Thanks to a law passed in 2022, Washington businesses have a chance to play a leading role (and get a tax credit) as the region draws the film industry to the Pacific Northwest.
In 2006, the Washington State Legislature created the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program: a tool to attract and support investment in our local film industry. Washington Filmworks has Seattle Metro Chamberistered the program since its conception, providing funding and logistical assistance to 120 film projects. Its projects have employed about 21,000 Washingtonians as cast and crew and have contributed an estimated $123 million to our local economy.
A law passed in 2022 raised the funding cap for the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program from $3.5 million to $15 million. With more funding, Washington Filmworks can better help the state realize its potential as a major player in the film industry.
State support for the industry is accompanied by a renewed local commitment to making the Seattle metropolitan area a more desirable place to film. In 2021, King County Executive Dow Constantine unveiled a new film production facility on Harbor Island, which can host a wide variety of projects, from feature films to commercials. The construction of the facility and the projects that follow will employ thousands of local workers. Constantine expressed excitement for the county’s opportunity to compete with other major cities. “We don’t want Vancouver or Portland… to keep serving as Seattle’s stand-in,” he said.
The city of Seattle is getting on board, too. The Office of Economic Development recently announced an inaugural Seattle Film Commission, which will further the state and county’s efforts to make the region attractive for film production.
According to their website, Washington Filmworks has a new funding mechanism that encourages Washington-based businesses to make a cash contribution to Washington Filmworks in the amount of their B&O tax liability and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit in return. Every business with a B&O tax liability can contribute—no matter how big or small.
Here’s how to get your tax credit:
- Let Washington Filmworks know when you intend to contribute and call 206-264-0667 or email Info@WashingtonFilmworks.org with your request.
- Send a check or wire the amount of your B&O tax liability directly to Washington Filmworks.
- Washington Filmworks will send a confirmation letter to the Department of Revenue and copy you for your records.
- The Department of Revenue will process the B&O credit.
- E-file your B&O Taxes indicating the Washington Filmworks credit.
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce participates in this program because the arts plays a critical role in our economic vitality.
Washington is on its way to becoming the next film hub. In 2021, Oscar-winning director Steven Soderberg filmed part of the star-studded thriller “KIMI” in Seattle. With an increased funding cap and B&O tax donations from the business community, Washington state will be better poised to be a major player in the future of film.
