Washington Filmworks

Washington Filmworks expanded its funding programming in fy 2023 to facilitate changes in the state incentive program. Washington Filmworks launched the small budget production initiative (sbpi) in may 2023 to compliment the legacy production incentive program. Sbpi is designed to support emerging resident filmmakers with early stage funding commitments and funding assistance for projects budgeted between $20,000 and $1 million. Between february 2007 when the program was launched and june 30, 2023, 133 productions have completed principal photography including 50 features, 22 episodic projects, 57 commercials, 3 short films, and 1 virtual reality project. These productions have collectively spent over $160.4 million in communities all across Washington state, while receiving $46.2 million in financial incentives. The return on investment represents real economic development for the state of Washington.

In summer 2023 Washington Filmworks launched fwd, the new workforce development office for the organization. This office uses a community informed approach to create statewide plans, programs, and resources to build the depth and breadth of the statewide film industry workforce. Fwd aims to support and amplify efforts to ensure that the workforce is diverse and inclusive, and that career pathways are equitable and accessible. The first program to be developed is the above the line education forum and mentorship program. This program will invite 30 emerging Washington state directors and producers to participate in a 12 week educational forum who will then become eligible to apply for the mentorship to move their projects forward.