Washington Filmworks is pleased to share the news that Governor Jay Inslee included the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program (MPCP) in his proposed supplemental budget released last week.  The proposed budget allocation would be used to “attract motion picture industry to benefit the state economy.” Governor Inslee has been a longtime supporter of the statewide film industry and signed the bill to extend the MPCP into law in 2017. This marks the first time a financial increase has been included in the Governor’s budget.  We would like to thank the Governor and his cabinet agencies for their support and for including this important increase in their agenda. We look forward to working with our champions to make an increase in the MPCP a reality in the  2022 legislative session.

We would also like to thank those who joined us for our Annual Industry Update on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.  It was an evening full of fun and one industry professional summed up the event on Production Peeps as “Cocktail making, giggles and games, a poem, and hope for the new year!”  Not only did Representative Marcus Riccelli make a surprise appearance to talk about the bill that he will introduce in Olympia in January but there was a fierce trivia competition where everyone walked away a winner!  

If you missed the event live, you can catch up on all the fun and news on Washington Filmworks’ YouTube channel here.

BUT before you disconnect for the holidays, help set up the 2022 Keep Film in WA  campaign for success by signing the Petition of Support!

Petition of Support

We are asking Washington resident cast, crew and film supporters across the state to sign the 2022 Keep Film in WA Petition encouraging elected officials to increase funding for the MPCP. We will use this petition on Film Day and throughout the campaign to remind elected officials just how many people in Washington support a vibrant and working film industry.  

Representative Marcus Riccelli 

Will Introduce Bill to Increase Funding For 

Motion Picture Competitiveness Program

Legislation increases funding to $20 million annually.

Rep. Marcus Riccelli, D-3

Washington Filmworks is pleased to announce that longtime champion Representative Marcus Riccelli (D, 3rd LD) will prime sponsor a bill in the next legislative session that will make Washington State’s film industry significantly more competitive.  

In addition to increasing the funding for the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program (MPCP) to $20 million annually, the bill gives Washington Filmworks the statutory authority to expand diversity equity and inclusion programs like its Media Mentorship Program.  Some administrative changes are also included in the legislation such as updating board positions and increasing the total amount any one business can contribute to the fund.  We continue to work with supporters in the Senate on our companion bill.

“We have seen how successful our neighbors in British Columbia and Oregon have been at fostering the film economy. Washington is a scenic wonderland full of talented professionals. This bill will make Washington more competitive and bring more films and their corresponding economic benefits to our state. I am proud to partner with Washington Filmworks to help enact this needed policy to take our creative economy to the next level.” said Representative Marcus Riccelli.

“We spent this summer talking to elected officials about the important role that the film industry plays in supporting Washington’s creative economy,” said Amy Lillard, Executive Director of Washington Filmworks.  “And while Representative Riccelli provides great leadership in Olympia, it’s up to our community to make this happen.  We urge you to show up, tell your story and advocate for a bill that could literally transform Washington State’s film industry.”

What can you do right now to support his effort?  Well, we are glad you asked!

CALL TO ACTION

We are asking Washington resident cast, crew and film supporters across the state to sign the 2022 Keep Film in WA Petition encouraging elected officials to increase funding for the MPCP. We will use this petition on Film Day and throughout the campaign to remind elected officials just how many people in Washington support a vibrant and working film industry.  

Own a business in Washington State that supports the film industry? Keep your eyes on the in box for the Business Letter of Support!

SAVE THE DATE

Washington Filmworks’ (Virtual) Annual Industry update is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14 at 6:00 pm.  Tune in for more breaking news about the bill and to find out how you can participate in the grassroots campaign.  

Got questions?  Send us an email at [email protected].