Zombies Take Over Olympia

By Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

Everyone knows that the legislative session can get a bit grueling, but the zombies seen today on the state Capitol Campus in Olympia were not legislators.

Zombies took over while children from Columbia Adventist Academy in Battleground and Gateway Christian Schools in Bremerton and Poulsbo arrived along with other school groups to tour the Capitol Building.

The actors, complete with realistic blood and gore, were working with members of Keep Film in Washington.

Production crew members were in Olympia to educate legislators about the industry, its positive impact on the local economy and encourage passage of Senate Bill 6027, which would phase in an increase for Washington's film program.

According to Heather Weiner of Keep Film in Washington, every one dollar invested in keeping film and television jobs in Washington generates more than $10, an economic boost and jobs for our communities.

Members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 488 were also on hand. The group represents more than 600 carpenters, electricians, set decorators, grips, hair and makeup artists, and other skilled workers in the Pacific Northwest.

Abby Dylan, Washington State Chair of the national board of SAG-AFTRA, a film organization which represents about 1,200 actors in the region, was also on hand this morning providing interviews to regional television stations.

"Last year Washington turned away more than $55 million of economic activity and jobs people who rely on the film industry to support their families - they cannot afford to lose more good film jobs and economic benefits to our competitors."

The film they were producing this morning on the Capitol Steps, a promotion for the bill, was scheduled to be completed in a couple of hours, said Dylan.

Legislators and their staff occasionally came out of the Capitol Building to observe the scene and take pictures, including Senator Karen Fraser of Olympia.

For more information go to: www.KeepFilmInWa.org

Below: Seattle actor David S. Hogan looks pretty realistic as a zombie.