So Much To Celebrate at SIFF
The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is one of North America’s preeminent film events, and is the most highly attended film festival in the U.S., hosting more than 150,000 patrons in 2011. The 25-day event offers huge exposure for the talented filmmakers who are fortunate enough to earn a coveted slot. Washington-produced films have been featured throughout SIFF’s 38-year history, but 2012 is a year for the record books. For the first time SIFF will showcase a locally produced Opening Night Gala Film. Seattle’s own Lynn Shelton directed “Your Sister’s Sister”. The film stars Emily Blunt, Rosemarie DeWitt and Mark Duplass, but it also showcases the talents of many local cast and crew, as well as the natural beauty of the film’s principal location – the San Juan Islands.
Washington Filmworks will be at SIFF as part of their Filmmakers Forums and Digital Media Lab series. We will be hosting a FREE information session on May 19th at 4:00 p.m. at the SIFF Film Center. The program, entitled We Did It! Now What?!?!, will discuss our film community’s recent success renewing Washington’s Motion Picture Competitiveness Program, and will address how the film office, the production incentive, and the statewide industry can work together to make the most of the future of filmmaking in our state.
“The 2012 Northwest Connections lineup is one of the best ever – with over 50 films from the NW, SIFF is really proud be be showcasing such imaginative and well made films” says Beth Barrett, Director of Programming at SIFF. “Of the 14 feature length films at the Festival this year, six of them were directly incentivized through Washington Filmworks, and I know that many of the other films were indirectly affected by the support of the incentive to filmmakers in WA state.”
We’re ecstatic that six incentive films will screen during SIFF 2012. There’s a little something for every kind of film fan, so you won’t have any excuses not to take in one, or all, of these fantastic movies. Invite a friend, or better yet, invite your legislators to celebrate all the great work coming out of Washington State.
CHECK OUT ALL SIX INCENTIVE FILMS PLAYING AT SIFF 2012
There are several opportunities for you to see the World Premiere of ‘Camilla Dickinson‘, based on the novel by Madeleine L’Engle, and directed by Cornelia Duryée Moore.
Jacob Aaron Estes wrote and directed ‘The Details‘, which is SIFF’s June 8th Friday Gala Film. Tobey Macguire and Elizabeth Banks star in this dark comedy set and shot in Seattle.
Fresh off her tour de force at SXSW, local director Megan Griffiths brings ‘Eden‘ to SIFF. Take in an amazing film and experience the diversity of Washington, which doubles for the American Southwest.
‘Fat Kid Rules The World‘ directed by Mathew Lillard, will screen throughout the festival. This family-friendly feature is also the Opening Night Film for the Renton leg of SIFF 2012.
Experience monorail-mania in ‘Grassroots‘ at the SIFF Closing Night Gala. This film, directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, showcases the entertaining side of politics and stars Jason Biggs and Cedric the Entertainer.
Colin Trevorrow’s ‘Safety Not Guaranteed‘ was a hit at Sundance. You can catch it this summer in theaters, but see it first at SIFF. Meet the film’s stars and celebrate with local cast and crew.
See you at SIFF 2012, Washington!
Fore! for Film
If you were in Downtown Seattle during lunchtime you might have found yourself in the middle of a golf driving range. Rest assured, you weren’t imagining things. The Washington Filmworks Team headed down the street to 2nd Ave., between University and Seneca, to check out all of the activity.
Intuit GoPayment teamed up with golf pro Jeff Coston to shoot a national commercial. The Seattle Office of Economic Development was key in bringing the commercial to Seattle. They viewed the event as a great way to celebrate the fact that commercial and corporate work is a cornerstone of our local film industry, accounting for one third of all permitted film projects in Seattle.
If you’d like to learn more, head over to the Downtown Seattle page. They’ve got more details on the economic impact of the commercial shoot. That little newspaper the New York Times also has a write-up. Washington Filmworks would like to give kudos to the Seattle Office of Film + Music for their role in getting this shoot up and running. If making it possible to setup a driving range in the middle of downtown isn’t customer service, we don’t know what is.
We’re Open For Business
The phones have been ringing like mad around here lately, but there’s been a momentary lull this afternoon, so we’re seizing the opportunity to blog…
Washington Filmworks would like to announce we are officially accepting applications for projects that meet the following in-state spending thresholds:
- $500,000 Feature Films
- $300,000 Episodic Television
- $150,000 Commercials
We offer funding assistance on qualified in-state expenditures, including labor and talent who are Washington residents.
Our Board of Directors is working hard to implement exciting new aspects of the legislation that recently renewed the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program. In the mean time, we have 3.5 million dollars annually to allocate towards production in Washington State.
If you have a project that qualifies for funding assistance, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (206) 264-0667.
Great Things Are In Store
Last night (March 29, 2012) Governor Gregoire signed E2SSB 5539, the bill that renews the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program. Several members of the film community were in attendance, along with representatives from Washington Filmworks, our lobbying team, legislative staffers, and bill champions Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Representative Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney and Representative Ed Orcutt. This action reinstates the program that ended last year and establishes a new sunset date in June of 2017.
