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

More in Opinion

File - A teenager holds her phone as she sits for a portrait near her home in Illinois, on Friday, March 24, 2023. The U.S. Surgeon General is warning there is not enough evidence to show that social media is safe for young people — and is calling on tech companies, parents and caregivers to take "immediate action to protect kids now." (AP Photo Erin Hooley, File)
Editorial: Warning label on social media not enough for kids

The U.S. surgeon general has outlined tasks for parents, officials and social media companies.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, May 28

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

Forum: Especially at time of peace, U.S. must honor its fallen

As diplomacy takes precedence over military action, Memorial Day reminds us of our duty to history.

Comment: Federal student loan repayments need reforms

With repayments resuming soon, borrowers and the government need to prepare income-based plans.

Comment: Veterans struggling with addiction need our support

Connect veterans with the services they need through encouragement, understanding and advocacy.

President Joe Biden meets with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Calif., to discuss the debt limit in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, May 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Comment: A brief history of risks and outcomes of debt crises

Past debt ceiling and budget crises in 1995, 2011 and 2013 offer perspective on the current situation.

Comment: Hospice care isn’t giving up; it’s a gift of time, love

End-of-life care offers patients and families comfort, better quality of life and time to say goodbye.

Comment: State, local libraries rebuilding lives after prison

For those leaving prison, a library card is key to starting again. A new program offers that key.

Most Read