
The Film Task Force is a diverse group of film industry and community stakeholders that advise the Office of Film + Music and the City of Seattle on ways to best support and grow the local film industry and community. The Task Force has developed key priority subcommittees that are focused on equity and inclusion, the film commission, film production in Seattle, and making Seattle a prime location for film production.
The Film Task Force works as representatives of the regional film community and industry, acting as their voice for the economic development of film in our region. The Film Task Force centers its representations with the understanding that the local film industry is the backbone of the content and creative industries, and its success is in the economic, cultural, and educational interest of the region.
The Film Task Force’s Film Commission subcommittee has delivered structure and by-law recommendations for a Seattle Film Commission to the Office of Film + Music to replace. These recommendations were informed by reviewing the Seattle Music Commission structure and Film Commissions and advisory boards around the country. The Seattle Film Commission is intended to replace and further the work of the Film Task Force. The Film Task Force’s recommendations for a Seattle Film Commission include:
- The Seattle Film Commission will act as an ordained advisory body to the Office of Film & Music, assisting and advising in its advocacy for and economic growth of the local film industry.
- The Film Commission will advise the Office of Film + Music in promoting Seattle as a premier location for all forms of production: film, television, commercial, video game, animation, visual effects, and extended reality, including advising on. As part of this work, it will assist the development of marketing and sales efforts to retain and attract production in Seattle and develop tactics to strengthen the reputation of Seattle as a filmmaking city where ideas and filmmakers are born.
- The Film Commission will assist and advise government agencies in regard to equity and inclusion strategies that increase access and provide resources, education, and opportunities for underserved groups, including persons of color, people of all genders, people with disabilities, and people of all ages in the film industry.
- The Film Commission will advocate for and represent the local film industry to the City of Seattle, local communities, and businesses. The Film Commission members will represent each sector of the industry, composed of film crew, businesses, actors, educators, associations, festivals, and labor organization representatives to provide a diverse cross section of industry viewpoints and concerns.
The Film Commission subcommittee have also recommended a public application and recommendation process be administered for applicants to the commission, with the diversity of members’ race, and gender a primary consideration.
The Film Commission subcommittee has now transitioned to advisory work to address broader City policies supporting the local film industry and community. The Film Commission subcommittee look forward to continued advisement and work with the City and Office of Film + Music as the Film Commission recommendations are considered.