Film Production Archives

This column of our weekly newsletter highlights the amazing artistic efforts of our local filmmaking community and the broad positive economic impact it has on our region.

August 15, 2012
REMEDY PICTURES "GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY"
REMEDY PICTURES
Remedy Pictures is a Seattle-based company that blurs the lines between production company, post house and creative boutique. This week, for the fourth consecutive summer, Director Steve Utaski and Executive Producer Patti McCreary are producing a series of national commercials for Good Samaritan Society (GSS), a South Dakota based company. GSS is non-profit company that provides home care, assisted living, rehab and memory care. Their agency, Matale Line, is based in Seattle and specializes in advertising for non-profits. "Good Samaritan loves coming back to Seattle every year for the great crews they have found here, as well as the broad variety in landscape, architecture and talent," says McCreary. " In addition, Seattle temperatures are almost always more comfortable than what one might find in the midwest summer." Remedy is filming for three days in the Seattle area, including in Madison Park on Lake Washington, the Windermere neighborhood and Shoreline. Production Manager Mark Campbell said Remedy hired over 60 local crew and cast for the project.

August 1, 2012
BANK OF AMERICA "BANK OF AMERICA"
ANONYMOUS CONTENT
If you were in downtown or on Eastlake Ave last week, you likely passed a location being shot for a national commercial campaign for Bank of America. The Los Angeles office of award-winning production company Anonymous Content brought producer Aris McGarry and director Andrew Douglas to town to film at several downtown Bank of America branches, at Serafina restaurant, and at several other regional locations. The production worked closely with the City's DOT, City Light, and Police departments to coordinate several high impact on-location shots.

"Anonymous Content has been shooting Bank of America packages for several years in LA and decided they wanted a different look," said location manager Doug Dumas. "The proximity to LA, the incentive package, and the unbeatable scenic beauty made Seattle a natural choice. Almost the entire crew and most equipment was secured locally, keeping all the money here. The producer and director were very much impressed with the quality of the Seattle crew and speed with which the City were able to turn the permits around."
The production hired over 50 Washington-based cast and crew and worked with numerous local vendors during the 3-day production.

July 25, 2012
GLAD "GLAD PEAK"
MOTION THEORY
Motion Theory is a creative home for directors with a sharp visual and narrative focus based in Los Angeles. The company's roster of directors ranges from award-winning veterans to emerging filmmakers, all sharing extraordinary visual style and the storytelling ability to transform creative potential into compelling viewer experiences across advertising and entertainment. This week, director Mark Kudsi and producer Joel Todaro assembled a local cast and crew to film a national television commercial for "Glad" products. 

"Motion Theory and Glad were drawn to Washington's superb natural landscape as a backdrop and an integral part of the story they wanted to tell," said Production Manager Mark Campbell. "But what they were pleasantly surprised with was the creativity, professionalism and efficiency of the local crew."
Motion Theory hired over 35 local cast and crew for the two shoot-day production, which filmed scenes in Seattle's Seward Park and at a private residence in Mercer Island.

July 18, 2012
PREMERA BLUE CROSS "PREMERA BLUE CROSS"
THE NEW BLANK
The New Blank is a production company located in Seattle that concentrates on conceptual design and production. They specialize in collaborative projects, working with clients to transform that mythical napkin sketch into beautifully realized pictures for film, television and commercial productions as well as interactive projects and environmental executions. This week, director Bobby Hougham and executive producer Kelly Green, working with producer John Gomez, assembled a local cast and crew to film a campaign for Premera Blue Cross. The production filmed scenes in Seattle's Cal Anderson and Magnuson Parks.

"We are exceedingly lucky to be able to shoot this in our own backyard," said Hougham. "The flexibility of our environment as a metropolitan city park or even a New England mountain meadow all within Seattle city limits is truly extraordinary. Our crew is top notch, many with extensive experience on blockbuster Hollywood VFX laden movies, so as I wave hands and describe the VFX transitions and 3D elements we are building in post they are right there in lock step with me."
The production hired over 30 local cast and crew.

July 11, 2012
T-MOBILE "MONTHLY 4G BREAKUP"
ALARMING PICTURES
With Seattle's temperature now finally settling into a steady upper-70s, it's hard to imagine that June 2012 was one of the rainiest Junes in Seattle history. Not alarmingly, outdoor film production did not stop even with the inclement weather, most evident during Alarming Pictures' "T-Mobile Monthly 4G Breakup" commercial shoot. Alarming Pictures, a brother/sister directing/creative team founded in 2001 by Jack and Carol Hodge, enticed agency Publicis and client T-Mobile to Seattle with promises of the bluest skies you've ever seen, only to be met with torrential and decidedly un-Seattle-like rainfall.

"We always push to shoot here, the crews are smart, incredibly hard working, and pitch in where needed," says Jack Hodge. "A perfect example of this was the grips sandwiching dozens of paper coffee cups between two 20x20 silks suspended over the actors, resulting in amazingly clean audio as we experienced an exceptionally rare deluge during the shoot. The agency and client expressed some trepidation during the shoot but were delighted by the footage and the confidence of the Alarming team."
Producer Mark Campbell reports that the production hired over 30 local cast and crew during the one-day shoot in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood.

June 27, 2012
JIMMY ZHANG "FIND YOUR LOVE"
FIND YOUR LOVE
Local filmmaker Jimmy Zhang is a graduate of the UW Computer Science and Engineering program, has had his work screened at the 2012 NFFTY Film Festival, and is the winner of the 2012 Best Animated Short at the Asians on Film Fest. This month, Jimmy assembled a team to produce a short film for competition in NFFTY's Expedia Film contest. "Find Your Love" follows the story of two high school sweethearts separated by college who maintain a long distance relationship through Expedia.

"I could not have done this without my amazing cast and crew," says Zhang. "It was a lot of work but definitely fun to put together. Seattle is a great place to shoot, with great locations and places that can be made to look completely different from what it actually is."
The production filmed scenes representing both the east and west coasts, including shots at Gas Works Park, the University District, and several West Seattle parks. The production team included a dozen crew, two principal talent, and over 15 extras.

June 6, 2012
UNDER ARMOUR "COLD GEAR"
COLD GEAR
Last week a creative team working with Under Armour, the original athletic brand of performance footwear and apparel, wrapped production on a still photo shoot that showcased UA's moisture wicking footwear and apparel. The project filmed in various locations around Seattle, including Cal Anderson Park, Gas Works Park, and the Jose Rizal Bridge. Even with the cooperation of the overcast May weather, the production brought in water trucks and special effects gear to simulate rainy, stormy Seattle weather.

"Shooting in Seattle for our Under Armour Cold Gear imagery was the best possible location to fit our needs," said Under Armour's Producer Steve Nardone. "We had a very dedicated and knowledgeable local crew, allowing our creative team to really excel and push for the best possible imagery and film we could capture. Gas Works Park and Jose Rizal Bridge played important roles as our primary locations and will be seen nationally. Thanks to everyone who was involved with our team in this shoot. And thanks to the City of Seattle for its hospitality."
The internal creative team at Under Armour has written, shot and produced the Brand's landmark creative over the years including "Protect This House," "Click Clack," and most recently, "Cam Newton's Night Out." The UA production hired 10 Washington-based cast and crew and worked with 4 local vendors during the production.

May 30, 2012
STUDIO 3 "RANDY'S CALENDAR"
STUDIO 3
Studio 3 is a full-service production facility with studios in Seattle and Portland. Delivering print-ready images since the mid-90s, Studio 3 also produces digital art, CGI, and 360 post production work as well as video production services. This week, Studio 3 is shooting vehicles in the studio for Randy's Ring & Pinion, "Randy's Girls Calendar."

"Production of the shoot has been a blast," says producer Jen Hitchcock. "From coordinating the hair and makeup artists, to picking out wardrobe and planning the craft services, the entire team has worked together flawlessly. The team at Studio 3 loves to provide our clients with an even greater outcome than originally expected."
Over 15 local cast and crew were hired for the production.

May 16, 2012
LYNN SHELTON "TOUCHY FEELY"
LYNN SHELTON
2009 Mayor's Film Award Winner Lynn Shelton (Humpday, Mad Men, Your Sister's Sister) and her production team wrapped filming on her fifth feature film Touchy Feely this weekend.  The film, Shelton's third with producer Steven Schardt and fifth with 2012 Mayor's Film Award Winner Ben Kasulke, was shot entirely in Seattle and co-produced by Mel Eslyn and Lacey Leavitt.

Reports from the set confirm that the Seattle film community is having as much fun as ever.  "Crewtopia achieved," confirms Lynn Shelton on Facebook.
The production employed over 50 Washington-based cast and crew members during its 6-week production, and worked with numerous Washington vendors. Your Sister's Sister, Shelton's fourth feature film, kicks off the 2012 Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) as the festival's Opening Night Gala Film on Thursday, May 17.

May 9, 2012
AVENUE FILMS "I AM ISADORA"
AVENUE FILMS
Veteran Seattle media makers have begun filming for a new entertainment series designed to transform web media, and to continue to put Seattle on the map as a place to film and be filmed.