Renewal of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program will allow Washington Filmworks to once again raise 3.5 million dollars per year to help bring film production to our state. The phones are already ringing off the hook and staff is fielding inquiries from projects interested in filming here this summer. As a reminder the new law will not go into effect until June of 2012.
We wanted to take a moment to let you know what to expect in the interim period. Washington Filmworks’ board and staff are working diligently to implement this new legislation. There are exciting program updates ahead and we will share them once those are confirmed. We are also planning a series of informative and celebratory events to take place across Washington. More details to come soon.
Great things are in store. We will share more as we are able. Congratulations, Washington!
Exciting Breaking News – Gov. to Sign E2SSB 5539
URGENT – Please Write Gov. Gregoire
Our legislative team has reiterated how vital it is that supporters of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program continue to file “letters of opinion” in support of 2ESSB 5539.
As of this afternoon we are still waiting for Governor Gregoire to sign 2ESSB 5539, the bill that renews the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program, into law. We have confirmation that her office has received the bill. Legislators remain in special session and many bills that require action from the Governor’s Office are pending.
Our legislative team is still in Olympia, putting pressure on the Governor to sign the bill prior to the March 31st midnight deadline. As many media headlines have indicated, the House and Senate remain in the middle of difficult budget negotiations. This has delayed the Governor’s signature on many pieces of legislation.
If you have already written, please write again and help spread the word. Do not delay.
Washington Makes Great Films
Today, Business Insider released an article entitled ‘The 10 Movies From SXSW That Are Most Likely To Be Hits‘. Washington filmmakers have so much to celebrate. Three of ten features from this list were filmed in our state – ‘Eden’, ‘Fat Kid Rules the World’, and ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’. Not only were these films produced in Washington, but they were all participants in the 2011 Motion Picture Competitiveness Program. Washington Filmworks is very proud to have been a part of these productions.
Take a moment to appreciate the magnitude of this achievement. With a modest incentive, Washington has fostered 1/3 of the films from this list. Not only are these movies charming critics, but they are hits with festival audiences and juries. For example, ‘Eden’ recently took home the SXSW Audience Award and director Megan Griffiths shared the Emergent Narrative Woman Director Award.
As we wait for Governor Gregoire to sign 2ESSB 5539 into law, Washington Filmworks has put out a call to our states’ film community to file “letters of opinion” in support of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program. It is so important that we share our successes with our elected officials. As you include your personal story in your letter to the Governor, don’t hesitate to include the amazing achievements of films produced in Washington State.
Congratulations to everyone in our film community who was a part of these projects!
Help Our Bill Become Law
Now that 2ESSB 5539 has passed out of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the bill has been sent to Govenor Gregoire’s office for her signature. The Governor has 20 days to sign the bill. Once signed, it will officially become law 90 days after the end of the 2012 legislative session (early June).
Our leglislative team in Olympia has indicated that it is important for film industry professionals to contact Governor Gregoire’s office to file what are referred to as “letters of opinion” in support of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program (2ESSB 5539). The more letters her office receives, the more likely a bill signing ceremony will be scheduled quickly.
In writing to Governor Gregoire, please share your personal story. Explain how this program has impacted your life and the life of your family. Also, feel free to cite some of the economic impact and jobs information we have included below.
Economic Impact
- Since launching the program in February 2007, a total of 71 projects have completed principal photography with the help of funding assistance through Washington Filmworks. This resulted in $69.2M of direct spending in our statewide economy, with $31.2M spent on wages and benefits for Washington workers and $38M spent with Washington based businesses that rely on film work to keep their doors open and to employ their full time staff.
- JLARC estimated that each dollar spent in Washington by the film industry yields $1.99 of economic activity in the state and local economies. This means that the $20M of funding assistance committed to productions has generated $137.7M of economic activity (benefits 689% greater than costs).
Jobs
- During 2007 – 2011 funding recipients provided 4211 jobs to film crews. An additional 681 jobs were created for actors and 4883 jobs were created for extras.
- Washington Filmworks creates immediate jobs for Washington workers. Upon approval for assistance, film projects go into production within 30 days.
- Washington State is the only film incentive program in the country that requires a production to provide health care and retirement benefits for local workers.
Thank You for Your Support
Congratulations. The film community’s vigilance and support were integral to the successful renewal of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program. Throughout the campaign, Washington Filmworks’ Board and Staff were inspired by your passion, determination and resolve. Thank you for all that you’ve done!
As we celebrate this success, it is important that we recognize the elected officials who made it a reality. Below you will find a comprehensive list of Senators and Representatives who voted in favor of the film bill.
Our partners at IndieClub have updated indieclub.com/wasupport with a simple thank you note. If your elected officials voted yes for the program, please take five minutes to send them a note of thanks. As always, we encourage you to personalize the letter to highlight how this program impacts you and your livelihood. http://www.indieclub.com/wasupport
Governor Gregoire has 20 days to sign the bill into law. Once the signing ceremony has been scheduled, we will ask the film community to contact Governor Gregoire’s office to file what is referred to as “letters of opinion” in support of the film bill.
