Something amazing is unraveling in Seattle, Washington for the local film industry. A year ago from now, I decided to pursue my film career dreams. I did some research and found a Pacific Northwest local article by Crosscut about a studio in the works; an old warehouse was slowly being approved by the city to be converted into a film studio sound stage. It would be the biggest in the area, and pave a whole new road of opportunity for the King County film industry in hopes of bringing Hollywood to Seattle.
Learning this gave me the extra sparkle to go for production assistant roles, to research what the industry was even like around me, and offer whatever other skills I could, like my favorite, BTS (behind-the-scenes) photography.
Learning this gave me the extra sparkle to go for production assistant roles, to research what the industry was even like around me, and offer whatever other skills I could, like my favorite, BTS (behind-the-scenes) photography.
“Washington was once a competitive film and entertainment city; hosting the likes of, Twilight, Sleepless in Seattle, Twin Peaks, and Grey’s Anatomy.
The state found itself slowly moving behind in the entertainment race, being over taken by the growing tax incentives and film based infrastructure of Portland and Vancouver.”- Trevor Murray
Fast forward to today, scrolling through social media I discovered a studio open house in Seattle from a colleague, Trevor. I didn't know what it was. All I saw was this crossover with a huge crane at the roof of the car and a camera attached to the front.
Trevor Murray is a sound mixer with a wide array of experience from feature films to commercial and corporate videos, working as a full-time freelancer throughout the Seattle area. He informed me that what I saw in his post is a rig at an Open House June 29th (and 30th), 2023 at the Harbor Island Studio at the border of SODO and West Seattle, and I immediately knew I needed to go! Luckily, it was a two day event and I was able to go after work the next day for a quick peak.
“With the opening of the new Harbor Island Studios, and freshly allotted tax incentives, our state ushers in a new age of possibilities for the diverse creators that call this area home.”- Trevor Murray
I was pleased to be taken on a short ride via a luxury shuttle to the studio which is directly beside the harbor where you can see cute vintage-looking tug boats pass. I'm not familiar with the exact type of boat this is, but it fit the vibe well. Very SODO. But anyway, I had about 30 mins to absorb as much as I could about the place. Also, while I was there, I realized this was my first time stepping foot inside an official film studio! I have only worked on location of indie films and commercial work.
I came home with a goodie bag of brochures and a pin or two happy to touch base with a couple of vendor reps and get to know more of the hands and feet that support the film industry out here. The open house featured drone gear, cameras, live sets, and even a screening room, and sponsor and vendor tables including
Browne Family Vineyards
Seattle Film Summit
Northwest Camera Co.
Motion State Production Co.
Mighty Tripod Acting Studio
Seattle Composers Alliance
Slager-Fuj Creative Media
Tesla Drones LLC
Make A Scene: Theme Party Decor & Prop Rentals
Seattle Office of Economic Development
and more.
After going through just one winter of having a foot in the film industry of Seattle, I notice quite a lull during the winter months. Hopefully, with more networking and now a new studio to protect us from the elements, next winter will be a stronger and fuller season, not just for me, but for the rest of the film crew out in the area. Hoping the crew strikes get resolved fairly.
Virtual tour of the
OPEN HOUSE:
Let me know if you've been to the Harbor Island Studios yet, and your thoughts about it.
