‘High School Musical’ Producer Returns to Utah

Pete CodellaNews

The Utah Film Commission is pleased to announce that 10 years after the release of the Utah production High School Musical, its creator and executive producer Bill Borden returns to the state with Archalien, a production that was approved today for a state film incentive by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development board.

The production is planning to spend $7.5 million on the ground with the majority of the filming taking place in the Salt Lake City area.

Borden will be serving as executive producer along with Stan Lee (Marvel Comics), Ralph Hemecker, Brandon Millian, Andru Davies, Sam Frankle and Gill Champion. Producing are Bill MacDonald and Marcus Morton.

“I have filmed seven productions in Utah and I keep returning because I’m drawn to its professional crews, accessible resources and its great locations,” said Borden. “Along with the film incentive program and the assistance from the film commission, Utah became a great fit for Archalien.”

Created by Hemecker, Lee and MacDonald, the sci-fi feature tells the story of a young media entrepreneur who runs a website that exploits and profits from alien conspiracy theories, until he discovers that the theories are true. Hemecker will also be directing Archalien. His previous directing credits include the TV series Once Upon a Time and The Flash (2014).

Virginia Pearce, Utah Film Commission Director, commented: “We’ve seen over 900 films made in Utah to date and continue to welcome a variety of productions to utilize our unique and diverse landscapes. We are always delighted to see talent return to Utah and our team remains committed to help all local projects run seamlessly.”

Also receiving approval today for state film incentives are The Animal Planet, a UK/Utah co-production TV pilot of a children’s television series and The Elving Project, an independent feature. Collectively, these projects plan to spend $495,000 in the state.