The Utah Film Commission today announced the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board approval of state film incentives for five new projects generating a combined economic impact of over $36 million and creating more than 500 local jobs.
The anticipated TV series, Yellowstone, has been approved to begin production in Utah this August. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Taylor Sheridan, known for Hell or High Water, Sicario and the made-in-Utah Wind River, will return to the state to direct the show. The series follows the Dutton family, controllers of the largest contiguous ranch in the country, which finds its borders under threat. Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser have signed on to star alongside lead actor Kevin Costner, and the show is expected to generate an economic impact of over $28 million and employ over 300 local cast and crew. Sheridan, winner of this year’s Festival de Cannes ‘Best Director’ award, has cited Utah’s breathtaking scenery, accessibility, and reliable crew as just some of the reasons he chose to return to Utah.
“Utah is a really unique location as the mountains are so close to the city. Coupled with its incentive program, experienced crew and the Park City Studios, I think Utah is at the forefront of what will become a much bigger film industry,” Sheridan said.
In addition, romantic comedy and holiday feature Enchanted Christmas, as well as a new high school comedy series will shoot in Utah this summer. Television series Pupsicles, following the adventure of a family adjusting to their new life in a middle-of-nowhere snowy town, will film its pilot in the new year. These projects were all approved under the Motion Picture Incentive Program.
Documentary, However Long, will tackle the subject of incurable disease, following women living with metastatic breast cancer. Filming in and around Salt Lake City, and directed and produced by local filmmaker Jenny Mackenzie, the documentary has been approved under the Community Film Incentive Program, supporting Utah-based talent being successful in state.
“Working with filmmakers to tell premium stories with compelling characters and unique locations is key for us,” said Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission. “We are always happy to see talent return to Utah and to welcome new filmmakers to our community. Our goal remains to ensure that they have all the support and resources they need for production to run seamlessly and for them to return again and again to create award-winning content.”