to share, learn and make meaningful business connections. Join us this Wednesday October 26th for a presentation from special guest speaker Kraig Baker. GET OUT THERE: Digital Distribution and the Benefits of Multi-Platform Storytelling As a creative storyteller, you want to be able to own and control your work. But don’t let your work limit the opportunities and channels available to get your creation out into the world. Kraig Baker’s expertise in digital media law has found him representing companies and clients across all spectrums of the film, music and interactive industries. He will break down distribution deals from the side of the distributor and explain various models for delivering your work to a public audience. Learn from the success stories that he has facilitated and gain insight into effectively reaching your target audience. Web page: http://www.dwt.com/People/KraigLMariniBaker Join us in the converging world of original music, independent films, interactive platforms and emerging technologies! This event is open to the public. You must be 21 + to attend. And be sure to visit http://fmihappyhour.com/ for news about upcoming Happy Hour speakers! ______________________________________________________________________________
WE WANT YOU TO BE A PART OF WASHINGTON FILMWORKS
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. Detailed Job Responsibilities Include – Contributions to the Washington Filmworks newsletter 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. ______________________________________________________________________________
LOCATION OF THE MONTH Washington Filmworks is proud to announce October’s Location of the Month. This featured location will help showcase the wealth of diversity in locations across our state. If you have a location you’d like featured as a Location of the Month, please submit to us via info@washingtonfilmworks.org.
In honor of Halloween our October’s Location of the Month is the historic Ivy Hill House located in Snohomish. Built in 1886 this Victorian style house has been used as a haunted house since the 1960’s. Rumors persist to this day that the specter of a former resident still roams the house. Located on the top of a hill on an expansive property that serves as an artist space and a private home, Ivy Hill is ideal for film locations photo shoots, or trick-or-treaters!
For inquires about Ivy Hill or any locations of interest, please check our locations database by following this link http://wa.reel-scout.com/loc_search.aspx or feel free to contact info@washingtonfilmworks.org for contact information for the property owner, permitting, and details for filming. |