Last Friday, Avenue Films began filming scenes for the first episode of the new web entertainment series, I Am Isadora on the Link Light Rail at the Sound Transit Operations Facility.  Director and creator Jay Alan, who has done hundreds of commercial and dramatic media projects for Seattle institutions from the Bon Marche to Microsoft and Xbox,  has assembled a team of veteran Seattle media makers for the series; a coming of age story about Isadora, a sixteen year-old girl who is basically making it on her own using her wits, art, and community to grow and succeed.
"Our company is based in Columbia City and we want to continue to put Seattle on the map as a place to shoot and be shot," says Alan.  "I Am Isadora is aimed at changing the perception of web-based media from niche and kitsch to mainstream, exciting, vibrant and sustainable."

The production is filming throughout 2012, with the goal to hire hundreds of local cast and crew and numerous vendors.

May 2, 2012
VODA STUDIOS "SELF MAGAZINE PHOTO SHOOT"
VODA STUDIOS
The Seattle office of VODA Studios hit the blustery streets and parks of Seattle this weekend to capture an eight page editorial for the September issue of SELF Magazine. VODA Studios has offered studio, location, photographic, video, equipment, and production services through their Seattle, Los Angeles,and Shanghai locations since 2004.

"Our client chose to shoot this large spread in our dynamic city because of Seattle's unique landscape and 'outdoor feel'," says location producer Erika Desroche. "We were able to capture ten different locations in 2 days that beautifully represented the diversity that the magazine wanted."
The crew of 12 were hired locally as well as brought in from Los Angeles, New York, and the UK for the production, which included filming locations in West Seattle, Pike Place Market, the Bainbridge Ferry, and along the Seattle waterfront.

April 18, 2012
INTUIT "GO PAYMENT"
INTUIT
Have you ever wanted to drive a golf ball on a downtown Seattle street, toward Mount Rainier? If you were at 2nd Avenue & University Street this past Tuesday, you could have done just that. Intuit's GoPayment, along with Los Angeles ad agency RPA, created a driving range to film a commercial for its GoPayment mobile credit card reader, featuring lessons from former PGA tour player Jeff Coston.

"When we approached the City of Seattle and told them we wanted to shut down a city block and put a golf driving range up for a day, they said they were happy to help - and help they did," said Mark Tripp, Director/Producer with RPA.  "Thanks to their efforts and the help of Seattle Police and SDOT along with our local crew and vendors, the GoPayment pop-up driving range was a huge success. Thank you, Seattle. We can't wait to shoot up here again." "Seattle's Office of Economic Development was excited to host this commercial production for Intuit in downtown Seattle. Commercial and corporate work is the cornerstone of our local film industry, accounting for one third of all permitted film projects in Seattle," said Steve Johnson, director of Seattle's Office of Economic Development. "The City's ability to attract and accommodate this type of large scale production helps to grow our local film industry."   The production's Seattle filming highlights Intuit's projects and shows small businesses across the country using the GoPayment card reader. The RPA production has hired over 100 film crew work days, worked with numerous local vendors, and booked 58 hotel room nights for traveling crew.

"Seattle and the Northwest are beautiful environments that really provide a level of richness to film that most filmmakers tend to overlook," says Gyeney. "I'm so glad I could keep this film here, and I hope to continue the trend."

The production hired nearly all Washington cast and crew outside of the star talent during the shoot.

April 11, 2012
MIRROR IMAGES LTD. "MATT'S CHANCE"
MIRROR IMAGES LTD.
Last week Seattle-based Mirror Images LTD. wrapped principal photography for Matt's Chance, the second feature film by writer/director Nicholas Gyeney (The Penitent Man, The Riot) and his team. Production filmed three weeks in multiple neighborhoods throughout Seattle, including Ballard, Capitol Hill, Green Lake, and the University District. The film stars Edward Furlong (Terminator 2), Lee Majors ($6 Million Man), Margot Kidder (Superman I & II), and Gary Busey (Lethal Weapon), with a guest appearance by the Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch.

"Seattle and the Northwest are beautiful environments that really provide a level of richness to film that most filmmakers tend to overlook," says Gyeney. "I'm so glad I could keep this film here, and I hope to continue the trend."

The production hired nearly all Washington cast and crew outside of the star talent during the shoot.

March 21, 2012
ZOMBIE ORPHEUS ENTERTAINMENT "JOURNEYQUEST SEASON 2"
ZOMBIE ORPHEUS
Local production company Zombie Orpheus Entertainment looks at funding in a whole new way, relying on its growing fans to keep projects alive. After the first season of JourneyQuest became a viral hit and paying off initial investors, Zombie Orpheus started a Kickstarter campaign to begin work on Season Two. The campaign resulted in a tremendous success, with fan pledges pushing the project over 180% of their original goal. With that support, fans unlocked a feature-length 10 episode second season, which began filming last week throughout the Puget Sound region.

"Zombie Orpheus has a legacy of working in Washington State," says producer Elizabeth Heile. "We have a richness of outdoor locations, amenable property owners for interiors, and the great teams we can build from local crew and cast. This year, we were able to use locations and equipment rentals from Snohomish County through Pierce County. Part of our fan rewards included on set visits, so we had people visiting and enjoying the Seattle area from as far away as Afghanistan. It's been a really rewarding experience for us and for our fans!"

Over 80 local cast and crew were hired for the production, which is filming in and around Seattle this Spring and Summer. JourneyQuest Season 2 will premiere this July at Comic-Con International in San Diego.

March 14, 2012
UNCLEBOB "STERLING BANK"
UNCLEBOB TV
Seattle production company unclebob, founded by Director Branson Veal, has been producing commercial, film, and corporate projects since 2009 including work for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Children's Film Festival Seattle, Avon, Toyota, and more. Last week unclebob and Hydrogen Advertising assembled a crew to film the most recent batch of television commercials for Sterling Bank, Washington's second largest state-based bank. The commercial series highlights local businesses and residents who bank with Sterling.

"Seattle crews are the hardest working, friendliest, close knit group of people I've worked with anywhere," says Veal. "We had concepts that included northern California and Oregon, yet we chose to stay local and hire local."

20 local crew were hired for the 2 day production, which filmed in West Seattle, Magnolia, and Maltby.

March 7, 2012
REI "URBAN CYCLING"
REI
This week the REI creative team is filming scenes around Seattle to promote urban cycling and bike security. The REI crew will follow real-life urban cyclists to create informative vignettes about cycling in dense urban environments, telling their personal story of what bicycling is like in a city.

"Seattle is the perfect urban environment with a balance of bike friendliness and bike challenges," says producer Beth Ann Anderson. "Having a local crew is like having instant scouts on the team; we find the shots we are looking for with ease, which is super productive, creative, and fun. We also love promoting our Seattle neighborhoods and keeping our shoots small, local, and as low-impact as possible."

REI is working with a mostly local cast and crew for this production series, which will appear on the REI website in April.

February 29, 2012
CHASE JARVIS "LIVE PHANTOM FLEX FASHION SHOOT"
CHASE JARVIS
This Wednesday director Chase Jarvis teamed up with director at Superfad, Will Hyde, to live broadcast a fashion shoot featuring the new Phantom Flex super slow motion camera. The four hour shoot was streamed live in its entirety, showing the chaos of a 20-person in-studio commercial crew with fashion talent.

"Any way you slice it, Seattle is a hotbed for creative talent," says Jarvis. "We always seek to work with the best in the world and this shoot was no exception."

Chase Jarvis and Will Hyde brought together over 20 local cast and crew for the production, and worked with several Seattle film vendors. The live broadcast will be archived online at chasejarvis.com/live.

February 1, 2012
HUMBLE TV "VERIZON 4G"
HUMBLE TV
New York production company Humble TV came to Seattle this week to film a series of man-on-the-street encounters for an upcoming Verizon online advertising campaign. The production filmed in numerous iconic Seattle locations for a two day period.

"This is Humble TV's second visit to Seattle in as many months," said local Production Supervisor Mark Campbell. "They were delighted with the talented and efficient crews in December, and rehired many of the same faces for this production."

The lean and mean unit of Seattle and New York crew stormed the city streets on foot and the waters of Puget Sound by boat, covering the Downtown, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Ballard neighborhoods, plus the Bainbridge Island Ferry. The spots will be online in the near future.

January 25, 2012
FOOD CHAIN FILMS COMMERCIAL SHOOT
FOOD CHAIN
Portland-based Food Chain Films was founded as a commercial production company with one foot firmly planted in the future, representing a select group of filmmakers, digital artists, producers, and photographers working in all manner of media: Broadcast, interactive, documentary, social, and viral. This week Food Chain filmed scenes for a television commercial in the Capitol Hill, Greenwood, and Whittier Heights neighborhoods.

"We love coming up to Seattle," says Production Manager Kat Gardiner. "It's a beautiful city with a killer crew. Logistics are what brought us up this time; we're working with a local advertising agency."

The spot is expected to air March 5th in Pennsylvania. Food Chain Films hired over 30 local cast and crew for the production, and worked with numerous local vendors and businesses.

January 11, 2012
HAND CRANK FILMS "OUTDOOR RESEARCH"
HAND CRANK FILMS
Local production company Hand Crank Films, which just a few months ago expanded from Bellingham into Seattle, recently wrapped its first major production with a Seattle client, Outdoor Research. The spot, directed by Chris Koser, advertises Touchtec Technology gloves.

"It was a thrill shooting in the incredible alpine backdrop that is just an hour away from Seattle," says producer Chris Donaldson. "The talent that we were able to get in the area really fit the spot well, and we look forward to working more with the community."

