Newsletter - July 2010
Washington Filmworks Announces
Washington Filmworks approves funding assistance for a commercial from LA based production company Lodestar Films. This project marks a total of 44 projects approved through the Washington Filmworks program since inception in 2007.
Washington Filmworks is pleased to share the news that Governor Gregoire has appointed Greg Smith to Washington Filmworks' Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2010. Greg is one of two union representatives on the board and joins the seven returning members that were reappointed by Governor Gregoire. With over 20 years of production experience, Greg serves as the President of IATSE 488 and works as a Key Grip on feature films, television commercials and video productions. A lifelong resident of Washington State and currently residing in Tacoma, Greg graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in communications. Welcome, Greg!
Greg replaces former IATSE Business Agent David Robinson. The staff and Board of Directors of Washington Filmworks would like to sincerely thank David for his five years of service. David's passion and commitment for the film community and its crew proved invaluable in the launch and success of the program.
Join Washington Filmworks at FilmPAC
Members of the film community have come together to form FilmPAC, a political action committee designed to honor elected leaders who have a strong record of supporting film. With competitive election campaigns for House and Senate members in the fall, FilmPAC will be hosting an event in Seattle this August to show support both philosophically and financially.
Monday, August 2
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Spitfire
(2219 4th Ave/ between Bell and Blanchard)
For more information or to RSVP please contact Ron Leamon at Cotone47@aol.com
Washington Filmworks hosts Industry Roundtable Meeting
On June 30 members of Washington Filmworks' Industry Roundtable convened for a meeting at the Hotel Ändra. At the meeting Executive Director, Amy Lillard Dee presented a status report on Washington Filmworks' goals while Legislative Committee Chair Don Jensen discussed the upcoming renewal campaign for the 2011 legislative session.
Formed in 2008, the Industry Roundtable consists of a group of industry professionals who meet twice a year to discuss trends, share ideas and propose initiatives for a sustainable local industry.
Washington Filmworks Around Town
Night School at the Sorrento with Phil Campbell and Charles Mudede
On Thursday, July 8 the Sorrento Hotel as part of its Night School Series hosted Phil Campbell, author of Zioncheck For President. Zioncheck is the true story about the 2001 race for Seattle City Council which is currently being turned into the feature film Grassroots directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal and shooting this summer around Seattle. Washington Filmworks joined guests in listening as Phil shared stories of what it was like being asked by veteran filmmaker Stephen Gyllenhaal to make Zioncheck for President into a feature film. Phil was joined by filmmaker Charles Mudede, celebrated for Police Beat and Zoo in an evening of philosophical musing, shared stories, and animated conversations.
Night School at the Sorrento is a collaboration between The Sorrento, Michael Hebberoy, an array of intellectuals, artists, writers, filmmakers, mixologists, chefs and the leading cultural institutions in the Northwest. For more information on upcoming events please visit: http://www.nightnightnight.com/
GRASSROOTS "Campaign" Party!
On Sunday, July 18 Washington Filmworks' staff and members of the board joined the cast/crew of Grassroots in a party to celebrate the production reaching its halfway point. The event was sponsored by Vitamin Water and held at Capitol Hills event venue Sole Repair. Check out some of the evenings photos from the below links:
Seattle Weekly
Seattle Met Magazine
Seattle Chamber Music Society's Summer Music Festival
On Saturday, July 24, Executive Director Amy Lillard Dee had the absolute pleasure of attending the Seattle Chamber Music Society's Summer Music Festival with Board President Jim Penney. Throughout the evening, Amy and Jim exchanged stories about the film and music creative communities and both the recital and concert proved to be unforgettable! If you have not yet attended the Chamber's Summer Music Festival, there's still time! For dates and ticket information visit www.SeattleChamberMusic.org.
Film, Music, Digital Media Happy Hour Tomorrow
You are invited to the Film, Music and Digital Media Happy Hour sponsored by the Seattle Office of Film + Music, Washington Filmworks, the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Recording Academy, and Washington Interactive Network.
Happy Hours are hosted at Spitfire, located at 2219 4th Ave in Belltown (Between Blanchard and Bell).
Seattle has been a growing hub for film, music and digital media over the past several years, and it is vital for these three communities to interact for our city to continue to thrive. This Happy Hour offers just such an environment for people from these industries to socialize, network, and build a unified community.
The Happy Hour events are held the last Wednesday of every month from 5 to 7pm. Attendance at this event is limited to industry representatives and not open to the general public. You must be 21 + to attend. We hope to see you there!
Around the State
Port Townsend Film Festival and Film 2880
Mark your calendars: Pacific Northwest Film Financing Townhall: Networking & Education for Filmmakers & Financiers
The east side of the state is seeing familiar faces on the set of "Knights of Badassdom"
Couchfest Films
Too many Washington and Seattle movies are filmed out of state / Seattle Times
'Grassroots' Effort Could Be Start of Something Big / The Wrap
National Industry News
Independent Films' New Path to Financing / Huffington Post
Trends in Micro Budgets / Filmmaker Magazine
25 New Faces / Filmmaker Magazine
For Web-Financed Film Projects, a Curtain Rises / NY Times