Seattle Press on Line - Nickels proposes reduction in film permit fee

Nickels proposes reduction in film permit fee

Sep 23, 2003 --

SEATTLE—Mayor Greg Nickels this week proposed legislation to City Council that would support Seattle's local film industry and seek to attract more national filming to Seattle, bolstering a Seattle industry that in 2001 contributed $207 million to the local economy, including $63 million in salaries to local workers.

The proposed package includes:

Reducing the City film permit fee to $25 a day; current charges are from $50 to $300 a day;
Providing filmmakers with the use of City property and facilities as part of the City film permit fee;
Providing location scouts with parking permits;
Offering limited Seattle Police Department (SPD) assistance to low-budget independent filmmakers.

"During these tough economic times, it is critical to support our key industries and local jobs," Nickels said. "The Seattle film and video industry employs almost 5,000 people, who produce independent and feature-length films, commercials and company videos. The film industry creates jobs for not only the filmmakers, but for actors, film crews, post-production professionals and caterers—all excellent living-wage jobs."

Seattle is competing with many other cities to attract major film productions. Many cities, such as New York, Philadelphia and Phoenix, as well as Vancouver, B.C., all offer a variety of incentives to filmmakers.

“The proposed package is an investment that supports the local independent filmmaker as well as the big productions coming in from out of town, both of which create job opportunities for local workers," stated Jan Drago, city councilmember and chair of the finance, budget, business & labor committee.

Drago's committee will review the Mayor's proposed legislation at the October 1, 2003 meeting of the Finance, Budget, Business & Labor Committee.

The City's Office of Economic Development and the Mayor's Office of Film and Music recently commissioned an industry study with ECONorthwest quantifying the economic impact of the film industry. Key findings of this study show that in 2001:

Film and video production produced 2,266 direct jobs in the city and supported a total of 4,991 jobs as a whole
The film industry contributed $207 million to Seattle's economy
Out of state film production companies spent $21.3 million in the city
The average annual salary in the film industry paid $41,620.

"In this competitive business, it's critical for the City to help attract national filming to Seattle," stressed Don Jensen, owner of Alpha Cine Labs and member of the Mayor's Economic Opportunity Taskforce. "Given the current economic environment and slowdown in the film industry, producers are particularly sensitive to cost, and if the City can make the difference in a producer's decision, that can mean millions of dollars coming into our area."

"On the Stephen King mini-series 'Rose Red', more than 300 people represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IASTSE) Local 488 earned over $4 million in wages, health and retirement benefits," said Joel Youngerman, Business Manager for IATSE Local 488. "It is a great example of the impact this industry has on individuals."

Office of the City Mayor release, September 22

Reader Comments

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Matthew Lumsden	Oct 19, 2003	Seattle, Washington	Producer/Director
Recently I have been working on producing a film in Seattle I wanted to film in down town area. I was told by the mayor's film office I needed a permit for $50.00 and insurance. Insurance was $600.00 a day yes there may be other figures about but still they are too high for most independents. I think that these fancy fee's and premiums cast a very negative shadow on the optimistic ideals common to independents starting out in the film industry. Yes I know the city has to make a few bucks for utilities and yes I understand that filming in the down town areas can disrupt business and traffic both vehicle and pedestrian. I strongly doubt however that a shoulder mounted cam and an extension microphone conducted with the flow of traffic for minimal piriods of time is going to cause severe trama to the cities economy. I do feel however that a realistic daily permit/insurance deal would in turn create a liberating environment for independent film makers to come to Seattle to produce. This introduction of an affordable permit/insurance combo deal would invigorate commerce and revenue in the Seattle area as producers would be more likely spend thier money on hotels,dinnig,cloths,supplies etc. instead of the current opressive and provoking fees and permits. I would like to think that the city of Seattle is more of a cohiesive family friend to the small community of cinematic producers, instead of a powerfull dark iron fist crushing the will of an enthusiest who stands with independence and justice for all filmmakers. This art of film making is a special constructive medim and should be allowed special privaleges and encouragement. My comments a bit dramatic yes but try to immagine the feeling of an independent restricted by fees and permits as panhandlers,radical protesters, and street entertainers disrupt and annoy pedestrains and somtimes vehicle traffic. We just want to make films and bost the unique backgrounds of the city we love so much Seattle...Give us a break we're trying to make somthing happen for the good of our society and unique culture in Washington. Doesn't Govoner Lock want us to work together? I was willing to give my life to this country by joining the military and I can't make a film in my home city without being tagged and plastered by fees and premiums. I know this county has a lot of problems but I think it is up to us in Seattle to show the world just how united we can be I mean if I am a serious film maker that has been to film school and is active within the community and I have goals and many others share the same profile whats a few quick shots in town going to hurt? I am proud of the city I live in and love it I want to show it off but it's being made diffcult by the offices and desks of the city. I makes me kind of ill.