Seattle and film are a love match. This city is a hotbed for film, home to the nation’s largest truly independent film festival and a population that consistently demonstrates unparalleled cultural moxie. Seattle—with its rainy nights, copious coffee and hip population—is a crucible for creating great movies and bringing together aspiring filmmakers from all over the globe.

 

Perhaps Quentin Tarantino said it best: "Seattle has developed a huge reputation in the business as this Movie Mecca to the north. The perception is that it's become to screenwriters what Paris in the '20s was to novelists—a romantic environment of inspiration and support."

 

Here’s proof: In 2006, more than 228 films, television shows and commercials shot in Seattle and the city anticipates an additional 50 percent increase in filming over the next two years. Recent legislation makes it easier and cheaper to shoot here with the WASHINGTON STATE FILM INCENTIVE PACKAGE:

WASHINGTON STATE FILM INCENTIVE PACKAGE

• 20% return on in-state spending for film related expenditures
• $1 million cap per production
• $3.5 million annual fund
• Spending thresholds left in Washington; $500,000-Feature Films, $300,000-Television Productions, $250,000-Commercials
  
• Applications available February 1, 2007

SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS

• Sales and use taxes off rental equipment and purchase of services
• All taxes off vehicles used in production
• Hotel/motel tax exemption with 30-consecutive-day stay
  

"INDIE PRODUCERS DEAL" & "VENDOR DISCOUNT"

• For productions with budgets between $500,000 and $3 million
• 30–70% off below-the-line costs from participating vendors
• Productions qualified through the Washington State Film Office