Seattle Film Industry and Community:
Congratulations on making it through the three-week SR99 dual viaduct/tunnel closure! With the tunnel scheduled to open February 4th, we wanted to share a few planning, background, and preparedness notes as we move forward with the next phase of the #SeattleSqueeze.
Film Productions in Seattle During Tunnel/Viaduct Closure
Even with the street closure and traffic control permit restrictions in the downtown core, the Office of Film + Music did not deny any permit applications and issued permits for 24 film productions in 7 Seattle Council Districts who hired 245 local cast and crew during the three-week January 11-February 4, SR99 dual viaduct/tunnel closure:
Production Type
- 8 Commercial / Advertising
- 4 Corporate / Industrial
- 3 Documentary
- 3 Short Film
- 2 Still Photography
- 1 Student Film
- 2 TV / Other
- 1 TV / Series
Local Cast and Crew Hired
- 245
Districts Filmed (showing productions with multiple shoots)
- District 1 – 2 productions
- District 2 – 4 productions
- District 3 – 6 productions
- District 4 – 7 productions
- District 5 – 4 productions
- District 6 – 5 productions
- District 7 – 15 productions
Film Production in Seattle, Now Through 2024
As of February 4th, the downtown traffic control/street closure permit restrictions officially end. Film permit requests from February 4th forward for downtown Seattle will continue to be accepted and assessed on a case by case basis. Once the tunnel opens and residents and businesses settle into a new mobility norm, we will continue our work with SDOT, SPD, Metro, and other relevant agencies to identify in advance any new or updated restrictions.
In cases where a requested downtown location is not available for filming, the Office of Film + Music has contracted two location managers who are providing, in partnership with Washington Filmworks, regional options that can serve as location replacements. These location managers are also available for assistance to out of town or other productions who may need assistance navigating the region’s permitting and landscape.
Getting Around Town
Be sure to take advantage of SDOT’s mobility assistance information, and north/south tunnel portal entrance/exit scenarios, as you plan for production and crew moves and mobility:
- Video: Plan your SR99 Tunnel route now
- Blog: Updates on traffic and mobility in Seattle
- Webinar: Seattle Squeeze Film Industry Webinar
As always, please contact the Office of Film + Music any time if you have questions or input.