The cast and crew took advantage of the Alpental ski resort on Snoqualmie Pass east of Seattle in Washington's Cascade Mountains. Hand Crank Films hired 12 Washington cast and crew to produce the spot, which will be distributed globally online and be subtitled for the Chinese market.

January 4, 2012
WASTE MANAGEMENT JOE: RECYCLING THERAPY PSA'S
COLEHOUR+COHEN
Northwest PR and social marketing firm Colehour+Cohen has produced a variety of creative and high-quality video projects for use locally and nationally, from viral videos to commercials to corporate videos. "Waste Management Joe" is a four-part series of PSAs featuring "Joe", a Waste Management driver who moonlights as a psychiatrist offering recycling advice to his customers to help them improve their recycling habits. The videos feature a quirky cast of characters and a few surprises to help drive home the recycling message.

"We set out to approach recycling education in a fun and unique way with these videos," says Robin Freedman with Waste Management. "We created 'Waste Management Joe' to help educate families about the importance of recycling and give them the information they need to make recycling part of their everyday routine."

"To bring 'Waste Management Joe' to life we needed stellar people," says Colehour+Cohen's Liv Faris. "By tapping into our local talent pool of actors and crew we pulled together a team that was professional, hard-working and fun!"

The project was produced and co-directed by Colehour+Cohen's Liv Faris and co-directed/shot/edited by Dee Austin Robertson. Colehour+Cohen assembled 20 local cast and crew for the spots which were shot at Seattle Grip & Lighting and in Mill Creek.

December 14, 2011
SOUTHDOWN CREATIVE "XBOX HOUSE PARTY" VIDEO
SOUTHDOWN CREATIVE
Since 2005, Seattle-based production company Southdown Creative has been in the business of conceptualizing and producing commercial-quality videos for its clients. Their services include viral web campaigns, comedic and narrative corporate videos, and TV series and commercial production. Southdown Creative's client list includes Microsoft, Starbucks, Wizards of the Coast, Seattle Channel, Adult Swim, and many others.

This week, Southdown Creative is shooting at their SODO studio. The production involves 75 dancing extras as part of a "house party" scene for an Xbox commercial, which will debut at the 2012 CES Convention in Las Vegas. In addition to the local extras and featured dancers, Southdown Creative is hiring a large local crew (plus a large contingent local security guards!) to capture the fun.

From camera rentals to grips and electrics, Southdown Creative proudly pays hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to Seattle-based film and video professionals. "We do a few productions each year in NYC or LA," says founder Fred Northup, "but by far the majority of our productions are based here in Seattle. I'm proud to support our amazing local crew. The talent here is top-notch, and the ease of shooting here can't be beat."

December 7, 2011
MICROSOFT OEM FEATURED PCs
THE RADISCHO
While regional feature film and television series work has fluctuated over the decades, Seattle's commercial and corporate production work remains a mainstay, accounting for over 30% of all permitted film production work in Seattle since 2009. This September, Supply & Demand Integrated chose Seattle to film the US Postal Service's "Hacked" and "Face to Face" national television commercials. The varied neighborhoods and topography of the Seattle region allowed the production to visually represent a nation-wide variety of locations.

Seattle based The Radisch Co just wrapped a two day shoot, an original work created for Microsoft Corporation. The three videos were produced by Lisa Farnham; John Jeffcoat served as director/DP and editor. The project was filmed throughout Seattle at locations including SAM's Sculpture Park, Flying Fish Restaurant, GGLO Architects, private homes, and the South Lake Union Trolley, focusing on real life scenarios such as people in the work place, people on the go, people in their homes, and people at play. The videos were produced to engage the viewer and weave in the use and features of the personal computers developed by companies that partner with Microsoft Corporation.

The cast and crew, all locally based, were "consummate professionals," said Farnham. "We shoot a lot in the Seattle area. Locations, cast and crew are always dependable, professional and friendly."

The Radisch Co hired 22 local cast and crew and worked with five local vendors during production. All three videos are scored with original music by Matt Hutchinson and motion graphic design by David Llama.

November 30, 2011
US POSTAL SERVICE "HACKED" AND "FACE TO FACE" TV COMMERCIALS
SUPPLY AND DEMAND INTEGRATED
HACKED TV SPOT
FACE TO FACE TV SPOT
While regional feature film and television series work has fluctuated over the decades, Seattle's commercial and corporate production work remains a mainstay, accounting for over 30% of all permitted film production work in Seattle since 2009. This September, Supply & Demand Integrated chose Seattle to film the US Postal Service's "Hacked" and "Face to Face" national television commercials. The varied neighborhoods and topography of the Seattle region allowed the production to visually represent a nation-wide variety of locations.

Describing the decision to film in Seattle, producer Buzzy Cancilla says, "Supply & Demand Integrated" represents local director Josh Taft. Josh rarely gets the opportunity to shoot in his home town, so he tries whenever possible to lure commercials to his back yard. Detroit-based ad agency Campbell Ewald had shot several spots over the years in the Los Angeles area, but shooting in Seattle gave them a whole new variety and they were thrilled with the results.

"I work quite a bit in LA and would pit our local crews against the LA crews any day," continues Cancilla. "Since there are plenty of national spots shot here with top notch director's and DP's, the local crew has had terrific training and great experience. They also happen to be fantastic working within budget constraints, which is a huge advantage in this economy."

The project hired over 50 high-wage Washington State cast and crew, worked with 20 local vendors, and filmed three days in the Capitol Hill, Madrona, Pioneer Square, downtown and Madison neighborhoods.

November 23, 2011
ALL MY PRESIDENTS
CORWOOD PRODUCTIONS

All My Presidents is a 12-minute short film by local production company Corwood Productions. Co-Producers Alder Sherwood, Lisa Coronado, Lorraine Montez, and Jeremiah Kaynor assembled a team led by Director Connor Hair, Director of Photography Ryan Purcell, and 1st AD Rick Walters. The story, set in 1954 through 1992, follows a young boy coming of age and finding own voice in a politically driven world.

"The film community here really supports and encourages each other like a family," says Kaynor. Adds Coronado, "We hired a local dream team of crew and talent for this production, and felt the tremendous energy of a team dedicated to bringing high production value to local film making."

All My Presidents filmed in the West Seattle and Eastlake neighborhoods last weekend, hiring over 30 Washington cast and crew.

November 16, 2011
DESERT CATHEDRAL
DESERT CATHEDRAL

Desert Cathedral, a feature film by local writer/director Travis Senger and producer Michael J. Mouncer (White Lines and the Fever: The Death of DJ Junebug), is filming this month in Washington State. The story, based on true northwest events, follows a private investigator on the trail of a real estate agent who mysteriously leaves his family and business. Various locations throughout Seattle and Eastern Washington state were utilized to depict the west and southwestern United States. Over 40 Washington cast and crew are being hired during the production.

"We have filmed many projects in the Washington State area, always with great support from the community," says Mouncer. "Working with a Seattle crew and many local actors on Desert Cathedral has been a very positive experience. We look forward to working with this cast and crew in the future and would certainly recommend these talented individuals for upcoming productions in the area."

November 9, 2011
NIGHT ZERO
NIGHT ZERO

Night Zero is a photographic novel that blends comic books, film, and the zombie apocalypse into a new form of visual art. Their unique graphic novels follow the survivors of Seattle's zombie outbreak, but instead of illustrations the team at Night Zero uses on-location photography to depict their adventures. Now in its fourth and final year of production, Night Zero has done photo shoots all over Seattle, featuring more than four hundred contributors over its lifetime. The team has produced dozens of shoots in both public and private locations around the city, and have self-published three collected volumes to support their efforts.

"Seattle has been a wonderful location to host the zombie apocalypse of Night Zero, not only for its diversity of scenery and locations, but for the incredible network of talented actors and crew," says Night Zero creator and director Anthony van Winkle. "Shooting everything on location, without ever a green-screen or digital backdrop, has really brought us a new perspective on this beautiful city."

Night Zero has worked with dozens Washington State crew and businesses over the last four years, and has featured more than a hundred Washington State cast. Numerous familiar landmarks and locations are visible into the photographs, as the story and characters are proudly placed in Seattle.

November 2, 2011
WHILE YOU WEREN'T LOOKING
WHILE YOU WEREN'T LOOKING

While You Weren't Looking, a short film written and directed by Seattle filmmaker Jeremy Mackie and produced by Lacee Kloze, is filming this week in and around Seattle. The story follows a young hero, Daylen, as she navigates out of her boring overprotected life and into a land of adventure by riding a shopping cart

"The magic around this production is starting to crackle," said Mackie. "I've thrown down the gauntlet of a visually driven kid's adventure tale in front of this cast and crew, and they've taken it up with such energy and enthusiasm that it gives me goosebumps."

Mackie and Kloze assembled more than 30 Washington state cast and crew for the production, most of whom are veterans of recent independent Seattle productions Eden, Safety Not Guaranteed, and Fat Kid Rules the World.

October 26, 2011
YOU'RE HERE

Local film company Sleepwalk Productions is shooting the short comedy You're Here in Seattle this week. The story, co-written by producer Meredith Binder and director Ian Stone, follows a hapless bible study leader, played by Phillip Mitchell, who dies and goes to heaven only to meet the project manager of heaven whose only concern is keeping everyone on schedule. Director of Photography Daniel Mimura describes the film as "an ambitious project with an intensive shooting schedule," with much of the story told through the art design of production designer Kristina Hestenes Stimson and graphic artist Tiffany Laine DeMott.