Once again we thank you for your support and we will update you shortly about the bill signing.
Representatives and Senators who voted in favor of SB5539
District 1: Rep. Derek Stanford, Rep. Luis Moscoso, Senator Rosemary McAuliffe
District 2: Rep. J.T. Wilcox, Rep. Jim McCune, Senator Randi Becker
District 3: Rep. Andy Billig, Rep. Timm Ormsby, Senator Lisa Brown
District 4: Rep. Larry Crouse, Rep. Matt Shea, Senator Mike Padden
District 5: Rep. Glenn Anderson, Rep. Jay Rodne
District 6: Rep. John Ahern, Rep. Kevin Parker, Senator Michael Baumgartner
District 7: Rep. Shelly Short, Senator Bob Morton
District 8: Rep. Brad Klippert, Rep. Larry Haler, Senator Jerome Delvin
District 9: Rep. Joe Schmick, Rep. Susan Fagan
District 10: Rep. Barbara Bailey, Rep. Norma Smith, Senator Mary Margaret Haugen
District 11: Rep. Bob Hasegawa, Rep. Zack Hudgins, Senator Margarita Prentice
District 12: Rep. Cary Condotta, Rep. Mike Armstrong
District 13: Rep. Bill Hinkle, Rep. Judy Warnick, Senator Janea Holmquist Newbry
District 14: Rep. Charles Ross, Rep. Norm Johnson, Senator Curtis King
District 15: Rep. Bruce Chandler
District 16: Rep. Maureen Walsh, Rep. Terry Nealey, Senator Mike Hewitt
District 17: Rep. Paul Harris, Rep. Tim Probst, Senator Don Benton
District 18: Rep. Ann Rivers, Rep. Ed Orcutt, Senator Joseph Zarelli
District 19: Rep. Brian Blake, Rep. Dean Takko, Senator Brian Hatfield
District 20: Rep. Gary Alexander, Senator Dan Swecker
District 21: Rep. Marko Liias, Rep. Mary Helen Roberts, Senator Paull Shin
District 22: Rep. Sam Hunt, Senator Karen Fraser
District 23: Rep. Drew Hansen, Rep. Sherry Appleton, Senator Christine Rolfes
District 24: Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, Rep. Steve Tharinger, Senator James Hargrove
District 25: Rep. Bruce Dammeier, Rep. Hans Zeiger
District 26: Rep. Jan Angel, Rep. Larry Seaquist, Senator Derek Kilmer
District 27: Rep. Jeannie Darneille, Rep. Laurie Jinkins
District 28: Rep. Tami Green, Rep. Troy Kelley
District 29: Rep. Connie Ladenburg, Rep. Steve Kirby, Senator Steve Conway
District 30: Rep. Katrina Asay, Rep. Mark Miloscia, Senator Tracey Eide
District 31: Rep. Cathy Dahlquist, Rep. Christopher Hurst, Senator Pam Roach
District 32: Rep. Cindy Ryu, Rep. Ruth Kagi, Senator Maralyn Chase
District 33: Rep. Dave Upthegrove, Rep. Tina Orwall, Senator Karen Keiser:
District 34: Rep. Eileen Cody, Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Senator Sharon Nelson
District 35: Rep. Fred Finn, Rep. Kathy Haigh, Senator Tim Sheldon
District 36: Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, Rep. Reuven Carlyle, Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles
District 37: Rep. Eric Pettigrew, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, Senator Adam Kline
District 38: Rep. John McCoy, Rep. Mike Sells, Senator Nick Harper
District 39: Rep. Dan Kristiansen, Rep. Kirk Pearson, Senator Val Stevens
District 40: Rep. Jeff Morris, Rep. Kristine Lytton, Senator Kevin Ranker
District 41: Rep. Judy Clibborn, Rep. Marcie Maxwell, Senator Steve Litzow
District 42: Rep. Jason Overstreet, Rep. Vincent Buys, Senator Doug Ericksen
District 43: Rep. Frank Chopp, Rep. Jamie Pedersen, Senator Ed Murray
District 44: Rep. Hans Dunshee, Rep. Mike Hope, Senator Steve Hobbs
District 45: Rep. Larry Springer, Rep. Roger Goodman
District 46: Rep. Gerry Pollet, Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney, Senator David Frockt
District 47: Rep. Mark Hargrove, Rep. Pat Sullivan, Senator Joe Fain:
District 49: Rep. Jim Moeller, Rep. Sharon Wylie, Senator Craig Pridemore
Breaking News: House Passes Film Bill – 92 to 6
The House of Representatives passed E2SSB 5539, the bill to renew the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program, with a vote of 92 to 6. Governor Gregoire has 20 days to sign the bill in to law. We will let you know as soon as the bill signing is scheduled.
