Summary

Executive Constantine, film industry leaders, and community members celebrated the opening of Harbor Island Studios, a new film production facility based in Seattle. The 117,000-square-foot studio is King County’s first major public investment in growing the local film industry and bringing back hundreds of family-wage, creative economy jobs.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine celebrated the opening of Harbor Island Studios on Thursday alongside community partners and members of the film industry. In the first of a two-day event, the grand opening featured a film set, interactive demos, and screenings of short films produced at the facility — highlighting the new studio’s potential.

Once a thriving film hub in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Washington state hasn’t kept up with competition across the U.S. and Canada, with other destinations offering incentives to strengthen their film industries. The opening of Harbor Island Studios provides crews with the infrastructure they need, making the Puget Sound region more competitive for projects.

"Harbor Island Studios is part of our commitment to ensuring the creative industry can grow and thrive in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a place to foster new stories and storytellers," said Executive Constantine. "We’re looking forward to welcoming film productions and creative professionals to King County with this new studio, a first-of-its-kind investment for our entire region."

King County crews and contractors transformed the previously unused warehouse into Harbor Island Studios, the site of the former Fisher Flour Mill. The studio can accommodate a wide variety of projects, from feature films to commercials — many of which pay union wages to local carpenters, electricians, prop masters, costume designers, and other trades.

The first production took place in the spring of 2021, and since then the King County Facilities Management Division has made improvements to the building, including soundproofing the sound stage. The studio includes two soundstages and office space for crews.

Harbor Island Studios officially opens its doors on July 1 for productions. 

Relevant links

• King County Creative - Harbor Island Studios

Quotes

Harbor Island Studios is part of our commitment to ensuring the creative industry can grow and thrive in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a place to foster new stories and storytellers. We’re looking forward to welcoming film productions and creative professionals to King County with this new studio, a first-of-its-kind investment for our entire region.

For media inquiries, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537