"I love everything about making films in Seattle," says Binder. "The amazing talent and the scenic locations are the best!"

Over 30 other local Seattle cast and crew have come together for the project. The production is filming at numerous locations in Seattle including two parks, a bowling alley and a service station.

October 19, 2011
NBC TODAY SHOW
TODAY

The popular fourth hour of NBC's TODAY, hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, is filming two shows in Seattle this week. A live program will shoot in the Pike Place Market on Thursday, October 20, and a second, taped show will air on Friday, October 21. Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Pike Place Market, and the Office of Film + Music worked with TODAY show producers during the past two months to coordinate the two programs and taped segments around town that will air during both broadcasts.

"The TODAY show is thrilled to be able to experience Seattle and show it off to our viewers at home," says TODAY's Megan Kopf. "Not only is Seattle one of America's most beautiful cities, but the people have proved to be both gracious and welcoming. We are excited for our two special broadcasts, and we also encourage fans and viewers to check out Kathie Lee's musical, Saving Amiee, which is currently running at the 5th Avenue Theater."

The production is hiring over 40 crew for the live broadcast, which is open for the public to watch on a first-come, first-served basis.

October 12, 2011
21 AND OVER
21 AND OVER

The feature film 21 and Over wrapped filming last week in Seattle. Produced by David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, Tony Grazia, and Pat Peach, 21 and Over filmed in Seattle and the region from August through early October. Written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (the writing team behind the Hangover series), the story follows a straight-laced college student as he celebrates his 21st birthday with his two best friends the night before his big medical school exam.

21 and Over filmed extensively on the University of Washington campus and several Seattle neighborhoods, hiring over 100 Washington State cast and crew and numerous local vendors. 21 and Over was incentivized by Washington Filmworks through the Washington State Film Incentive Fund.

September 21, 2011
THE STARE OF DEATH
BEYOND HOME PRODUCTIONS

Local band True Dream's debut music video for "The Stare of Death" was shot last weekend in Seattle, directed by Ben Medina, produced by Beyond Home Productions and the brainchild of lifelong Seattle musician Danny VanHollebeke. The plot follows an anti-hero character on a mission through a post apocalyptic setting, and illustrates such ideas as facing your fears, strength through adversity and the power of the human spirit. The Stare of Death shot on a 'RED - EPIC' camera at a closed street in Magnuson Park over an all night 12 hour shoot. 'The Stare of Death' is the first single off of the first album- 'The Night Again' by True Dream.

"Words can't express the immense gratitude I have for our cast and crew, and Beyond Home Productions." says Danny VanHollebeke. "It was a huge project with a complicated shooting schedule and very specific art direction, and everything worked like it was meant to be. Shooting this video fulfilled a long awaited dream, and I loved every minute of it."

The Stare of Death hired 20 crew and assembled over 50 extras for the video shoot.

September 14, 2011
SOMETHING IN THE WATER
WOODY CREEK PICTURES

Seattle based Woody Creek Pictures (The Heart of the Game) recently wrapped the filming of a mini-documentary for KCTS 9 on the Seattle music scene called "Seattle Music: Something in the Water." Written and directed by Ward Serrill, the 13 minute show will air on PBS's new Arts Festival October 21 following American Masters' "Pearl Jam Twenty," directed by Cameron Crowe.

The film, shot over a ten day period with locations at Gasworks Park, the Pike Market and elsewhere, explores why the Seattle area continues to originate so much great music. It focuses on radio station KEXP and independent label Sub Pop Records and includes performances by local bands Pickwick, Shabazz Palaces, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, The Total Experience Gospel Choir, The Tripwires and The Head and the Heart. The show was edited by Eric Frith. Pete Droge composed original music.

"This was a great local collaboration," said Serrill. "The number of people who came out to be involved and did so for the passion and joy of it was incredible. I wanted to not just show the beautiful side of Seattle but the grungier and rain swept moods as well. Shooting sometimes at 4:30 in the morning and in the rain tested us all but proved worth the effort."

Photographers Charles Peterson and Lance Mercer, and staff at The Seattle Office of Film and Music, Pike Place Market, KEXP, Sub Pop, EMP and Peal Jam were instrumental in helping the production succeed.

September 7, 2011
THIS IS OURS
"This Is Ours" on Facebook

Directed by local filmmakers Lindy and Kris Boustedt (Perfect 10, The Summer Home), This Is Ours is a feature-length dramatic exploration of the American Dream. Seattle actors Ernie Joseph (Perfect 10, Eden, Catechism Cataclysm, What Light), Karie Gonia (Perfect 10, 4:44, Film Haze), Wonder Russell (Perfect 10, The Summer Home, Connect To), and Mark Carr (A Musing, Bobby Ellis Is Gonna Kick Your Ass, Photo Booth) make up the ensemble cast of characters taking a trip to their summer home which is in foreclosure.

"There is no greater joy than working with this cast and crew," say the Boustedts. "They may be small in number, but this production is filled with such passionate, talented, hard-working people. Honestly, every day they blow us away."

This Is Ours was shot on location in Plain, WA, with an all-Seattle cast and crew of 15, and is slated for film festivals this and next year.

August 31, 2011
ALONE IN THIS TOGETHER
Kontent Partners

Seattle based creative production house, Kontent Partners, recently collaborated with Rachel Flotard/Local 638 Records, Pearl Jam and their distribution network Monkey Wrench, to produce the music video for “Alone in This Together,” the title track off the new album by Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs.

Directed by Craig Brooks and Lindsay Daniels, the video was shot over a single day in an abandoned, turn of the century home in Seward Park. The video supports the band’s performance at the Pearl Jam 20 Destination Weekend on September 3/4, and the September 8 kick off of their West Coast tour.

"Shooting in Seattle not only helped logistically, but retained the soul and authenticity of the Northwest-rooted band," said Brooks.

Kontent Partners assembled over 18 of some of the best Seattle film crew to execute an incredibly ambitious production schedule.

August 24, 2011
AMERICAN REAPER and DELAYED REACTION SYNDROME
Seattle Film Institute

Each year Seattle Film Institute students are charged with producing films from start to finish. All SFI programs feature a hands-on education and practical experience that provide the groundwork for professional careers. Students receive a real world education from a faculty anchored by film industry professionals, and SFI offers professional certificates, undergraduate degree options, and graduate degrees in all aspects of filmmaking. Filming this month are two SFI productions:

American Reaper: The Grim Reaper is an ominous, mysterious figure. But who is the man behind the infamous name? The Seattle Film Institute's student film American Reaper is a mockumentary that attempts to get to the heart of this very question. The premise is like a "Day in the Life of Death" as a camera crew interviews the Grim Reaper and follows him as he goes through his daily routine. American Reaper will be partially filmed in Volunteer Park.

Delayed Reaction Syndrome: The challenges and travails of those afflicted with this increasingly common (and wholly fictional) malady are examined in a second SFI mockumentary, Delayed Reaction Syndrome. Ten local actors will play in this project, with upcoming sequences filming in the Madrona neighborhood and nearby parks.

"Both directors commented on how impressed they are with the quality and professionalism of the local acting talent pool," says Chris Blanchett of SFI. Nineteen cast and crew were are involved with the two projects.

August 10, 2011
AGESANDAGES MUSIC VIDEO
Hayley Young Photography

Local photographer Hayley Young, who is also the photo editor of Seattle Magazine, was tapped to shoot a music video for Portland-based band AgesandAges. Young has captured many bands on film for clients including Barsuk Records and Fuzed Music. The video will be a series of takes presented in a single-take form of the band walking through a choreographed group of extras from both the 619 Western Building and Seattle's Flash Mob community set in front of the historic rise of artist studios.

"Human beings working collectively have always been a large source of inspiration for my work, both in still photography and my recent exploration into motion," said Young. "Seattle's creative community is ripe with artistic and collaborative energy, and the support offered from Seattle's Film and Music office has been incredibly appreciated."

Young's studio is among many that will be lost if and when the 619 Western Buildingis torn down along with the Alaskan Way Viaduct. About 70 local crew and talent were cast for the video.

August 3, 2011
EDEN
Eden on Facebook

Directed by local filmmaker Megan Griffiths (The Off Hours), Eden is a feature film inspired by the powerful true-story of a Korean-American teenager forced into prostitution by domestic human traffickers who joins forces with her captors in a desperate plea to survive. Actress Jamie Chung (The Hangover II, Sucker Punch) has been cast in the lead role, along with Matt O'Leary (Fat Kid Rules The World, Brick) and Beau Bridges (The Fabulous Baker Boys). Local Producers Colin Harper Plank (The Human Beeing) and Jacob Mosler (Mean Creek) chose to film in Washington because of the Washington Filmworks funding assistance program, and the dedicated film crew community.

"I have been living and working in Seattle for over a decade," says director Megan Griffiths. "My love for this film community grows each year. I am incredibly excited and honored to make another film with this immensely talented group of friends."

About 75 local cast and crew members were hired for this production which will be filming in various locations around the city and state.

