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 collaborative effort between the Harrell Administration, OED, and Seattle Councilmember Sara Nelson. This new advisory body will work alongside the City to offer suggestions on developing policies and programs that enhance 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 first-rate filming destination, re-energizing our creative economy and generating 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 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 expanding opportunities for local film industry businesses and workers, connecting talent to quality jobs, advancing racial equity within the industry, and making Seattle a desirable location for film production. Following 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 once it is 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 answering questions.
