WASHINGTON FILMWORKS 
The Washington State Film Incentive Bill has passed! The 92-6 vote is all due to the amazing community and industry turnout in support of this jobs building program. Special recognition to Amy Lillard and everyone at Washington Filmworks for their tireless work since last June, and to Frank Chopp for making sure the bill got to the House floor for a vote. Governor Gregoire has 20 days to sign the bill in to law.
WASHINGTON FILMWORKS 
Last week, the bill to renew the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program moved from the Senate to the House. Yesterday, the bill (also known as SB 5539) was voted out of the House Committee on Community and Economic Development and Housing with a winning vote of 8 to 1. The bill is now on the way to the House Ways and Means Committee, where funding was cut last year. Washington Filmworks has published an easy-to-follow online resource, where constituents can easily “send a letter with three clicks of the mouse.” Help support the Washington film industry by contacting a committee member today.
T.V. WASHINGTON
Live on TVW right now, is SB 5539, the Washington State Motion Picture Competitiveness Program bill which is on order for consideration and a vote in the Senate now. In the link above, today’s senate session can be viewed in real-time. Follow the bill as senators support (and object) the incentive.
WASHINGTON FILMWORKS 
Good news surfaced this weekend on the Washington filmmaking front. The bill to renew the Washington State Motion Picture Competitiveness Program was voted out of the Senate Rules committee this past Saturday. Because the renewal is so time-sensitive, all film industry professionals are urged to contact their Senators as soon as possible. To find your legislators, follow the link above. Without funding, Washington state’s film industry could disappear.
MOVIEMAKER
This month MovieMaker Magazine named Seattle #4 on their “2012 Top Ten Cities to be a Movie Maker.” The list is based on criteria including tax incentives, local and experienced cast and crew, and production support. Seattle writer-director Lynn Shelton (Humpday) commends the local film community which she believes “is a nurturing, inclusive and vibrant one, filled with folks who have a genuine passion for making movies.” The Washington State Motion Picture Competitiveness Program and Seattle’s streamlined, customer service-based, production-friendly, film permit process were cited as reasons for placing Seattle at #4.
