Newsletter - March 2010
A Note from Executive Director Amy Lillard Dee
As many in the community know, Washington Filmworks and the Seattle Office of Film + Music recently partnered to pitch Fox Television Studios and American Movie Classics on filming a new series in Washington called, "The Killing," a one-hour political and police drama set in Seattle. Despite an amazing and collaborative effort made by the film and business communities, the studio decided to take the production north of the border.
The pitch to bring the project to Washington State was a true testament to the dedication and passion of our community. James Keblas and I remain resolved that we put our best foot forward and with the support of the community did everything possible to secure the project. We would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts made by the following partners:
Mike McGinn, Mayor of Seattle
John Diaz, Interim Chief of Police for the Seattle Police Department
The Board of Washington Filmworks
Bob Riggs, IASTE
Tom George, Teamster Local 174
Dena Beatty, Screen Actors Guild
Marty Oppenheimer, Washington Entertainment Players Association
Lance Rosen, Rosen Lewis
Argosy
Caffé Ladro
Seattle Magazine
Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
Seattle Mariners
Sorrento Hotel
Space Needle
Washington Wine Commission
We would like to emphasize that we were incredibly close to landing this project. Ultimately the studio could not commit to shooting here because our production incentive program has comparatively limited funds and is up for renewal in 2011. This experience is yet another reminder that we will need your support to help us get the program renewed during the next legislative session. In the coming months we will share with you in this newsletter and on our website, ways in which you can support this on going effort.
Washington Filmworks Announces Washington Filmworks approves funding assistance for the feature film "Gideon's Gift" and a commercial from production company Catch 22. These projects mark a total of 40 projects approved through the Washington Filmworks program since inception in 2007.
The feature film "Late Autumn" which spent approximately 37 shooting days around the Seattle area in locations such as SoDo, Georgetown, Seattle Center, Gasworks Park, and Pioneer Square wrapped production on Tuesday, March 2nd. Directed by Tae-Yong Kim and starring Chinese actress Tang Wei South Korean popular Korean Actor Hyun Bin, the project received unprecedented recognition in major Seattle publications and created quite a buzz within the local community:
Publications:
Seattle P.I Seattle P.ISeattle Times Seattle TimesBlogs:
Capitol Hill Queen AnneFremontBallardWashington Filmworks Staying Connected Washington Filmworks recently launched a program for staff called "Coffee Talk." "Coffee Talk" is a series of casual conversations held every-other-Friday with leaders from the film and business communities to discuss trends, events and politics happening around the state. These discussions allow us to talk about potential areas of collaboration as well as Washington Filmworks' mission and goals. Our first conversation was held on Friday, February 26th with Elaine Ethier, the Director of Institutional Advancement for the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). In addition to learning about the capital campaign to raise funds for the rehabilitation of their future home, the landmark Naval Reserve in South Lake Union, staff also learned about the upcoming exhibit "Celluloid Seattle: A City at the Movies," which opens this fall. The exhibit includes activities and events that will engage the public in critical thinking about how Seattle is pictured through the lens of popular culture. For more information visit
www.SeattleHistory.org.
Staff also had the pleasure of meeting with and learning from Tom George, the business agent for Teamster Local 174, the union that represents local drivers and location managers. Tom spent an extensive amount of time de-mystifying the contracts and talking about how producers can best work with the union.
Washington Filmworks recently invited crewmembers from the organizations Industry Roundtable advisory board to attend an informational session to learn more about what we do and how we do it. During the two-hour work session, each staff person talked in depth about their annual work plan and some of the triumphs and tribulations of the past and present.
Washington Filmworks Around Town Industry Achievement Awards
In an effort to stay up-to-date on digital technology trends and to learn more about how the film industry may capitalize, Washington Filmworks attended the Industry Achievement Awards, sponsored by Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) the largest state-wide association of technology companies and executives. The event recognizes local companies, individuals and students who demonstrate innovation and excellence.
"$5 Cover: Seattle" Premiere
On March 1st Washington Filmworks attended the premier of Lynn Shelton's music series "$5 Cover: Seattle" held at SIFF Cinema. Check out the
Seattle Times review of the event.
Mark Your Calendars Washington Filmworks in partnership with IFP/Seattle, Northwest Film Forum, Northwest Screenwriters Guild, Seattle Film Institute, Seattle International Film Festival, Seattle Office of Film + Music, and Women in Film are pleased to present:
Pulling Focus, a series of three panels about the business of film. The colorful and charismatic Warren Etheredge from The Warren Report will moderate the three panels. Sponsored by the Sorrento Hotel the three panels will be held at the Top of the Town Suite on:
Tuesday, April 6
Tuesday, May 4
Tuesday, May 11
The first panel on Tuesday, April 6 will feature a candid conversation with Veteran Producer Jay Stern ("Rush Hour 1, 2, 3," "Money Talks," "Loves Jones").
Following each moderated discussion guests will be invited to continue the conversation at a cocktail reception in the Sorrento Hotel Penthouse with wine sponsored by the Washington Wine Commission. For more information please visit Washington Filmworks NEWS + EVENTS.
SIP + SCREEN
Sip and Screen at the W Hotel will be hosting acclaimed Hollywood Director / Editor / Composer John Ottman on Wednesday, April 7th. Moderated by Warren Etheredge. Get tickets at Brown Paper Tickets.
Washington Filmworks Announces Oscar Benefit Winner On Sunday, March 7th Washington Filmworks hosted its 2nd Annual - no frills just fun - Oscar® Benefit at the Spitfire in Belltown. With close to 100 people in attendance, each guest paid $10 at the door, raising close to $1000. Washington Filmworks would like to congratulate Seattle based production coordinator Zita Mazzola who won the Oscar pool and donated the proceeds to Women in Film. For more information on Women in Film please visit:
Women in Film.
Washington Filmworks AnswersWashington Filmworks strives to bring the filmmaking community the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about locations and production resources throughout the state. In our ongoing effort to help educate and empower the local community, we are debuting a new section of the newsletter called Washington Filmworks: Answers. Each month this section will feature a frequently asked question and its answer to help make you a more informed filmmaker. Enjoy the information and if you have a specific question you would like answered feel free to send us an email at info@washingtonfilmworks.org.
Can I volunteer on a Film Set?
Volunteers are not allowed in a "for-profit" business. Any individual, partnership,
association, corporation, business trust, or any person or group of persons acting
directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer, who permits any individual to work, is subject to the provisions of the Minimum Wage Act.
For more information:
http://lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRights/files/policies/esa1.pdfAround the StateThree Minute Master Piece Returns. Entries due no later than April 26.Misadventures of the Seattle Film SceneSeattle Film Institute Spring Open House / Free WorkshopsMatthew Barney's Cremaster Cycle: SIFF Cinema Seattle Jewish Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winners Announced
KNIFVES is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing an open forum to all Inland Northwest Film, Video and Live Entertainment professionalsTacoma Film Festival Submission Deadlines
Guerilla Film Project 2010 Winners AnnouncedNW Projections Film FestivalPickford Cinema featured at Sundance and in VarietyNational Industry News Tribeca Film signs on as US Distributor of Little Dizzle!Filmmakers DIY approach to Distribution in NYCHave you heard about the Workbook ProjectDIY Days