Seattle Office of Economic Development is now accepting applications and nominations to seat new commissioners representing 11 film industry-related disciplines.
The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) is accepting applications and nominations to establish an 11-member film commission. Applications and nominations will be accepted online from March 2 through March 12, 2023. The establishment of the Seattle Film Commission is a joint effort between the Harrell Administration, OED, and Seattle Councilmember Sara Nelson. This new advisory body will partner with the City and make recommendations on the development of policies and programs that enhance the economic development of Seattle’s film industry.
“Seattle belongs on the big screen, and the new Film Commission will inform our tireless efforts to promote this city as a first-rate filming destination, re-energizing our creative economy and generating exciting new opportunities for local talent and visionaries to tell their stories,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell.
“I’m excited to welcome the committed, passionate, and experienced film industry professionals who step forward to help strengthen Seattle’s film industry and attract new production as this casting call for Seattle Film Commission talent goes live! Their expertise and guidance will help drive economic growth and equity in Seattle’s creative sector and beyond,” said Councilmember Sara Nelson (Position 9, Citywide).
The City and new film commission will focus on growth opportunities for local film industry businesses and workers, connect talent to quality jobs, advance racial equity within the industry, and make Seattle an attractive location for film production. Following the review of all applications and nominations, five members will be selected and seated by the mayor, five will be selected and seated by city council, and one will be selected and seated by the commission once assembled. The positions for this commission include:
- Position 1: On-screen talent or their representatives.
- Position 2: Film industry labor unions.
- Position 3: Advertising and creative agencies.
- Position 4: Commercial producers or production companies.
- Position 5: Film schools, film programs, or film educators.
- Position 6: Post-production companies and personnel, such as editors, composers, and post-supervisors.
- Position 7: Film production crew, including but not limited to props, sets, wardrobe, make-up, hair, camera, grip, and electric.
- Position 8: Film festivals or film content distribution companies.
- Position 9: Film location managers.
- Position 10: Film organizations belonging to and advocating for communities underrepresented in the film industry.
- Position 11: Immersive technology (such as augmented, extended, mixed, and virtual reality) and emerging technology businesses.
“Seattleites are some of the most creative and innovative people around. We are intentionally recruiting applicants and nominees with diverse backgrounds, lived experience, and industry expertise to help us support and grow our local film industry and workforce,” said Markham McIntyre, Director of the Office of Economic Development. “The expansion of the state film incentive program and King County’s investments in the Harbor Island Studio are big wins that the City and this new commission can build on as we work to draw more and bigger filmmaking opportunities to Seattle and invest in the visionaries that call our city home.”
Individuals interested in being considered for the film commission can apply through the online portal here. Applicants must complete the online form, submit a resume, and provide a brief statement of intent describing their qualifications for the position they are applying for.
Additionally, community members can nominate an individual for the commission through the online portal here. To nominate someone for the film commission, community members must complete the nomination form and describe the qualifications of the individual being nominated for the associated position.
Applications and nominations must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2023. The application and nomination forms must be submitted in English; however, bilingual staff are available to assist the public in completing the forms or answer questions. To request translation or interpretation services, please call (206) 684-8090 and provide a name, phone number, preferred language, and the type of support needed.
“Film continues to be a cornerstone of the creative economy that provides family wage jobs for our local cast and crew and invests millions of dollars into main street businesses. As the largest film production center in Washington State, the City of Seattle is poised to benefit greatly from the recent increase in the production incentive program from $3.5M a year to $15M,” said Amy Lillard, Executive Director of Washington Filmworks. “We are looking forward to partnering with the City and the Seattle Film Commission to market the incredible locations in Washington State so that audiences around the world can enjoy and appreciate all that we have to offer.”
“It has been a long road to see our dream of the Seattle Film Commission come to light. It was a joy working with the Film Task Force laying out the groundwork for the commission and building out something that will carry us for decades as we grow our industry to rival the others, while providing more opportunities for workers here of all races, cultures, and genders in Seattle. I am excited and I hope you are too,” said Anthony Tackett, former Chair of the Film Task Force, Founder of Filmmakers of the African Diaspora, and Director of Operations at the Seattle Film Institute.
For over 75 years, Seattle has made its mark on the film scene as a production center for landmark films, compelling television series and successful commercial campaigns. The Seattle Film Commission is the first ordained film industry advisory body in Washington State. Legislation to establish the Seattle Film Commission was developed by Councilmember Sara Nelson (Position 9, Citywide) in collaboration with the Office of Economic Development and signed into law by Mayor Harrell in September 2022. The Seattle Film Commission was a key recommendation of the 2020 Film Task Force, a group of film industry and community stakeholders that was assembled to advise the City on the development of policies and programs that impact the local film industry. The Seattle Film Commission will be administered by the Office of Economic Development, which champions inclusive economic growth to make sure everyone in Seattle can enjoy quality jobs at thriving businesses in vibrant neighborhoods. Click here to read the Seattle Film Commission Ordinance, and here to read more about Seattle’s Boards and Commissions.
OED is committed to shaping the future of Seattle’s economy to be more inclusive so that everyone can enjoy quality jobs at growing businesses in vibrant neighborhoods. To achieve these goals, OED is pursuing five strategic priorities to increase economic inclusion: business success and growth, talent, wealth creation, vibrant neighborhoods, and regional alignment. Learn more about our mission and our programs at seatle.gov/OED.