Tax incentives for film production help local economies

I am a filmmaker and I want to stay home and work in Washington. My livelihood depends on a steady, reliable flow of film projects being made here, and for the past ten years, the motion picture production incentive has been responsible for attracting the projects that keep me working.

Film production is good for our community. When a production comes to town to film, it means a huge boost to the local economy because they spend money with caterers, restaurants, hotels, gas stations and local shops, and they provide jobs for our local cast and crew. I worked on the television series “Northern Exposure” and that show spent $50 million per year in Washington and to this day people still visit the town of “Cicely” in Roslyn.

Right now in Olympia there is a bill to renew the motion picture production incentive program. The program will go away on June 30 unless elected officials in Olympia act, and if the program isn’t renewed, I’ll have to move (along with many of my friends and colleagues.) I certainly hope that it passes so that we can continue to see film in our community.

Vicky Berglund-Davenport

Lake Stevens

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Nov. 30

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Elizabeth Ferrari, left, hands her mom Noelle Ferrari her choice of hot sauce from the large selection at Double DD Meats on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Keeping the shopping fun and the money local

Small Business Saturday allows support of shops that are key to the local economy. And it’s more fun.

Charlie Laughtland, left, and Tim Brincefield, right, sort out cans of corn, pears and diced tomatoes at the Edmonds Food Bank on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Comment: Ensuring food aid nourishes people’s bodies and dignity

Food banks and programs like SNAP need to take steps to prevent social stigma from discouraging their use.

Citizens group finds common ground on rules for immigration enforcement

A group of local citizens gathered on a recent Sunday at the… Continue reading

Where’s outrage of state’s tax-happy ‘kings”?

After attending a “No Kings” rally in Snohomish, a letter writer shared… Continue reading

Nothing seditious about Democratic veterans’ video

Oh, honestly! A group of Democratic veterans pointed out that our military… Continue reading

Comment: Monroe peer-to-peer program builds hope behind bars

Monroe Correctional Center’s Peer Resource Program makes the most of second chances for those incarcerated.

Comment: HIV/AIDS isn’t death sentence, but work must continue

New infections are on the decline here, but focus can’t be lost on research, testing and prevention.

Ryan Berry / The Herald
A man hauls in a fish as anglers fish from canoes for pink salmon during the opening week of salmon season on the Snohomish River on Sep. 5, 2023, in Snohomish,
Forum: Ruling won’t end effort for the rights of natural world

A voters’ initiative didn’t survive a court challenge. The state needs a Green Amendment to force change.

The Buzz: Where the only thing worthy of pardon are the turkeys

Pass the leftovers; including reheated pardons, incivility, accusations of sedition and architectural sins.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Nov. 29

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Story Corps
Editorial: Political debate isn’t on Thanksgiving menu for most

A better option for table talk are family stories. Share them with the Great Thanksgiving Listen.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.