Washington Filmworks is thrilled to announce the five businesses selected to receive funding in the inaugural round of the FWD Funding Initiative! Among many impressive submissions, these projects aligned with our goals of providing support for historically underrepresented community members, discovering and supporting new workforce development approaches within the film industry, and addressing gaps in existing resources.

FILM CREW ACADEMY

Power P.A. Course Scholarship Program

Funding will help to sustain their scholarship program for the virtual Power P.A. Course. This program offers job training, resources, and support to individuals from historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+ persons, and those residing in rural communities. The Power P.A. Course delivers comprehensive virtual training modules covering various aspects of production assistant roles, empowering participants to launch their careers in the film industry. 

NORTHWEST FILM FORUM

ACTION! Narrative Apprentice Program

Funding will support their Seattle-based ACTION! Narrative Apprentice Program. This program targets emerging filmmakers who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and/or living with disabilities, providing them with one-on-one job training and mentorship from industry professionals. Through a structured five-phase program, participants gain hands-on experience in film production, culminating in a premiere screening at the Local Sightings Film Festival. 

WAHKIAKUM WEST TELEVISION

Rural Quickstart Production Program

Funds will go toward launching their Rural Quickstart Production Program in Rosburg. This program combines job training and placement with the goal of offering residents of Wahkiakum and Pacific counties, as well as the Shoalwater Bay and Chinook tribal communities, paid education in film and television production. Its aim is to tackle the existing worker shortage in the region. Participants will produce seasonal tourism commercials, short-form interview programs, and narrative content. 

THE SHYAN SELAH FOUNDATION

Artist Workshop

Funds will support their Artist Workshop in Federal Way. This job training workshop raises awareness of careers in the film industry among students aged 14-25 in South King County, with a focus on underrepresented communities, including Black and brown youth, and those from low-income households. The workshop aims to demystify the entertainment industry and expose participants to various career pathways within the film industry. 

PERFECT ATTENDANCE PRODUCTIONS

We F.E.W! (Filmmakers of Eastern Washington) Set Experiences

Funds will support the continuation of the popular We F.E.W! (Filmmakers of Eastern Washington) Set Experiences. This job training program aims to organize and empower the Eastern Washington film community, reaching out to underrepresented voices in the region to increase access. Through the We F.E.W! Set Experience Shorts, the program provides opportunities for filmmakers of all experience levels to collaborate on film projects.

To learn more about the FWD Funding Initiative, including our next submission round (coming in May!), please visit link below.

Questions? Email us at FWD@WashingtonFilmworks.org