Reminder that – as previewed here – a video crew working on a web series is scheduled to take over Hamilton Viewpoint Park tomorrow, starting up as early as 6 am and continuing as late as 7 pm. Most of the park will be off-limits to the public – see the map above for specifics of what’s happening in which areas of the park. The crew is working on a web series called “Car Show Rivalry“ and worked with the city Office of Economic Development to get a permit.
Is there a way to find out how much money Seattle gets for filming at a public park? And where the money goes ( which budget)? And if they are using local actors, local skills and filming crews? Thank you.
I linked the permit page on the city Film Office site. Permits we’ve asked about in the. past have been relatively cheap and I doubt this is anything different since if you follow the links you’ll see it’s a low-budget indie production.
The city charges a flat rate of $25 dollars for city owned property like parks. The intention is to entice outside productions like films, commercials and TV shows to come to film their projects here. There is no obligation to hire local crew or talent but most times, a bulk of the crew is local. The state has an incentive program that pays out 30-40% back to a production for every dollar spent in state. That spend can range from wages, materials, camera rentals to airline tickets (if they fly a WA carrier) to hotels and talent. All of this in the name of bringing in more work to the state and to shine a light on Washington in general. When a movie or show hits big, it brings in tourists (think Twilight) And when a film comes to Washington, it provides jobs that pay family wages and has a hefty economic multiplier effect. Part of the incentive also leans into hiring union crew to do the work. We won’t know how much this particular job is contributing, unless they are getting the incentive, then a report will eventually be available. And if they are getting it, which I’m pretty sure they are, this will be good for our film business and good for Seattle.
| 5 COMMENTS