**Top 5 Cities to Film in Washington**

Washington State is one of the most scenic and diverse places to film in the United States. It offers everything from bustling cities to quiet rural landscapes, making it a great location for many types of film productions. Whether you’re working on a big-budget Hollywood movie or a small independent film, Washington’s cities have something unique to offer. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of Washington.  In this article, we’ll explore the top five cities to film in Washington and why filmmakers love shooting in them.

1. **Seattle**

Seattle is the largest and most well-known city in Washington. It’s famous for its iconic skyline, featuring the Space Needle, and its beautiful waterfront. Filmmakers love Seattle because it offers a mix of urban and natural settings. You can capture shots of tall skyscrapers and, in just a short drive, be surrounded by water or mountains.

Seattle has been the filming location for many famous movies and TV shows, including *Sleepless in Seattle*, *10 Things I Hate About You*, and *Grey’s Anatomy*. The city’s vibrant arts scene and diverse neighborhoods provide filmmakers with a wide variety of settings to choose from. The Pike Place Market, the first Starbucks, and the Seattle waterfront are all iconic locations that have been featured in numerous productions.

In addition to its stunning visuals, Seattle is home to a highly skilled workforce. The city has a large community of experienced crew members, equipment rental houses, and post-production facilities. This makes it easy for filmmakers to find everything they need without leaving the city.

2. **Tacoma**

Tacoma, located just south of Seattle, is another popular city for filmmakers. Though it’s smaller than Seattle, Tacoma offers its own unique charm. The city is known for its beautiful waterfront, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene. It’s also less busy than Seattle, which can make it easier to film on location without the hassle of large crowds.

One of the standout features of Tacoma is its historic downtown area. The city’s well-preserved buildings, some dating back to the late 1800s, offer filmmakers a perfect setting for period films or TV shows. The Museum District, which includes the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass, is also a visually stunning area that has been used in many productions.

Tacoma’s natural beauty also draws filmmakers. Point Defiance Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It’s a perfect location for outdoor scenes that require a peaceful, nature-filled backdrop.

3. **Spokane**

Spokane, located in eastern Washington, is known for its wide range of scenic landscapes. The city is surrounded by rivers, forests, and mountains, making it a fantastic location for films that need a mix of urban and natural settings. Filmmakers appreciate Spokane for its affordability and flexibility compared to larger cities like Seattle.

One of the most attractive features of Spokane is its historic architecture. The city’s downtown area is filled with beautiful old buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century. The Davenport Hotel, with its grand, elegant design, has been featured in several films. Spokane’s historic homes and streets make it a great location for period pieces or films set in small towns.

In addition to its urban appeal, Spokane is close to several natural landmarks, such as Riverside State Park and Mount Spokane. These locations offer filmmakers the opportunity to capture breathtaking outdoor scenes without traveling far from the city. Whether you’re filming in a forest, by a river, or on a mountaintop, Spokane has the perfect setting for your film.

4. **Bellevue**

Bellevue, located just east of Seattle, is a rapidly growing city that has become a favorite among filmmakers. Though it’s close to Seattle, Bellevue has its own distinct personality. The city is known for its sleek, modern architecture and upscale neighborhoods. Filmmakers often choose Bellevue for projects that need a contemporary, urban setting.

The city’s downtown area is filled with high-rise buildings, luxury hotels, and shopping centers. This modern cityscape is perfect for films or TV shows set in the present day. Bellevue’s parks and green spaces, such as Bellevue Downtown Park and the Bellevue Botanical Garden, offer a peaceful contrast to the busy city, providing a variety of filming options in one location.

Bellevue is also known for its tech scene, which adds to its modern feel. Many tech companies have their headquarters in Bellevue, and the city’s futuristic architecture reflects this. For films that require a cutting-edge, high-tech setting, Bellevue is a great choice.

5. **Bellingham**

Bellingham, located near the Canadian border, is a small city with big opportunities for filmmakers. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, with easy access to the Pacific Ocean, forests, and mountains. Bellingham’s scenic landscapes have made it a popular filming location for nature documentaries and outdoor adventure films.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bellingham has a charming downtown area that feels like a small town, despite its proximity to larger cities. The city’s waterfront, historic buildings, and local culture provide filmmakers with plenty of visual inspiration. Bellingham’s relaxed atmosphere and cooperative local government make it easy for filmmakers to obtain permits and shoot on location without much red tape.

Bellingham is also close to several national parks, including the North Cascades National Park and Mount Baker. These nearby natural wonders offer filmmakers a wide range of outdoor settings, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests. For films that require stunning outdoor shots, Bellingham is the perfect base.

Washington State is a filmmaker’s dream, offering a wide variety of locations that suit many different types of films. Seattle’s mix of urban and natural settings makes it a top choice for many productions, while Tacoma’s historic charm and waterfront provide a quieter alternative. Spokane, with its historic architecture and access to nature, is perfect for films set in both cities and the great outdoors. Bellevue offers a sleek, modern backdrop for contemporary films, and Bellingham’s stunning landscapes make it a go-to location for outdoor adventure films.

Filming in Washington is not only visually rewarding, but also logistically smooth. The state is home to a large community of film professionals and offers a wide range of resources for productions of all sizes. Whether you’re shooting a blockbuster movie or an independent film, these top five cities in Washington provide everything you need to bring your vision to life.