WASHINGTON FILMWORKS ANNOUNCES

 Washington Filmworks approves funding assistance for a feature film. These projects mark a total of 63 projects approved through the Washington Filmworks program since inception in 2007.

Governor Gregoire has called a special 30-day session that will commence tomorrow to pass a final budget.  The renewal for Washington Filmworks, SB 5539, is considered part of the Senate budget and we are working with House members to get them to adopt the Senate position on this legislation.
 
Since we are not certain when budget agreements will be reached, we urge you to call or write your elected officials.  Please e-mail or call your legislator today! If you've already written, WRITE AGAIN.  For a full list of members of the Legislature, visit the following link:
 
http://www.leg.wa.gov
 
When writing tell your personal story and reference the economic impact of this program in your letter.
 
Economic Impact
 
·      $107.7 million in economic activity since February 2007. December 2010 JLARC study of Washington Filmworks tax credit has a multiplier of 1.99.
 
·      59 projects - 23 feature films, 4 television movies of the week, 32 commercials since February 2007.
 
·      $55 million of direct spending in the state - total spending within the state.
 
Jobs
 
·      Companies exclusively in film provided 1,629 jobs in Washington during 2009, as reported by JLARC. During 2007 - 2009 producers reported 2,066 jobs (estimated based upon Department of Commerce surveys) and in 2010 producers reported creating 1,155 jobs from their film projects. (estimated based on WF Producer Reports).
 
·      Washington Filmworks creates immediate jobs for Washington workers.  Upon approval for funding assistance, film projects go into production within 30 days.
 
·      Washington State is the only program in the country that requires a production to provide health care and retirement benefits.
 
Ask your elected official if they plan to vote for the bill when it comes up for consideration in the House or Senate.  If they respond to your letter, please let us know by forwarding a copy to Info@WashingtonFilmworks.org.

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"PULLING FOCUS" ALMOST HERE

 
The second PULLING FOCUS panel discussion is right around the corner! If you were one of the guests at the fabulous Sorrento Hotel for our March event, you know that PULLING FOCUS is a fantastic opportunity to network with the local film and music community and to learn new ways to do business in the NW.
 
For our May event, the focus of the panel will be producing and the importance a producer can have in a film production.  PULLING FOCUS will take place on May 5 at the Sorrento Hotel in downtown Seattle. Doors at 6:30pm with the panel discussion to begin at 7:00pm. After the discussion, guests are invited to continue the conversation at a reception hosted by the Washington Wine Commission. Keep checking the Washington Filmworks website and our Facebook page for more information regarding the event and pre-sale tickets.

WASHINGTON FILMWORKS LOCATION OF THE MONTH

Washington Filmworks is proud to announce a new feature to the newsletter; The 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 to be featured as a Location of the Month, please submit to us via info@washingtonfilmworks.org.
 
The April Location of the Month is the Production Shop in Burien.  Only 10 minutes from downtown Seattle, this 5300 sq ft black out studio is a perfect place for still photography, or as a film set.  An eclectic collection of props, photography lights, a full kitchen and ample parking.  The Production Shop served as the primary filming location for the 2011 Fly Films, transforming into everything from a hospital ward to the secret sanctum of a superhero.   
 
Those interested in utilizing the Production Shop can reach out to Stacia Beers at stacia@eggbeforechicken.com