July 27, 2011
CITIZEN HEROES
Citizen Heroes

Superheroes do exist, especially in the Northwest. Citizen Heroes follows the exploits of average citizens who dress up in costume at night and do extraordinary things. Phoenix Jones and the Rain City superheroes patrol into the depths of Seattle's notorious open air drug markets. In Vancouver, B.C., Thanatos protects the helpless on Hastings street and in Portland, KnightOwl uses his EMT training to assist those who need it the most. The core film crew is largely from the Seattle area and members have worked on such locally-made films as Junk, Marrow, The Catechism Cataclysm, and Photo Booth. Citizen Heroes is shooting through September 2011, and will be submitting to international festivals shortly there-after.

"We originally began researching Phoenix Jones and other local superheroes for this project, when we discovered the real life superhero phenomenon existed in almost every major city in the United States," said director Matthew Harrison. "Because of the uniqueness of the Rain City Superhero Movement and the sheer number of heroes that could be found in the Northwest, we decided to narrow our focus to our own backyard."

"What we love about our all-star 'citizen' crew is that although we come from many different backgrounds, we share an affinity for the unique ways these heroes serve their community. Look forward to a Kickstarter campaign filled with unique and awesome perks as well as an upcoming superhero-filled fundraiser."

July 20, 2011
FAT KID RULES THE WORLD
Fat Kid Rules the World on Facebook

Based on the bestselling young adult novel by K.L. Going, Fat Kid Rules the World is slated to film through early August at various locations around Seattle. The film, marking the directorial debut of actor Matthew Lillard (Scooby Doo, Scream, SLC PUNK!), follows the troubled teenager Troy Billings (Jacob Wysocki). Overweight and lonely, Troy attempts to end his life but is saved by Marcus Macrae (Matt O'Leary), a charismatic punk rock musician with troubles of his own. The two form an unexpected and symbiotic relationship that changes both of their lives.

"We made the choice to film Fat Kid in Seattle because of its substantial production incentives and an exceptional film crew with a track record for making outstanding independent films," says Directory Matthew Lillard. "We could have shot in other states but eventually we chose to spend our money in Washington and we couldn't be happier. We're making a fantastic little movie because of the craftsmen in this city. We'll be back, if the city will have us and the State incentive is recovered."

"When we first met Jacob Wysocki on the short film version of Fat Kid, which we shot up here in Seattle last fall, we knew instantly that he could embody the character of Troy like no one else," said Whitewater Films' Rick Rosenthal. "Playing the role of Marcus, Matt O'Leary displays an intensity and a natural grace that puts him right up there with the best actors of his generation. And Billy Campbell, as Mr. Billings, brings a range of experience that well reflects the complex character he plays in the film. In short, it's just an amazing cast."

Fat Kid Rules the World is working with numerous local vendors, has hired more than 40 local crew members, and has cast 30 actors from the local talent pool.

May 25, 2011
SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED
IMDB
The feature film Safety Not Guaranteed has entered its final week of filming. Directed by Colin Trevorrow (Gary: Under Crisis, Reality Show) and produced by Stephanie Langhoff (Perfect Stranger, The Do-Deca-Pentathalon), the story follows two magazine employees as they head out on an assignment to interview the writer of a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel. Filming wraps this Friday after four weeks in Washington State. The production filmed extensively in Seattle, the Washington Coast, and the Puget Sound region.

"I cannot imagine a more perfect place to have made Safety Not Guaranteed than Seattle," says Langhoff. "I first spoke with our wonderful local producer Lacey Leavitt [The Off Hours, Blood On The Tracks] about three months ago and in that time she put together a crew of people whose experience, enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism have allowed us to make an ambitious film on a limited budget. We shot 24 locations in 32 days and each one was exactly what we needed, if not better than what we needed. I would come back to shoot here in a heartbeat."

Safety Not Guaranteed stars Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson, and Kristen Bell. The production hired over 50 Washington State cast and crew, and was incentivized by the Washington Filmworks Film Incentive Program.

May 18, 2011
STOP REQUESTED
Abundant Productions
Abundant Productions is a local production company that produces features, TV and Web series, shorts, commercials, and industrials, including this month's "Stop Requested." The metaphysical suspense thriller follows a troubled woman named Jess, who is haunted by her past and sensitivity to the spiritual realm that she attempts to silence with prescription drugs.

"This film is a testament to true indie collaboration," says director Ben Andrews. Head writer Ben James continues, "We intend to change the way indie films are made in Seattle."

The production is hiring over 25 local cast and crew, and is filming in numerous Seattle and regional locations.

May 11, 2011
PENNY DE LOS SANTOS PHOTO WORKSHOP
creativeLIVE
creativeLIVE is a Seattle-based resource for both professionals and amateurs in the fields of photography, video, web and graphic design, and a host of other creative professions. Located in the South Lake Union neighborhood, the company provides a wide-ranging catalog of web seminars-all filmed live-for individuals who believe education and development is a lifelong process. Penny De Los Santos, is an award-winning photographer who has contributed to such well-known magazines as Saveur, National Geographic and Martha Stewart Living, will be working with the creativeLive crew.

"I love that Seattle crews look out for each other and for my production whether they're working on it or not," says Celeste Olds, a producer at creativeLIVE. "Whenever a crew member is booked on another gig they'll always give me a recommendation (or two or three) of someone else who can take their spot. I love it! Not to mention the creativity and diversity that comes with these people. More often than not I'll find that our gaffer is also a fantastic editor, or that our sound girl is also a musician, or the cam-op is an acrobat/welder. It's like everyone here is a multi tool!"

creativeLIVE is hiring over 20 cast and crew for this week's production.

May 4, 2011
PAYPAL
Free Road Films
Free Road Films is a Seattle-based production company founded by the long-time local filmmaking team of Kyle Carver and Dana Thompson-Carver. With extensive filming history across the globe and in our own backyard, Free Road specializes in commercials, documentaries, brand films and videos for the web. Their client list includes the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Swedish Hospital, Microsoft, and Starbucks. Recently, the company filmed a commercial for the web payment company PayPal.

"We have been all over the city for three days and have had a great time with the crew, working with the local businesses, and collaborating with PBJS," says Dana. "With a quick turnaround from a script change everyone rallied together to fit our schedule in. We've been filming in neighborhoods and parks with a very kind reception, and the most unbelievably hard working crew with great attitudes. It's a real community here, and a joy to work with everyone from the PA's to the clients. Kyle and I say 'Thank you!' to the Seattle film community."

The production hired over 30 cast and crew, and filmed in numerous Seattle neighborhoods and parks this week.

April 27, 2011
NFFTY 2011 COMMERCIALS
NFFTY
NFFTY founder and film director Jesse Harris shot two Seattle-infused promotional videos for NFFTY 2011 sponsors Volvo and Bing. The Volvo advertisement meets short film captures a young screenwriter as he cruises down the road to creative innovation with the help of his shiny new Volvo S60. His trip down the imagination highway quite literally takes to the Seattle streets with awesome car chase sequences through SODO and Pioneer Square, Alki Beach, Queen Anne, Post Alley and under the viaduct, featuring beautiful footage of the Seattle skyline. The Bing video was shot in downtown Seattle, at Pike Place Market, and Gasworks Park, and features local youth filmmakers Ben Kadie, Megan Shinner and Sam Kelly and humorously portrays the joys and follies of shooting film projects with friends. The young filmmakers talk about their experiences with NFFTY, getting into film at an early age and what about the medium drives them the most.

"Filming in Seattle is incredible," says NFFTY founder Jesse Harris. "The City goes above and beyond to get you the biggest production value no matter your budget. Unlike other cities I've filmed in Seattle truly appreciates each and every project that shoots here. It was so fun to be able to highlight talented local filmmakers, work with a fantastic all local crew and showcase the beautiful locations of Seattle in the NFFTY commercials. I'm thrilled to screen them to 10,000 film fans this weekend at NFFTY."

The promotional ads will run before all NFFTY film screenings. The shorts were produced, directed and co-written by NFFTY staff Jesse Harris, Lindsey Johnson and Tara Zumpano with the help of a few dedicated Ballard High School interns, employed an entirely Seattle based cast and crew and filmed over three days in various Seattle locations.

April 20, 2011
A PENNY EARNED
A Penny Earned
Teaming up with West Seattle production company Fueled Creative, local writer/director TJ Mino is working on a short film titled A Penny Earned. The project is billed as a "chilling ghost story" that follows a pair of young honeymooners who stumble upon a mysterious inn with a haunted past. The short was shot over three days April 14-16 at locations in West Seattle and Kirkland, with a cast and crew of more than 15 Seattle-area based professionals. Mino hopes to have the film ready to hit the 2012 festival circuit.

"Seattle provides an amazing diversity of locations and inspirations as well as some tremendous talent for filmmakers to tap into," says Mino. "The cast and crew on 'A Penny Earned' were consummate professionals and dedicated themselves throughout the shoot to making every take count."

For those looking to support this local production, A Penny Earned has revved up a Kickstarter campaign with a goal of $10,800 by May 3. All funds will go toward compensating the cast and crew, as well as post-production costs.

April 13, 2011
AMERICA'S MOST WANTED
AMF
America's Most Wanted is filming in the Puget Sound this week. The program's host, John Walsh, is known internationally as a victims' advocate and the face of America's Most Wanted, the groundbreaking reality program that has helped law enforcement capture more than 1,100 dangerous fugitives and brought home more than 50 missing children since its debut in 1988.

