When you think of a movie set, you likely picture a Hollywood studio lot filled with lights, cameras, and lots of set pieces. The set of Cheap AF is unassuming, taking over the Vue Lounge in Belltown. From the street, you wouldn’t know a feature production is filming inside unless you spot one of the “filming in process” signs by the door.
“We’re here for about a week of filming, shooting various scenes of a wedding venue, a classroom, and a restaurant,” said Jimmy Canavan, one of the location managers for Cheap AF. “Our department converted one of the rooms of this nightclub into an Italian restaurant.”
The current scene: discussions happening between key characters. The crew and actors rehearse the scene a few times before the cameras start rolling. When the scene starts, the boom operator stands on a box to ensure she has the right angle to capture what the actors are saying without the mic appearing in the shot. A production assistant quietly prepares for the next take. Makeup and hair artists on the outskirts of the set, ready to jump in between takes to provide touchups. The set has a Hollywood look and feel, but almost the entire crew is based in Seattle.
“Film production in Seattle is not just about creativity and storytelling; it’s a powerful driver of our local economy,” said Chris Swenson, Film Program Manager. “Production isn’t just a script with directors and actors. It’s lighting and sound techs, camera operators, set builders and dressers, wardrobe designers, craft services, and so much more – many of whom are hired locally when a film comes to town.” This year alone, film productions permitting through the film program created 4,000 unique, high-paying jobs, providing opportunities for individuals across a wide range of creative industries. This year, nine feature films shot in Seattle. These productions are creating job opportunities and bolstering the local economy, with productions spending thousands to millions of dollars locally while filming.
Devante Smith is the key production assistant on Cheap AF. This is just one of several filming projects he’s worked on in Seattle and Washington this year. Smith estimates he works on at least a dozen to 20 commercial and narrative productions a year.
“Every year, being on a different project, I get to see a different part of the city or state that I never really had the opportunity to. Like, who wants to leave their home for three months to work? I don’t. For me, it’s nice and convenient to be able to do this,” said Smith.
Its productions like Cheap AF that make it possible for Smith and many others to pursue a career in the film industry without having to relocate.
“Seattle has a robust film community and full-on professional crews. We can accommodate multiple projects simultaneously,” said Canavan.
To ensure the film community can thrive, our office works to keep the City of Seattle film friendly. Our film program simplifies the process by acting as a one-stop-shop for all film permitting needs. Crews pay a flat fee of $25 per day for a film permit, regardless of the number of locations they use.
“My favorite thing about working with the film program is the prompt turnaround on permits. The program is very prompt to respond and very proactive in helping us get the projects completed,” Canavan.
“We can do it quicky,” adds Susan LaSalle, Cheap AF unit production manager. “When you have a film, you can go online, type in all your info and then you’re registered with the state, and everyone knows what’s going on.”
A streamlined permitting system isn’t the only thing Seattle offers production crews. Cheap AF set up their production office and worked out of the M5 Creative building, which has been offered for low-cost production office space since April 2024. Seattle, and the entire state, also offer a diverse range of filming locations, where you can get every look in the world just hours away. The ease of planning and permitting plus availability of King County’s Harbor Island Studios and Washington Filmworks Production Incentive Program where eligible productions can receive up to 45% cash back on eligible spend make Seattle a premier filming destination.
“People love Seattle and Washington because of the overall geography of the state. You have rocky shores to sandy beaches on the western part of the state. Then in Eastern Washington you can film scenes that double for the desert,” Canavan explained.
“With Cheap AF, we intentionally leaned into the city’s identity by integrating local brands and businesses like Seattle Magazine and Nordstrom into the narrative,” said Cheap AF’s Seattle-based writer and director Roy Hsu. “That authenticity helps raise Seattle’s profile as a vibrant and viable center for the creative industry.”
Film production is the hub to all creative industry spokes, creating high-wage jobs and supporting business in every discipline. In addition to its premier permit coordination, Seattle’s film program works with the Seattle Film Commission and key partners to develop policies and initiatives to attract and retain more film production business.
“We’re just waiting for y’all to come and see what we have,” said Smith. “You can make an Oscar film anywhere. You can also make one in Seattle.”