Film Elevated: GOED Board Approves Incentives for Six Projects

Pete CodellaNews

The Utah Film Commission announced today that five independent films and one television pilot will begin production in coming months with projected in-state spending of $8.6 million and the hiring of more than 400 cast and crew members. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) board approved incentives for all six projects, making Thursday’s board meeting one of the most “film friendly” in many years.

“It’s no secret that the Sundance Film Festival puts Utah on the map every year and is a significant boost to the state’s economy,” said Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission. “What some might not know is how effective the festival is at putting Utah on filmmakers’ radar too. These new projects will not only produce in-state spending—they will also add to Utah’s reputation as an ideal filming location.”

The six projects are each expected to begin within the next few months.

The television pilot project, for a series entitled Boom, will be produced by Touchstone Television Production, LLC dba ABC Studios. The GOED board of directors approved a maximum tax incentive of $1,284,554. ABC Studios anticipates hiring 186 cast and crew for the production, which tells the story of an ambitious young family in the energy business in North Dakota. Principal photography will begin shortly.

Mirror Films, LLC will begin production in mid-March on their independent drama entitled Book of Wishes, by local director/producer Christian Vuissa. The project will have an estimated cast and crew hire of 47 people. The GOED board approved a maximum tax credit of $50,000, which represents 20 percent of dollars left in the state.

Code of Honor Productions, LLC will begin principal photography at the end of February on an independent action/adventure feature, Code of Honor by Los Angeles-based director Michael Winnick, who has shot a film in Utah in the past. GOED approved a maximum tax credit of $291,327, which represents 25 percent of dollars left in the state.

“It’s great to be back in Utah shooting another film,” Winnick said. “The film commission and the crews are so friendly and supportive, and the incentive makes it an easy choice to come here.”

Crow Town Ventures, Inc. will begin preparation on their action/science fiction feature in March. Directed by Los Angeles-based Adam Randall, iBoy will employ an estimated 82 cast and crew and has been approved for a maximum tax credit of $350,000, which represents 25 percent of dollars left in the state.

Tim Timmerman Hope of America, LLC will begin principal photography in early April on an independent feature drama by Cameron Sawyer, a Utah-based director. Tim Timmerman will hire an estimated 90 cast and crew and has been approved for a maximum tax credit of $57,000, which represents 20 percent of dollars left in state.

Mountain Lighting will begin principal photography mid-March on a supernatural dramatic feature directed by Russia-based Mikhail Kukushkin. Young Evil will employ an estimated 37 people and has been approved for a $76,000 maximum tax credit which represents 20 percent of dollars left in state.

“The goal of the Utah Film Commission is to act as an advocate to both incoming film companies and our local industry,” Pearce said. “This surge in film production is great news for our local economy and industry members—not to mention the cultural significance and the proud Utah ties some of the projects already have. The overall message today’s meeting has for the film industry is that Utah is ready, willing and able to support a diverse range of projects.”