Seattle Film Commission appoints first 10 commissioners

The Seattle Film Commission was established through legislation passed in Washington state in the USA last September and its purpose is to aid in strengthening the city’s film and television industries. Now they have confirmed their first 10 members.

"This new Film Commission is a chance to tap into the knowledge of our industry professionals to attract new TV and film productions and build opportunities for local creatives and visionaries. I’m excited to see the innovative ideas the commission puts forward to put Seattle back on the big screen where it belongs," said Mayor Bruce Harrell.

The 10 members, selected from 170 applicants, represent a different film-related discipline, such as film production, on-screen talent and film educators. Council member Sara Nelson confirmed that they were selected based on their "professional track record, lived experience, and commitment to lifting up workers across all disciplines in the industry."

One additional member with expertise in emerging technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, will be appointed at a later date by the 10 current commissioners.

"It’s time to get beyond the wide shot of the Space Needle and showcase more of our town — from the waterfront to southeast Seattle and everything in between. These are the right people to help put Seattle back on the map as a premier filmmaking city, and I appreciate their motivation to serve," said Nelson.

The goal of the Seattle Film Commission is to build on recent efforts to revitalise Washington's film industry. This includes the state legislature's raising  of the filmmaking incentive to $15 million and the construction of a 117,000-square-foot soundstage in King County, which opened in 2022.