"Working with this production company from out of town let us show off the beauty of Seattle and Bainbridge Island to a National TV audience," says location manager Mark Freid. "The pride and workmanship of our local crew pleased the Producers. Working with the City of Seattle and Bainbridge Island Police Department was a streamlined process that helped make this shoot successful."

The production will be filming host segments and dramatic reenactments in Seattle and the region throughout the week. The production is hiring over 40 local crew and talent.

April 6, 2011
FLY FILMMAKING CHALLENGE
SIFF
This week three teams completed short films for Seattle International Film Festival's "Fly Filmmaking Challenge." Executive produced by Carl Spence and Deborah Person of SIFF, and produced by Dustin Kaspar in partnership with Washington Filmworks' Executive Director Amy Lillard and Paul Nevius, the SIFF Fly Filmmaking Challenge captures the essence of independent filmmaking by condensing the process into a fast-paced production schedule with precise limits on cast and crew size, budget, and time. This year's Fly Film Teams are led by SJ Chiro, Matthew Clark and Timothy Watkins, chosen from among Washington's deep pool of veteran filmmakers.

"Fly Filmmaking provides the local community an opportunity to showcase the emerging talent of these diverse filmmakers and their outstanding crews," says Carl Spence, Artistic Director for SIFF. "It is truly a celebration of the talent and resources that are so valuable to sustaining our cinematic cultural identity."

"The time and resource restraints for the filmmakers augment the creativity, ingenuity and technical skills required to complete the challenge, and each team met the challenge with impressive films," continues Amy Lillard, who has worked with the Fly Films since 2003. "The partnership between SIFF and Washington Filmworks really represents the perfect dynamic. The result is a really exciting partnership and an entertaining program for audiences."

Each filmmaker assembled their own crew and actors. Numerous sponsors supported the project with donated or reduced materials and services. In addition to the three shorts, a documentary crew made up of youth filmmakers under the mentorship of Reel Grrls accompanied the productions, creating a behind-the-scenes documentary to provide context to the Fly Films process. Fly Films and the behind-the-scenes documentary will premier at SIFF 2011.

March 30, 2011
SOUNDERS XBOX KINECT
World Famous
Since its inception in 2005, World Famous has created clever, engaging content for a variety of clients including Nordstrom, Nike, Xbox, Alaska Airlines, Sony Pictures, MTV and The Washington State Lottery. The team's portfolio includes the 2011 Sasquatch Lineup Trailer, the "No Stank You" campaign for the Department of Health, and the infamous ad for Pemco Insurance involving goats.

This month the studio teamed up with Seattle Sounders players Fredy Montero and Kasey Keller for an Xbox spot. The production hired 12 crew and several local vendors.

"This was a perfect example of how great our crews are in Seattle," says Tony Fulgham, the spot's director and World Famous partner. "We only had the players for a few hours and we had to move quick. Everyone knew what to do, how to do it, and they did it well. We've got some amazing folks in this town."

The spot is currently playing during halftimes at all Seattle Sounders home games.

March 23, 2011
FEARLESS EPISODE HUNTERS
Fearless Episode Hunters
Fearless Episode Hunters, a short film written by local actor James Lyle best ("Star Trek: Phoenix"), completed principal filming in Seattle this week. The short's plot revolves around a science fiction fan club searching for lost footage from a 1960's TV show Atom Bomb Zero. The production was shot entirely in the Seattle area at locations including Wallingford's Comics Dungeon (the inspiration for the series), Greenwood Space Supply, and on sets constructed in a private West Seattle residence.

"Fearless Episode Hunters is about the power of nostalgia as a force for good, and sometimes a source of mischief, in our lives," says creator James Lyle. Adds executive producer Leo Roberts, "The cast does an amazing job of portraying these characters so much that it feels like a weekly television series. We're excited to submit this short to the 2012 season of the Seattle International and Sundance Film Festivals."

The film is directed by Sam Akina and all crew members live in the Seattle/Puget Sound area. Check out the link above to check on the production status of Fearless Episode Hunters and learn more about short film.

March 16, 2011
FILM PRODUCTION MONTH
SCCC
March is production month for students of SCCC's Film & Video Communications Program. Twenty students have assembled into four teams to write scripts, coordinate preproduction, and film their short films. This year's titles are Bed, Track, and Beyond, Getting Over, Mother-in-Law and Playfish.

"The program sees great students every year and they make incredibly good films," says instructor and award-winning local filmmaker Sandy Cioffi. "This year the students and projects are at an even higher level--these guys are going to be excellent filmmakers. We hope their experience with the course and these productions keeps them in Seattle when they move on to their film careers."

The Film & Video Communications Program at Seattle Central is a two-year, A.A.S. degree program characterized by interdisciplinary teaching and cooperative educational opportunities, with an emphasis on development of technical and creative skills needed to work in an industry which is basically artistic in nature. Learn more about the program via the link above.

March 9, 2011
STARBUCKS 40th BIRTHDAY NASDAQ BELL RINGING
Centerstage Productions
Starbucks celebrated its 40th birthday in Seattle style yesterday, by hosting the opening ceremony of the NASDAQ stock exchange live from the coffee magnate's first-ever location--Pike Place Market. The event, which featured a remote sounding of the famous stock market bell, filmed in the Marketplace and Starbucks' SODO Headquarters and was captured by local production troupe Fremont studios in partnership with Centerstage productions. The project enlisted the services of 20 local crew and also involved coordinating a live feed to stream the ceremony all the way back to Wall Street in real time.

Production studio representative, Scott Jonas, breaks down the filming process: "The event required a pre-setup at Starbucks Headquarters in SODO, then a move to the Pike Place store for a 4:00 am - 7:00 am Satellite broadcast of the opening bell. Then, we moved the complete unit back to Headquarters for a noon shoot of the closing NASDAQ bell in front of 3000 employees in the facilities parking lot." Follow the above link to learn more about the production.

March 2, 2011
WISH
Kickstarter: Wish
Wish is a short film written and directed by local filmmaker Norman Tumolva. The story is a modern day genie tale that conjures themes of how we deal with failure and loss in our lives. Shooting four days last week around downtown Seattle, in Pioneer Square and the University District, the film utilizes local settings as well as local talent with a sizable crew of 23. The short will be a suspenseful, spectral narrative, sure to make audiences squirm at times, while also instilling thought provoking contemplation. Sincere characters and delicate dialogue form the basis for the film's core thematic elements, which explore the disparagement of attaining redemption through avarice and the folly of dealing with loss through denial. The film team is currently in production and the filmmakers hope to submit it to the festival circuit later this year.

"For us it was much more than just the fact that we happen to live in Seattle that compelled us to produce Wish here," says Production Manager Sean Walsh. "It is the beautiful locations, the support from the City of Seattle and most of all the local dedicated cast and crew members who have all donated their time and talents to help create this film. We look forward to sharing the film across the globe for the story itself, but there is also an excitement that in doing so the project will function as a representation of the dedication Seattle has to producing inspired works of art." You can get a behind-the-scenes look at the Wish crew in action and contribute to the film's Kickstarter campaign at the link above.

February 23, 2011
INCENTIVE RENEWAL TESTIMONIAL VIDEO
Washington Filmworks' Incetive Renewal Testimonal Video
One of the most popular 2011 Superbowl commercials, Bridgestone's "Carma," was filmed in Washington State and incentivized by Washington Filmworks' film incentive program. Last week, members from the production's cast and crew gathered at Pacific Grip & Lighting in south Seattle to record a video testimonial of what services they provided to make the production happen. Dozens of local film professionals were hired during the two-week production of the commercial and without the Washington State Film Incentive Program, this commercial would not have been produced in Washington State.

The video will be shown to Washington State Legislators today during Washington Filmworks' "Film Day in Olympia". "We need to show all the support we can to prove to the legislators that this is important to you, our community, and our livelihood," says Washington Filmworks Executive Director Amy Lillard. "Please take a few minutes to write your legislator and express how important this is."

February 16, 2011
BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON!
BECU
Seattle public relations and marketing firm Colehour+Cohen has wrapped production on an online video celebrating the launch of BECU's new University of Washington-themed debit MasterCard. The video features 13 of the UW's most famous alumni performing the UW fight song, "Bow Down to Washington!," including Kenny G, Richard Karn, Damon Huard, Bill Gates, Sr., Danielle Lawrie, Rick Steves, Detlef Schrempf and Nancy Guppy.

"We wanted to do something fun to celebrate the launch of the card and keep things local," says BECU's Todd Pietzsch. "UW has so many well-known alums, a recognizable fight song and such iconic landmarks; a video seemed like the perfect way to reach out to students, alumni and Husky fans."

The video was shot in January and early February in Seattle, including several locations on the UW campus, employing a local crew and featuring audio and music production by Seattle's Audio Logic, Inc.

February 2, 2011
JUMP CITY
Jump City
The folks that brought MTV's The Phone to Seattle in 2009 returned in 2010 with G4TV's parkour game show extravaganza Jump City. Set and shot entirely in Seattle, the show features four teams of parkour athletes battling for the right to be named "Parkour Champions." The production filmed in numerous iconic Seattle locations, including City Hall, the Seattle Center, Freeway Park and Pioneer Square. The production also hired over 40 crew, some of whom traveled and lodged in Seattle throughout the four-week production.

The show premieres February 15 on the G4 Television Network. For information on the network, the show and for spectacular postcard-style images of parkour athletes in action, visit the above link.

January 12, 2011
SO THIS PRIEST WALKS INTO A BAR...
Kickstarter:"So This Priest Walks Into a Bar..."
"So This Priest Walks Into A Bar…" is a short film about the adventures of a priest and some bar patrons he encounters. Directed by Mark Lundsten, produced by Melissa Pang, and written by Josh Bourland, the movie is filming this week in various Seattle locations. The production is hiring 19 cast and crew during the production.

"The script is a fun one, sort of a spooky story, sort of a con game," says Lundsten. "We are gratified to have such great people working on the movie, both cast and crew. We have had nothing but helpful cooperation throughout the process. It's a crazy process to put together a movie; but it's a pleasure to do it with these kinds of people."

January 5, 2011
JENNY
Kickstarter: Jenny
Local production house Glass Forest Entertainment is proud to present Jenny, a new short film project written and directed by local filmmaker Sam Graydon and starring Oscar nominee Gary Busey. The film is a short character piece, following the story of a girl who befriends the local nudist (played by Busey) in the small former logging town of Enumclaw, Washington.

From the film's official press release: "While the friendship may seem odd from the outside, it's proof that the bonds that define our lives can come in the strangest and most unexpected places." Jenny is the first of five short films being produced for The Splinters Collection, a series of works from Pacific Northwest filmmakers.

December 15, 2010
BIZ KID$
Biz Kid$
"Biz Kid$" is an internationally broadcast award-winning public television series produced and filmed in Seattle. "Biz Kid$" made its debut in 2008 and has won prestigious national Emmy, Telly, and Environmental Media awards during its three-year run. The show's production team includes EPs Jamie Hammond, Jim Mckenna, Erren Gottlieb and Jeannine Glist; Line-Producer Norma Jean Straw; UPM Laura Jean Cronin; Head Writer John Kiester; Cinematographer Mike Boydstun; Editors Jim Golingo and Alex Corillo. Filming for the 2011 season began earlier this month and will be wrapping in March. The production is hiring over 100 local cast, crew and talent and working with local equipment and post-production companies.

"We have produced 55 episodes of 'Biz Kid$' with an incredible Seattle cast and crew," says Norma Jean Straw. "The close-knit and flexible local professional community delivers a high quality creative product. From writing to acting to lighting to production design to post production this is a full service production city."

December 8, 2010
SPINNING
Spinning
"Spinning" is a dramatic short film directed by John Jacobsen (Arthur, Around The Fire), produced by Chris Oliver (Arthur), written by Ramona Guentzel and featuring Bhama Roget, Hans Altwies, Amy Thone, and Sarah-Eve Gazitt on the cast. The production was filming this week in various Seattle locations, and plans to complete the project for submission to film festivals in early 2011. Little SnowGirl Productions is hiring over 30 local cast and crew.

"Seattle is one of the best places to shoot high quality film projects," says producer Chris Oliver. "The amazing talent and family atmosphere between cast and crew, and the attention John Jacobsen and others bring to the importance of story in filmmaking, provides the opportunity to create films that really shine and stand above the crowd."

December 1, 2010
$5 COVER
$5 Cover: Seattle
"$5 Cover: Seattle," making its world-wide premier December 15th, was filmed in Seattle last summer by director Lynn Shelton (Humpday) and producers Jane Charles and Steven Schardt. The series follows 13 up-and-coming Seattle bands as they make their way through the city's clubs and venues, and will be edited for a 12-part series (aired on MTV), webisodes and a feature length film. THEE Satisfaction, The Long Winters, The Moondoggies, Champagne Champagne, Harvey Danger are among the featured local bands. The film was shot from August-September 2009 in over 20 locations in and around Seattle. The production employed 30 local crew and 60 cast members, including the bands.

"Seattle absolutely breathes music and art and of course is home to my amazing fellow filmmaker Lynn Shelton," says "$5 Cover" series creator, Craig Brewer. "What I love about the whole '$5 Cover' project is that we're able to tap into some of the best local talent around the country and introduce them to the world."

"This isn't grand cinema," adds Shelton. "Really what this is is a love letter to Seattle and the Seattle music scene."

November 24, 2010
I AM ZOZO
I Am ZoZo
Award-winning filmmakers Scott Di Lalla and Zack Coffman of One World Studios are wrapping psychological horror feature I Am ZoZo this month. Shot entirely on San Juan Island and in Seattle with local talent and crew, I Am ZoZo is the first feature film to be shot exclusively with Kodak's new Vision 3 200T Super8mm film stock. Using two vintage Canon Super 8 cameras crystal-synced for sound, Di Lalla and Coffman hope to prove that their innovative production model will allow other indie auteurs a chance to enjoy the challenge and excitement of shooting on film. I Am ZoZo is based on true events surrounding Ouija board experiences gone wrong and the consistent involvement of an entity known widely on the Internet as ZoZo. I Am ZoZo is One World Studios' sixth feature but first narrative.

"We wanted to shoot in Seattle and the San Juans to give the film a different palette than the standard Hollywood fare," says Scott Di Lalla, the film's writer/director. "The contrast of such a fast-changing climate really serves both the horror genre as well as the Super 8mm format." Producer Zack Coffman adds, "We were blown away by the experienced crew and talent we were able to find here. It's a close-knit family in the PNW and everyone really banded together for the success of the project, we can't thank everyone enough for making our first narrative such a great experience!"

November 17, 2010
THE DIVINE MARIGOLDS
The Divine Marigolds
"The Divine Marigolds" shot its pilot episode, The Homecoming, at the Villa Heidelberg Bed and Breakfast in West Seattle last weekend. An off-kilter comedy about a large Irish family living in Seattle, the Marigolds find all the adult children moving back home, resulting in hilarious yet deeply affecting moments as they all learn to live under the same roof again. The show features some of Seattle's most notable indie film actors in strong ensemble-driven roles, including Paul Eenhorn as Pops Marigold and Lorraine Montez as Ruby Marigold. The weekend filming continues the production's successful Kickstarter and grassroots media campaigns.

Producer Ben Andrews says, "We want to produce something clever, funny and warm that reflects Seattle. The show is a testament to what independent production companies can do with a great story, talent, community support and a whole lot of perseverance."

November 10, 2010
BREAK
Break is a feature film by filmmaker Pete Anderson, following eight relationship-based stories intertwining and concluding with events that bring everything full circle. Break is an entirely Seattle-based project, using actors (33 speaking roles) and crew from the Northwest, with all location shooting around the Seattle/Tacoma area. The film's crew are all graduates or currently enrolled in one of the local Seattle film schools. The film and soundtrack feature ten northwest musicians, including Megan Larson, Stephen Nielsen, Kissing Girls, Brian Cronrath and the IFS. Kaycee Cole, who also plays the role of broken hearted musician Mika, wrote the song "Effigy" specifically for the film and character.

Break is Pete Anderson's seventh micro/low budget feature. "One goal of the film was to give more experience to local film crew/talent so when major productions come to town we can provide more than just extras/PAs on those films," says Anderson. "This production had less drama than any other film I have been involved with. The talent, dedication and spirit of the people involved prove film production in the Northwest is not only possible but positioned to explode into a National film scene. The resources available here, and their willingness to assist even though we were making a low budget film, are unbelievable. The film has over 30 locations, and the permitting and location scouting process couldn't have gone smoother."

November 3, 2010
The CATECHISM CATACLYSM
The Catechism Cataclysm
The Catechism Cataclysm is a dark comedy by award-winning director Todd Rohal (The Guatemalan Handshake), produced by Lacey Leavitt (Blood on the Flat Track) and Megan Griffiths (The Off Hours), shot by Ben Kasulke (Humpday), and featuring Steve Little (HBO's "Eastbound and Down") and Robert Longstreet (Great Wall of Sound) in the lead roles. The production filmed this September and October in several Seattle and Central Washington locations and is expected to screen in the 2011 film festival circuit.

"The decision to shoot in Seattle increased the production's value 100-fold," says director Todd Rohal. "We were forced to make this film with some very limited means, and the crew that Megan and Lacey brought together got behind the film in a way that was invaluable. It felt as if the community had a built-in intuition about what we needed to get the film made."

October 27, 2010
JUNK
Junk
Junk is an independent comedy written and directed by northwest native Kevin Hamedani and produced by Eugene Gershman and Eugene Luskin. The film follows a writer and director team as they visit the Outsider Film Festival to pitch their new project to legendary B-movie producer Yukio Tai (James Hong). The film includes cameo appearances by directors Lynn Shelton, Scott Sanders, and Nick Jasenovic and Troll 2 star George Hardy. The production filmed in Seattle this September and October, utilizing many neighborhoods and locations, and employing over 50 local cast and crew. "Though I now live and work in LA," writes Hamedani, "I knew Seattle was the perfect place to make this film about passionate young independent filmmakers."

October 20, 2010
"GREEN SQUIRREL RUNNING FOOTAGE" CAR COMMERCIAL SHOOT
Square Media Planet
Square Planet Media's Tim Damon returned to the Seattle area this week to film running footage for one of their automobile clients, continuing the industry's attraction to the region as a primary filming location. Square Planet filmed in the Magnolia neighborhood plus multiple locations outside Seattle, employing over 35 local crew. The footage will be used for regional and national ad campaigns. "We love filming in Seattle," says Producer Kendra Wester. "The crew is absolutely top notch and the locations can play for any location in the country. We keep coming back year after year and plan on coming back again!"

