WashingtonFilmWorks at Locations Expo

In April 2008 WashingtonFilmWorks joined representatives from the Washington State Film Office and film liaisons from Seattle, Spokane, Grays Harbor, and the San Juan Islands at Locations Expo. Held at the Santa Monica Civic Center in California, Locations Expo is the largest locations trade show in the world. It offers industry members an opportunity to see and talk face to face with hundreds of film office representatives from all over the world and is attended by thousands of location managers, feature, television, and commercial producers, and studio executives looking for the latest information for filming on location.  

"More than ever before the conversations were about incentives and making deals," said Lindsey Johnson, the interim Manager of the Washington State Film Office. "This year's booth was heavily trafficked giving the opportunity to meet new decision makers and strengthen existing relationships. It also provided the opportunity for film liaisons to participate in marketing the state by sharing their expertise in their particular regions."

LA BASED PRODUCTION COMPANY RETURNS TO WASHINGTON
WashingtonFilmWorks had its first repeat commercial client -- Los Angeles based Sticks + Stones Studios. The company shot two national Lipitor commercials in Tacoma and the San Juans in the spring of 2007 and recently returned to the Jonas Jensen sound stage to complete production on a Washington State Lottery commercial titled "Tumbling." Jason Dennis, the head of production for the company, calls the incentive program a "great promotional tool to showcase Washington's strong film community and diverse locations." Dennis continues, "It has been our intention from the beginning to establish a long-term commitment to filming in Washington and the incentive program has been a big factor in that decision."

For more information on Washington's booming commercial business please see the article by Amy Dee in Media Inc's Production Issue out this month or visit them online at www.MediaInc.com.

FORGING AHEAD We are pleased to announce Governor Gregoire signed bill SSB 6423 into law on March 20, 2008 in Spokane, Washington. The bill, prime sponsored by Lisa Brown (D-Spokane) in the Senate and by Rep. Phyllis Kenney (D-Seattle) in the House, goes far to improve upon the legislation passed in March 2006. The bill as passed makes the following changes to current law: Allows the B&O tax credit to remain at a dollar for dollar credit Eliminates the $1 million per production cap Changes the investment requirement for TV commercials from $250,000 to $150,000 Modifies the governing board to staggered 4-year terms

These changes to the program will be implemented June 12. Thank you to the legislatures and Governor for their support.

NORTHWEST PRODUCTION SUMMIT
WashingtonFilmWorks is partnering with the Seattle International Film Festival, the Mayor's Office of Film and Music, and the Washington State Film Office to launch the First Annual Northwest Production Summit. Held during the final weekend of the festival, the Summit is an intimate invite only 3-day retreat designed to help secure the position of SIFF and Washington State as an industry destination where creativity flourishes and valuable business is conducted. Look for more information on this initiative in our next newsletter.

FUNDRAISING
WashingtonFilmWorks continues its capital campaign and we are pleased to report that we have raised $2.6m to date. We would like to thank our 2008 contributors:

IN THE NEWS

Puget Sound Business Journal
The incentive is creating buzz around the Puget Sound area. Click here to find out more.

Did you know that MovieMaker Magazine recently named Seattle one of the top ten cities to the country to live, work and make movies? Check it out – and notice that Seattle is one step above Portland!

WFW Partners: