Film and music production
King County has extraordinary locations that have served as settings for numerous films and episodic productions, including films like Twin Peaks, Captain Fantastic, The Vanishing, Say Anything, Singles, and episodic series such as Northern Exposure. These feature films and series, along with commercial productions, generate the work that keeps our industry professionals employed, while they create the productions that allow us to export our cultural and commercial capital to the world.
Executive Order:
Action Plan to Prioritize Growth of Local Film Industry
Our state is centered between two highly competitive film regions, British Columbia and Oregon, with Washington’s film incentive being one of the lowest state film incentives in the country. This makes it difficult for our region to maintain a competitive edge in the film industry. Film production is a high-risk business and film producers are financially compelled to produce their work in incentivized regions. King County has an opportunity to increase our competitive edge with the intent of generating jobs and stimulating business in the creative economy.
King County Executive Dow Constantine announces the launch of the Creative Economy Initiative
On April 3, 2021, King County Executive Dow Constantine unveiled Harbor Island Studios. This newly renovated warehouse, which had been previously underutilized, has been strategically adapted into a film production facility. We are delighted that an episodic production has moved into the Harbor Island Studios, employing several hundred film professionals in union wage jobs.
One of the goals of King County Creative is to leverage King County resources and assets to equitably grow the regional film industry. To assist in this effort, King County Creative will be hosting a number of focus groups in the coming months. Check back often for a listing of events and ways to participate.
Still to come
Film Permitting Portal
Film Production Manual