Boost film incentive

As a unit production manager for feature films, I love watching the Oscars and seeing all my peers’ hard work get recognized. What would be even better is if our film incentive in Washington was big enough to support more production so I could see my fellow Washingtonians’ work recognized.

I have spent the last two years on the road working because Washington’s incentive, capped at $3.5 million, is not as large as those in other markets. Alabama, with a $20 million cap, has become my home away from home. Last year, much of my Alabama crew also worked on “Selma,” a 2015 best picture nominee. The economic impact “Selma” (as well as the five films I have made there) had on their area is monumental.

Washington lost $55 million in economic benefits last year alone as film and television projects left for other states. Washington’s incentive generates $10 of economic benefits for every $1 invested and supports hundreds of family-wage jobs.

State Sen. Michael Baumgartner should help protect jobs and the creative economy by making sure our state’s film incentive stays competitive, ensuring people like me and the hundreds of other Washington filmmakers can live and work at home.

Mary Russell

Spokane