Filmmakers fight to save state’s movie industry
Mar 1, 2012, 12:34 PM | Updated: 4:05 pm
Film makers warn productions like these and the jobs that come with them will come to an end if the legislature doesn't act by next week on renewing a film incentive program. (Seattle Film Institute image)
(Seattle Film Institute image)
Backers of Washington’s film industry warn it could be
curtains for any new production and all the jobs that go
with it if the Legislature doesn’t approve renewal of an
incentive package before the session ends next week.
“It’s a critical moment. The Legislature is basically
deciding whether they want to have a film industry in the
state or they don’t,” says Amy Lillard, Executive Director
of Washington Filmworks.
The organization is leading the fight for renewal of a
$3.5 million funding package that allows the state to
offer tax breaks and other incentives to lure film and
television production to Washington.
While the Senate
has included the program in its current budget, House
budget writers have so far failed to support the program.
“The program has brought in a total of $69.2 million into
this state. $31.2 goes directly to wages and benefits for
Washington workers and the balance of $38 million went
into supporting Washington based businesses,” says
Lillard.
She says without the program, producers will no longer
bring work to the state, especially since 39 others offer
incentives.
Since the program was created in 2009, it has helped bring
in 71 productions and created nearly 5,000 jobs for
Washington cast and crew members.
“The state has an opportunity to invest $3.5 million into
this program or spend the $3.5 supporting unemployed film
professionals,” Lillard warns.
