Creative Industries

Seattle is a major hub for commercial film production, home to a culture-shaping nightlife, and is quickly emerging as a major nexus for the videogame industry.

These industries create good career opportunities for Seattle residents and ensure we have a vibrant, thriving Downtown. Our focus is on attracting film productions, improving the nighttime business ecosystem, and identifying future economic opportunities that can better realize an inclusive and vibrant economy. 

Creative Industries Programs

Film

Seattle is a premier filming destination. For over 75 years, Seattle has made its mark on the film scene as the production center for landmark films, compelling television series, and successful commercial campaigns.

Filming in Seattle? The Seattle Film Program issues permissions for filming (feature films, short films, commercials, documentaries, student projects, television and web programming, music videos, commercial still photography, public service announcements, and other filming/photography projects) on public City of Seattle property.

Our mission is to attract, grow, and keep film production in Seattle. In partnership with Seattle Center, we activated the M5 Creative building (401 Mercer Street) for temporary use for film production and office space, conferences, workshops, controlled events, and filming. Learn about available spaces and program criteria here. 

Nightlife and Music

Seattle's vibrant, thriving nightlife is steeped in musical tradition. Our goals for the nightlife sector are rooted in creating a better Life at Night for nighttime visitors, businesses, and workers across all key sectors that work at night. This work focuses on cultivating vibrancy, ensuring public safety, and making it easier to navigate and move around the city at night.

Economic Development

Markham McIntyre, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 5752, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94708, Seattle, WA, 98124-4708
Phone: (206) 684-8090
Fax: (206) 684-0379
oed@seattle.gov

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The mission of the Office of Economic Development is to help create healthy businesses, thriving neighborhoods, and community organizations to contribute to a robust economy that will benefit all Seattle residents and future generations.