What's Happening?
Filmmakers Sean Burke and Jack Chakerian are working on a new feature-length mystery film titled 'The Absence of Violet,' with the goal of encouraging more film production in Washington state. Burke, co-founder of 222 Pictures, previously won a Special
Grand Jury Prize Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 for his film 'As You Are.' Chakerian, a Gig Harbor native, wrote 'The Absence of Violet' while studying in Spain and envisioned a rural setting for the film. The production is set to begin filming in the fall, primarily in Port Townsend, with some days planned for Gig Harbor. The filmmakers are leveraging Washington's tax incentives, which offer higher returns for filming in rural counties, to attract more projects to the area. They have raised 90% of the necessary funds for the film, primarily through private equity and fundraising events.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is important for the U.S. film industry, particularly in Washington state, as it seeks to build a stronger infrastructure for independent filmmaking. By utilizing and promoting the state's tax incentives for rural filming, Burke and Chakerian are demonstrating a model that could attract more productions, thereby creating jobs and stimulating local economies. The current situation sees many TV shows set in Seattle filming elsewhere, such as Vancouver, indicating a missed economic opportunity for Washington. A thriving local film industry could lead to increased investment, development of local talent, and a boost in tourism to filming locations. This effort could also inspire other states to enhance their film incentive programs to compete for productions, ultimately decentralizing the film industry from traditional hubs and fostering growth in new regions.
What's Next?
Filming for 'The Absence of Violet' is scheduled to commence in the fall, with most of the production taking place in Port Townsend and a few days in Gig Harbor. The filmmakers are still seeking additional funds for the post-production and marketing phases of the film. Their efforts will likely continue to focus on fundraising and advocating for sustained state incentives to attract more filmmakers to Washington. The success of 'The Absence of Violet' in leveraging these incentives could serve as a case study, potentially influencing future policy decisions regarding film production support in Washington and other states. The project also aims to capitalize on the lull in commercial production during November in the Pacific Northwest, providing opportunities for film crews.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate production of 'The Absence of Violet,' this endeavor highlights a broader trend in the U.S. film industry: the increasing importance of state-level tax incentives in shaping production locations. The filmmakers' strategic choice to film in rural Washington to maximize these incentives underscores how financial policies can directly influence artistic and economic decisions. This approach not only supports local economies but also offers unique aesthetic opportunities, as Chakerian's vision for a mysterious, rural setting aligns with the state's landscape. The push to build a robust film infrastructure in Washington could lead to a cultural shift, fostering a more diverse and geographically distributed film industry across the U.S., moving beyond established centers like Hollywood and New York. It also raises questions about the long-term sustainability and impact of such incentive programs on regional cultural identity and economic development.