October 13, 2010
BEN BRIDGE 2010 HOLIDAY TV
Blue Goose Productions
Blue Goose Productions is powered by the Producer/Director team of Bill Hoare and Ron Gross and has been producing award-winning TV spots in Seattle for nearly 20 years, including all 16 years of the Seattle Mariners ads and the last 15 years of Ben Bridge ads. "Ben Bridge 2010 Holiday" was filmed at several Seattle locations including the Pioneer Square neighborhood, as well as on a local soundstage and employed over 35 local cast and crew. "We've always promoted Seattle as a dynamic production community," says Executive Producer Bill Hoare. "Having filmed all over the world, I can honestly say the quality of filmmaking talent here is second to none. This was a complex project and we can all be proud to know it was produced entirely in Seattle. Thanks to our partners at Jones Advertising, Ron and I were given the opportunity to once again show that anything can be done in this city."

September 29, 2010
KINECT SPORTS
RSA Films
This week's production of the week is the Digital Kitchen's "Kinect Sports" corporate video shoot. Digital Kitchen is an award-winning creative agency with work spanning from TV commercials and corporate videos to popular television series title sequences. Digital Kitchen has offices in Seattle, Los Angeles and Chicago. This month's "Kinect Sports" production is filming in several locations in Seattle and on the east side and is employing over 30 local cast and crew. "The crew and talent in the Seattle area are really blessed to have companies like Microsoft that are committed to shooting here," says location manager Peter Allen. "When a major roll out for a new product like the X-box Kinect happens, we are kept busy for months.This is the fourth Kinect shoot I have worked on since April." Peter, who has been scouting and managing film locations for over 20 years, also praises local residents for their interest and willingness to welcome filmmaking in the region." So many Northwest homeowners are more than willing to open up their homes for shoots. Makes my life as a location scout easy!"

September 22, 2010
BANK OF AMERICA PSAs
RSA Films
This week's Production of the Week is RSA Films' Bank of America PSA spots. The production filmed in numerous locations in and around Seattle, highlighting large-scale developments financed by BoA. "This job was challenging due to the multiple locations each day," says Production Supervisor Zita Mazzola. "We shot in Seattle, Tacoma and Monroe. We received great cooperation from the Seattle Film Office as well as the Tacoma Film Office. The crew was almost all local and the talent was all local." The production employed over 70 local crew and talent, and worked with numerous local businesses for equipment and gear rentals.

September 15, 2010
TRAILER FOR THE SEATTLE LESBIAN AND GAY FILM FESTIVAL
Three Dollar Bill Cinema
The Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival celebrates its 15th festival this October 15 - 24. This year, the Festival partnered with advertising agency Frank Unlimited and local production company Loaded Pictures on a trailer and TV commercial celebrating the great lengths that filmmakers go to get their picture to the screen. Production took place in locations across Seattle, including Georgetown, the International District, Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. Production on the project entailed an all-local cast and crew, and was supported with in kind gifts and services from notable companies including Kodak, Koerner Camera, Seattle Grip & Lighting, Alpha Cine, Big Fish NW, Optimistic Camera and Modern Digital. The trailer will be launched in theaters prior to the festival, on TV thanks to Comcast and on the Festival's website.

September 8, 2010
CHEVY SILVERADO
Craig Stewart Locations
Continuing the region's tradition of being a popular filming destination for car commercials, Station Films has come to Seattle to film running footage for national Chevy Silverado commercials. The production is working with local location manager Craig Stewart, and is employing over 50 local crew, and talent and will feature several downtown and neighborhood filming locations in Seattle and the region. "Station Films is filming across the US for Chevy," says Craig. "The cities that were originally chosen included New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Portland... until they saw the pictures from Seattle and scenic mountains within striking distance. They saw that Seattle has more to offer and brought the show here."

September 1, 2010
HALOWEEN MANIFESTO
Alarming Pictures
This week's Production of the Week is Alarming Pictures' "Halloween Manifesto" commercial shoot. Alarming Pictures is a brother/sister directing/creative team founded in 2001 by international production designer Jack Hodge and world-wide fashion and motorcycle photographer Carol Hodge. Their diverse talents range from directing award-winning commercials and corporate videos to shooting and scoring beautiful mini-films for J.Crew in locations around the world. Alarming Industries, (a new division), completed recent projects which include creating a traveling mini-theme park for Pepsi, a giant ant farm installation for City University, bacon serving robots for Microsoft, and the custom interior design of the ad agency Wexley School for Girls.

"Halloween Manifesto" was filmed in downtown Seattle parks and streets, employing over sixty local cast and crew. "Alarming Pictures and now Alarming Industries choose to work in Seattle because of the astonishing breadth of local talent and the ease of accomplishing otherwise impossible tasks," says Carol Hodge. "The music, art, film crews, and craftspeople available in Seattle are like no other. Even while shooting in Rome, India, or Los Angeles, Alarming Pictures still uses Seattle musicians to score their films and Seattle artists and crews to craft, shoot, edit, and help create our unique vision."

August 11, 2010
JUDAS KISS
Judas Kiss
Cameras begin rolling this Friday, August 13, for Judas Kiss, the fifth feature film to shoot in Seattle this year. The film is an off-beat contemporary drama directed by award-winning filmmaker J.T. Tepnapa and produced by Carlos Pedraza. You may see the production filming in the U-District, Capitol Hill and other Seattle landmarks in August and September. Judas Kiss will employ over 50 local cast and crew during its six-week production schedule. "We chose Seattle because we wanted something different than Los Angeles," says Tepnapa. "It seems like everyone shoots in LA/Vancouver, B.C. for television and film. We want Judas Kiss to have a different look and feel." Production partner Temporal Studios is currently casting for featured and background extras for scenes numbering from 5 up to 100 people. If interested, email extras@temporalstudios.com.

July 28, 2010
LINKED
Clockwork Cinema is a group of northwest college and high-school students who have teamed up to produce a non-school feature film. Linked is a mystery that follows two high school seniors who decide to make an investigative documentary about a mysterious disappearance/kidnapping, and come to realize one of the filmmaking team may also be involved with the original kidnapping. "Having grown up in Seattle, I feel that the city and surrounding landscape is an original and atmospheric setting for a film," says producer Nate Lessler. "The screenplay was written specifically for the northwest. I think that the northwest provides a beautiful, yet potentially dark, setting for a dramatic mystery." The production is filming in Seattle through August.

July 21, 2010
HOLIDAY 2010 CATALOG
Chasing Fireflies
This week's production of the week is the Chasing Fireflies "Holiday 2010 Catalog" photo shoot. Chasing Fireflies, a Seattle company owned and operated by three local business women, employs over 100 people during peak season and sells children's apparel, gifts, costumes, toys and more via their catalog and online shop. Between their in-house photo studio and their outdoor shoots, they do much of their still photography production here in Seattle. This Chasing Fireflies project was filmed in Seattle Parks, employing over twenty local cast and crew. "In Seattle you can shoot the four seasons virtually all year long," says co-founder Dina Alhadeff, "We love shooting here. Great locations and great talent."

July 14, 2010
HONDA EVERGREEN
Seattle and Washington State have always been popular filming destinations for car commercials. This week Lodestar Films has come to town to film running footage for national Honda commercials. The production is employing over 20 local crew members, and talent will feature Seattle, Tacoma, and other regional locales. "I'm always happy to show off our amazing locations," says location scout/manager Ken Coble. "The hope is it will encourage more productions to choose Washington as their location." During the last two years of economic downturn, car commercial shoots have fallen dramatically. Is this an indicator of more commercial spending to come?

July 7, 2010
GRASSROOTS
Grassroots
Grassroots is the fourth feature film to shoot in Seattle this year. The film is written and directed by Steven Gyllenhaal, produced by Peggy Rajski, and stars Jason Biggs, Joel David Moore, Lauren Ambrose, and Cedric the Entertainer. Now in their second week of filming you may see them around Capitol Hill and other Seattle landmarks through August. This production will employ over 70 local crew and talent and strongly feature Seattle as a character. The quintessentially Seattle story follows the fabled race for Seattle City Council Position 8, wherein an ex-Stranger writer and a Monorail devotee team up to take on the political establishment. About filming in Seattle, Gyllenhall says "The Old Hollywood is fading away and the New Hollywood is here in Seattle."

April 7, 2010
THE OFF HOURS
The Off Hours
The Off Hours, written and directed by local filmmaker Megan Griffiths, is going into production this month. The impressive cast list includes some of independent film's finest actors: Amy Seimetz (Tiny Furniture, Alexander the Last), Ross Partridge (Baghead, The Freebie), Tony Doupe (Crimes of the Past, Butterfly Dreaming), Lynn Shelton (Humpday, Moving), Alycia Delmore (Humpday, What the Funny), and Earl Prebezac (Buffalo Bill's Defunct, Urban Scarecrow). The film will be produced by Mischa Jakupcak, Lacey Leavitt and Joy Saez, shot by Ben Kasulke, production designed by Ben Blankenship, and costume designed by Rebecca Luke, with a score by local singer/songwriter Joshua Morrison. To learn more about the film and the project's Kickstarter, visit the website above.