by Juna Roord
Washington State is making a comeback in the film industry and is poised to become one of the top destinations for filmmakers and movie-goers. With its beautiful landscapes like Mt. Rainier and Hoh Rainforest, rich local history at places such as Pikes Place, and growing film industry, the state offers an abundance of opportunities for film and television projects of all sizes. From big-budget blockbusters to smaller, more intimate productions, Washington is a truly unique and special place for filmmakers to bring their visions to life.
One of the biggest draws of Washington State is its stunning natural beauty. With towering mountains, sprawling forests, pristine lakes, and picturesque coastlines, the state offers an endless array of breathtaking locations to set films. Whether filmmakers are looking for rugged wilderness landscapes or idyllic rural towns, Washington State has it all. And with its diverse range of landscapes, the state can be transformed into virtually any location, making it the perfect place for any film project.
Washington State is also rich in local history, which can serve as a great backdrop for films that delve into historical events and cultural traditions. This year will see the release of "The Boys in the Boat," directed by George Clooney, an adaptation of the story of the University of Washington men's rowing team in the 1936 Olympics. This film was filmed abroad, so famous UW landmarks like the ASUW Shell House on Lake Washington will most likely be recreated with the help of digital effects. This just goes to show how the state's rich history can serve as an inspiration for filmmakers and bring its story to life.
The state's film industry has been growing in recent years, and the recent increase in incentives for film projects is only set to boost its growth further. The legislature has increased the state's incentive pool, making $15 million available in tax breaks for studios. This puts Washington State on par with other film-friendly states, such as Oregon and Montana, and makes it a more competitive destination for filmmakers.
According to Amy Lillard, the executive director of Washington Filmworks, the state is no longer being outpaced by other states and neighboring Canadian provinces when it comes to film incentives. With its growing film industry, Washington is well-positioned to host a wide range of film projects and is already attracting more interest from filmmakers and production companies.
The increased incentives have already started to pay off, as the state is attracting more film and television projects. Next month, season two of a popular show on the Christian streaming platform Pure Flix will start filming in Spokane, Washington, with Northern Exposure star Cynthia Geary. This is just the start, as more and more filmmakers are noticing Washington's growing film industry and the opportunities it offers.
Washington State is also home to a thriving creative community which can provide talented actors, writers, directors, and crew members for film projects. With its rich pool of creative talent, filmmakers can bring their visions to life with the help of experienced professionals. This not only benefits the film projects themselves, but also helps to grow the state's film industry and promote the careers of local creatives.
Despite its growing film industry, Washington State is still a relatively undiscovered gem in the world of film. While it may not be the setting for the next Marvel movie just yet, the state is making great strides in attracting more film and television projects. And who knows, with the increasing competitiveness of its film industry, it may be soon that Washington State becomes a hot spot for filmmakers and film lovers alike.
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