Educational Opportunities
Looking to grow your industry knowledge? Check out our list of film-related educational opportunities in Washington State.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Washington Filmworks is moving film FORWARD
Built for the long game, our workforce development programs are leveling up our future job creators and building the crew base needed to sustain a thriving Washington Film Industry.
Why Workforce Development?
In 2022, landmark legislation allocated funding specifically for workforce development, particularly in service of historically underrepresented communities*. Workforce development can vary by sector and place, but it encompasses programming and initiatives that educate, train, and prepare workers to meet the current and future needs of an industry. Key collaborators within workforce development include: employers, educational institutions, unions, individuals, government agencies, and community-based organizations.
“If we don’t take the time and the energy and the resources to invest in our future, we’re not going to have one. It is so important to our entire state film ecosystem that we are investing in filmmakers who are going to make their films here and make their careers here.”
– Lacey Leavitt Gray, Film Producer
“We need tomorrow’s filmmakers, and we need to start working with them today.”
– Dan Merchant, Film Producer
What is FWD?
FWD (pronounced “forward”) is a community-informed approach to create statewide plans, programs, and resources to build the depth and breadth of the Washington film industry workforce, while supporting and amplifying efforts to ensure that workforce is diverse and inclusive, and that pathways are equitable and accessible.
Workforce Development Programs
Resources for Washington Filmmakers
Production Directory
If you are a Washington resident crew member or a registered Washington business, you can create your own listing in our Production Directory for free.
Keep in Touch
Contact Us
Got questions? Email the Workforce Development Department at FWD@WashingtonFilmworks.org.
Mailing List
Stay up to date with all things Washington Filmworks by joining our email mailing list.
Underrepresented Communities Definition*
Underrepresented communities refers to groups of persons who have been relegated to an unimportant or powerless position such that they are prevented from participating fully in decisions affecting their lives. People may experience further marginalization because of their intersecting identities. They are often communities or populations that face systemic economic, political, social, and cultural barriers, many of them embedded in local laws and norms. The term encompasses communities with a shared experience of marginalization stemming from circumstances beyond their control. Underrepresented communities often include Black, Latino, Indigenous and American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, and other persons of color, members of religious minorities, refugees, migrants, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA2S+) persons, rural communities, formerly incarcerated persons, persons experiencing homelessness, and persons with disabilities.