The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) is now accepting applications and nominations to form an 11-member Film Commission. Applications and nominations will be accepted online from March 2 through March 12, 2023. The Seattle Film Commission is a partnership between the Harrell Administration, OED and Seattle Councilmember Sara Nelson. This new advisory body will work with the city to provide suggestions for the development of policies and programs that increase the economic growth 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 premier film destination, energize our creative economy and create exciting new opportunities for local talent and visionaries to tell their stories. “, said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the committed, passionate and experienced film industry professionals who are stepping forward to help strengthen Seattle’s film industry and attract new production when this Seattle Film Commission Talent Cast goes live! Their expertise and guidance will help drive economic growth and equity in Seattle’s creative sector and beyond,” said Council Member Sara Nelson (Position 9, Citywide).
The city and the new film commission will focus on expanding opportunities for local film industry businesses and workers, connecting talent to quality jobs, promoting racial equity in the industry and making Seattle a desirable location for film production. After the review of all applications and nominations, the mayor will select and seat five members, the city council will select and seat five members, and one member will be selected and seated by the commission when assembled. The positions for this commission include:
Position 1: On-screen talent or their representatives.
Position 2: Film industry trade unions.
Position 3: Advertising and creative agencies.
Position 4: Commercial producers or manufacturing companies.
Position 5: Film schools, film programs or film educators.
Position 6: Post production companies and personnel, such as editors, compositors and post supervisors.
Position 7: Film production team, including but not limited to props, sets, wardrobe, make-up, hair, camera, grips and electrical.
Position 8: Film festivals or film content distribution companies.
Position 9: Film location managers.
Position 10: Film organizations that belong to and advocate for environments that are underrepresented in the film industry.
Position 11: Immersive technology (such as augmented, augmented, mixed and virtual reality) and emerging technology companies.
“Seattleites are some of the most creative and innovative people around. We purposefully recruit 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 Office of Economic Development. “The expansion of the state film incentive program and King County’s investment in Harbor Island Studio are major wins that the city and this new commission can build on as we work to draw more and greater filmmaking opportunities to Seattle and invest in the visionaries who call our city home.”
People who are interested in being considered for the film commission can apply through the online portal here. Applicants must complete the online form, submit a CV and provide a brief letter of intent outlining their qualifications for the position they are applying for.
In addition, community members can nominate a person 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 person being nominated for the respective position.
Applications and nominations must be submitted no later than 23.59 Sunday 12 March 2023. The application and nomination forms must be submitted in English; However, bilingual staff are available to help the public fill out the forms or answer questions.
