King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced Tuesday, July 7 that CREATE48 Media Network will operate Harbor Island Studios under a one-year lease agreement designed to keep the publicly-owned production facility active while the county develops a long term strategy for the property.
The agreement allows CREATE48 Media Network – managed by Burien’s Kirk Nordenstrom – to use the 89,000 square foot studio for the next year, supporting film production, workforce development and creative career opportunities throughout the region.
Harbor Island Studios is the only publicly-owned soundstage in the region and has hosted more than 160 productions since opening in June 2023, according to King County.
“Harbor Island Studios has been a unique public asset that supports King County’s film industry and creative economy,” Zahilay said. “I’m glad we were able to find a nonprofit partner to continue momentum for the community while we work with stakeholders to develop a long term strategy that supports access to affordable film and production space in our region.”
Burien resident Nordenstrom, Executive Director of CREATE48 Media Network, said the agreement preserves an important production resource while creating opportunities for local filmmakers.
“CREATE48 Media Network is deeply grateful to County Executive Zahilay and his staff for their leadership, responsiveness, and partnership in reaching an agreement that keeps Harbor Island Studios moving forward,” Nordenstrom said. “Their work helps preserve critical production infrastructure while allowing us to continue building pathways to family wage careers in King County’s creative economy.”
Nordenstrom also thanked King County Councilmembers Teresa Mosqueda and Claudia Balducci for their support, saying CREATE48 looks forward to working with county leaders, industry partners and community stakeholders on a long term strategy for maintaining a sustainable production studio in King County.
CREATE48 Media Network operates filmmaking programs in Seattle, Montana, Oregon and the Bay Area. Its local programs include the Seattle 48 Hour Film Project, scheduled for July 10 through 12 with its kickoff event at Harbor Island Studios, and screenings at SIFF Cinema Uptown from July 27 through 30. The nonprofit also produces the Seattle 48 Hour Horror Film Project, the Burien Film Festival, the Diversity in Representation Fund, networking events and educational podcasts for aspiring filmmakers.
According to King County, Harbor Island Studios features two sound stages and has been used by major studios including Paramount, HBO, Amazon and Netflix, along with independent filmmakers, commercial productions and music videos. The facility has also hosted film competitions, industry training events and student workshops.
The county recently completed a surplus analysis of the property, which is owned by the Solid Waste Division within the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. Because of ongoing maintenance costs, the county plans to continue the surplus process over the next year to determine whether another government agency or private entity may purchase the property.
District 8 King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda said the agreement keeps an important part of the region’s arts economy operating while supporting local jobs.
“In partnership with Executive Zahilay, this agreement with Create48 allows for continued film and commercial production, providing a space for our next generation of creators to bring their visions to life, while spurring business at our local shops and employing community members in good union wage jobs,” Mosqueda said.
Councilmember Claudia Balducci called the agreement “a critical step” in preserving Harbor Island Studios as a vital part of the local film industry and said she remains committed to working with county leaders and the filmmaking community on a long term solution for the facility.
More info on Harbor Island Studios is here: https://www.harbor-island-studios.com
