The Utah Film Commission announced on June 14 that the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board has approved five new projects for state film incentives, generating an estimated economic impact of $15.6 million and creating an estimated 400 local jobs.
Homegrown, Springville-based fantasy series “The Outpost,” spending an estimated $5.5 million in the next year, will begin shooting its second season later this summer. The first season will premiere on the CW Network in July. Producer and creator Jason Faller said, “We are thrilled to be shooting our upcoming season of ‘The Outpost’ in Utah. The Utah TV crews are brilliant and highly proficient, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the Utah Film Commission has been instrumental in our decision to stay in Utah. We hope to build, expand and employ here in Utah for years to come.”
Another television series, “Dwight in Shining Armor,” has begun production in Salt Lake City and will continue through the summer. The children’s series will create almost 100 jobs and is expected to air on BYUtv. Two independent features, “Green Olds” and “The Happy Worker,” will both begin production later this summer. Together they are expected to spend over $7 million and create close to 250 film industry jobs.
In addition, “Shoelaces for Christmas” has been approved under the Community Film Incentive Program, supporting smaller, local projects. The film is estimated to spend $500,000 and be in production this summer.
Virginia Pearce, Utah Film Commission director, commented, “2018 is looking to give Utah another busy summer in film production. Films made in Utah contribute to both the creative and economic economy and the artistry and professionalism of our crews are a big reason why production companies keep coming back.”
As a part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Utah Film Commission markets the entire state as a destination for film, television and commercial production by promoting the use of professional local crew and talent, support services, Utah locations and the Motion Picture Incentive Program. The office also serves as liaison to the film industry, facilitating production needs across the state.
More than 1,400 productions have been filmed in Utah, including “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,” “Thelma and Louise” and “127 Hours,” to list a few. Many episodic series have also been filmed in Utah, such as “Touched by an Angel,” “Andi Mack” and “Westworld.”
For more information, visit film.utah.gov.
