FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessie Wilson, Jessie@WashingtonFilmworks.org / 206.264.0667
State Film Program Launches Second Cycle of the Filmworks Innovation Lab
Program designed to commit funding assistance to Washington resident filmmakers and to projects utilizing new forms of production or emerging technologies
Seattle, WA – January 25, 2013 – Washington Filmworks is pleased to announce the launch of the second cycle of the Filmworks Innovation Lab – the “Innovation Cycle.” The program is designed to invest in Washington’s local creative community and to encourage the development of original storytelling that capitalizes on new forms of production and technology. The Washington Filmworks Board of Directors may commit up to $350,000 annually and funds are administered in two cycles.
The inaugural Film Cycle of the Lab was created to nurture traditional forms of filmed entertainment and recently committed funding assistance to five diverse projects from Washington resident filmmakers. These projects go into production throughout 2013. The Innovation Cycle opens this January and is designed to explore the intersection of storytelling and technology. The program challenges creative entrepreneurs to produce motion picture content that traverses multiple delivery platforms.
“The entertainment industry is shifting and adopting alternative distribution paradigms,” says Amy Lillard, Washington Filmworks Executive Director. “Washington State is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this digital revolution, and create revenue streams that integrate our in-state technology resources. Washington Filmworks is passionate about developing programs that empower our local storytellers to lead the innovation revolution. Using our creative capital and technology expertise, we can create a new economic development model for the world to follow.”
The following briefly outlines the eligibility criteria for the Innovation Cycle:
- Motion picture content may be narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, serial, episodic, or other type. Content may be feature-length or short.
- Projects must spend $25,000-$499,999 on qualified in-state expenditures upon award of Filmworks Innovation Lab funding assistance.
- At least 85% of the workforce for the physical production of motion picture content must be Washington residents.
- Projects must use a majority of Washington residents in Key Creative positions.
- Qualified Projects must spend at least 95% of the motion picture content production budget in Washington State.
The level of funding assistance offered through the Filmworks Innovation Lab will be based on the merit of the project and the investment in Washington State’s economy. For the complete Innovation Lab Guidelines and Criteria please visit the following link:
https://www.washingtonfilmworks.org/index.php/InnovationLab/Guidelines/
Since 2007, Washington Filmworks has awarded funding assistance through the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program (MPCP). The MPCP was created by the Legislature specifically for the purpose of “revitalizing the state’s economic, cultural, and educational standing in the market of motion picture production, and assisting and providing services for attracting the film industry” to do business in Washington. In March 2012, new legislation was passed that renewed the MPCP. This new legislation allows Washington Filmworks to commit up to 10% of its annual funding allocation to provide financial support for filmmakers who are Washington residents, and for film projects that are using new forms production.
About WF: Washington Filmworks is the non-profit 501(c)(6) organization that manages the state film and production incentive programs. Its mission is to create economic development opportunities by building and enhancing the competitiveness, profile and sustainability of Washington’s film industry. We do this by creating possibilities for local and national filmmakers, offering comprehensive production support, as well as financial incentives.
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