The Wenatchee Business Journal
A young Jewish boy obsessed with Christmas? If you think that this comedic irony would make a great movie, local director Sue Corcoran has already beat you to the punch. Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas filmed mostly in Leavenworth and brought some much-welcomed income during a lull in tourism. In addition to the direct impact of filming in Washington, The Wenatchee Business Journal (WBJ) article went on to point out the indirect effects of movie making in (or about) Washington. For example, the Twilight films were set in the scenic city of Forks, WA but filmed largely in Vancouver, Canada. Since the release of the popular movies, Forks has seen a consistent spike in visitors and economic growth. Similarly, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce director Nancy Smith hopes that the future release of Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas will solidify the city’s standing as “Christmastown, U.S.A.” Said Smith, “I mean, you just can’t buy advertising like that.” The WBJ article also cited Washington Filmworks’ push to increase the tax incentive cap for filming in our state. It emphasizes that between 2006 and 2009, the 30% tax rebates given to filmmakers has generated $36 million in state income, not to mention the hundreds of local jobs created by film productions. The current legislation sponsored by Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Seattle) would help Washington stay competitive against neighbors like Oregon and Vancouver. Click the link above to read the WBJ’s excellent coverage of filmmaking in Washington.