Washington Filmworks

FWD, the Workforce Development Office for Washington Filmworks, uses a community informed approach to create statewide plans, programs, and resources to build the depth and breadth of the statewide film industry workforce. FWD aims to support and amplify efforts to ensure that the workforce is diverse and inclusive, and that career pathways are equitable and accessible. The first program launched was the Above the Line Education Forum and Mentorship Program. This program served 25 emerging Washington State directors and producers who participated in a 12 week educational forum. Five graduates were selected to participate in a six-month mentorship program to develop their own feature film projects.FWD also launched a funding initiative in early 2024 as a direct response to community feedback. The program is designed to invest in community-driven film industry workforce development efforts that serve historically underrepresented community members. In FY 2025, Washington Filmworks selected 6 proposals from across the state to financially support: one project providing film industry awareness - exposure to film industry career pathways and resources, and five projects providing film industry training - hands-on job skills and knowledge to prepare for jobs in film.