Yakima’s Scenic Beauty and Incentives Make Region a Top Film Destination

Yakima Valley Tourism and Washington Filmworks are hosting a film industry delegation, including Location Managers this week to promote the region as a premier filming location.

HIGHLIGHTING AREAS THAT LOOK GOOD ON FILM

Officials at Yakima Valley Tourism say the two-day "familiarization tour" aims to highlight Yakima's diverse landscapes—from canyons to historic architecture—and its film-friendly infrastructure to attract upcoming feature films, TV shows, and commercials. The initiative seeks to position Yakima as a key player in the growing state film industry.

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AN INCENTIVE FOR QUALIFYING PRODUCTIONS

Filmmakers are attracted by both the variety of scenery and the financial incentives, with Washington’s program offering up to 40% cash back for qualifying productions in rural areas. Tourism officials say these projects can bring a significant economic boost to local businesses, hotels, and vendors. They say the tour on Friday is a vital step in connecting industry decision-makers with the community.

NOT THE FIRST TIME

This won't be the first time movie producers have looked at the Yakima valley and the region for possible future filming location. Yakima has been featured in numerous films and the valley has been used as a backdrop for independent films, a and a filming location for Hollywood productions.

SOME IMPORTANT PROJECTS FILMED IN YAKIMA

Films: Cement Suitcase (2014) and All Sorts were filmed in the valley. Portions of James Franco’s In Dubious Battle (2016) were filmed in local orchards.
TV Shows: The popular Nickelodeon show iCarly repeatedly mentioned Yakima, as the characters' grandfather lived there.
Horror: Cheater, Cheater, a horror film, was shot in Yakima in 2024.