The Bills Have DROPPED

Senator Wellman joins Representative Marcus Riccelli

to champion bills to increase funding for the

Motion Picture Competitiveness Program

We are pleased to announce that bills have been introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives to increase funding for the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program to $20 million annually. Senate Bill 5760 (SB 5760) is prime sponsored by Senator Lisa Wellman (D, 41st LD) and House Bill 1914 (HB 1914) is prime sponsored by Representative Marcus Riccelli (D, 3rd LD.)

In addition to increasing funding for the program, the bills also give Washington Filmworks the statutory authority to do career connected learning, workforce development and business development which will allow the organization to expand its groundbreaking 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. 

The bills mirror each other and will be referred to committees in the Senate and House of Representatives. Washington Filmworks will be working with leadership in both chambers to schedule hearings. Representative Shelly Short (R, 7th LD) has also introduced Senate Bill (SB 5640) which increases the fund to $25 million annually and allocates $6.5 million of that money to filming in rural jurisdictions. To get the most up to date information on the bill, sign up for Washington Filmworks’ newsletter. 

Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-41

“Film – major motion pictures, episodic streaming shows, independent and studio productions – are experiencing a surge. Content is definitely king. Washington has cast and crew talent and extraordinary technology support. If we want to support and grow our creative economy, we must compete and offer financial incentives. This bill makes Washington a player and will bring projects and their funds to communities across the state,” said Senator Lisa Wellman.

“It’s a short 60 day session and it’s time to engage,” said Amy Lillard, Executive Director of Washington Filmworks. “Elected officials won’t remember the metrics and data about our program, they will remember your personal story about why film matters to you. Your voice matters in this process and success depends on the community using their voice and our collective power to make this happen.”

What can you do to support the effort? Well, we are glad you asked!

CALL TO ACTION

RSVP FOR FILM DAY

(Virtual) Film Day is Wednesday, January 19. Since Film Day is virtual this year, it means you can advocate for our industry from the comfort of your own living room! RSVP HERE no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, January 17th. Meetings with elected officials will take place via video conference and give our community an opportunity to tell our story and talk about the vital role that film plays in supporting Washington’s creative economy

TUNE IN TO “BEHIND THE OLYMPIA CURTAIN”

To keep up to date on all of the activity during this short 60-day legislative session, tune into “Behind the Olympia Curtain,” our weekly (less than 20 minutes) show LIVE EVERY THURSDAY at 5:00 pm on Washington Filmworks’ YouTube Page. Each show will feature breaking news, special guests and ways that you can get involved with the Keep Film in WA campaign.

Join us this week as we welcome Location Manager Dave Drummond as we talk all about how to make the most out of Film Day 2022.  

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