Seattle Film History Store | Preservation Fight
- After narrowly avoiding closure last year, Seattle's Scarecrow Video, home to the world’s largest publicly accessible physical media collection, is now prioritizing long-term sustainability.
- Executive Director Jonathan Marlow emphasized the importance of the organization's survival.
- the team,comprised of about 20 staffers and volunteers,is rallying around the slogan "Sustain Our Scarecrow" (S.O.S.). This initiative builds on last year's "Save Our Scarecrow" campaign, shifting the...
After a year of financial uncertainty, Seattle‘s iconic Scarecrow Video pivots to sustainability.The article details how the film archive, one of the world’s largest, is now prioritizing long-term stability with a new “Sustain Our Scarecrow” campaign. With over $1 million in donations and new leadership, Scarecrow Video focuses on community support and navigating a changing media landscape. Recent damage to the building’s facade caused a temporary closure, but the team remains committed. News directory 3 has the full story, exploring Scarecrow Video’s mission to remain a vital Seattle cultural institution.Discover what’s next for this beloved Seattle landmark.
Seattle’s Scarecrow Video Shifts Focus to Sustainability
Updated June 04, 2025
After narrowly avoiding closure last year, Seattle’s Scarecrow Video, home to the world’s largest publicly accessible physical media collection, is now prioritizing long-term sustainability. The organization has received over $1 million in donations and appointed new executive leadership to ensure its future.
Executive Director Jonathan Marlow emphasized the importance of the organization’s survival. He said the closure of Scarecrow would feel like losing a close friend.
the team,comprised of about 20 staffers and volunteers,is rallying around the slogan “Sustain Our Scarecrow” (S.O.S.). This initiative builds on last year’s ”Save Our Scarecrow” campaign, shifting the focus from immediate financial relief to serving the local community amid a changing media landscape.The goal is economic durability for the iconic film archive.
Tyler Mesman, director of advancement, noted the strong community support. He said the focus is now on leveraging that enthusiasm to support Scarecrow Video’s mission.
Last week, scarecrow Video experienced a minor setback when part of its building’s facade crumbled, leading to a temporary closure.Employee Rich Grendzinski said he initially feared the worst when he received a call from the fire department.
Grendzinski said he was relieved to find the damage was limited to the brickwork and the building’s structure remained sound.
Scarecrow Video is a valuable resource for film lovers and the Seattle community, boasting an extensive collection of physical media.
What’s next
Wiht renewed focus and community backing, Scarecrow Video aims to solidify its position as a vital cultural institution in Seattle, ensuring access to its vast film archive for years to come.