Welcome to the Keep Film in WA Series – The Faces of Film!
This series aims to shine a spotlight on the people behind the films of Washington State, using portraits of them at work to remind the public and legislators the lives (and livelihoods) that are at stake if the incentive program disappears on June 30. Along with each portrait, the cast or crew member will share in their own words the important role that the incentive has had in creating their career and why it is important to have a vibrant film industry in Washington State. We hope that these photographs serve as inspiration, and that you share your story with us ([email protected]) and social media (#keepfilminwa)—and most importantly with the elected officials that represent you in Olympia!
Name: Joe Reding
Town/city: Spokane, Washington
Describe your work: I am the Key Set Production Assistant for Z Nation. I am in charge of the other PA’s on set. Our goal is to make sure everyone has what they need throughout the day in order for production to run smoothly. We are to inform the cast and crew information given by our directors and first AD.
Why is Washington State a great place to film?
Washington is a great place because it has all the different geography you could ever want to shoot any feature film or television series whether that be forest, desert, or even the city. You also get true seasons to suite any weather the script calls for. It snows in the winter time, is hot in the summer, crisp in the fall, and warm and rainy in the spring.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do? About being on set?
Each day is never the same. You’re always having new experiences on set. My favorite thing on set is being able to see and be apart of how a film or television episode is made. People do not realize how may people it takes to make an episode. You can spend hours shooting a three minute scene and it takes 70 people to make sure that it is perfected.
What would you like legislators to know about the incentive renewal?
This incentive basically creates jobs for people here in Spokane and the state. The incentive is what brings films and shows into the state. Without the incentive, a lot of people will lose work. If we do not get the incentive renewal, I fear for what I would have to do with my career. I want to stay in Washington. I want film to grow and more television series to be filmed here. I love Washington State!
Photo Credit: Daniel Schaefer