The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board approved four new productions presented by the Utah Film Commission for state film incentives, generating an estimated economic impact of approximately $25.8 million and creating over 280 local jobs.
The second season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series created and executive produced by Tim Federle (Ferdinand) has been approved under the Motion Picture Incentive program with an estimated spend of over $24 million in the state. The highly-anticipated first season of the series recently premiered on Disney+, and production for the second season is already scheduled to resume in Salt Lake City starting February 2020. “We are incredibly excited to bring the next chapter of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series to Disney+. Tim and this talented cast have delivered a first season that is uplifting, funny, touching and relatable across generations. We are confident that the world, like us, will want much more of these characters, incredible songs and moments of joy” said Ricky Strauss, president of content and marketing for Disney+.
Wireless, a narrative feature approved under the Motion Picture Incentive program, is estimated to spend approximately $1.3 million in the state. Starring Tye Sheridan (Ready Player One, X-Men: Apocalypse), the production will begin shooting in December around Salt Lake and Weber counties.
All Hallows Day Eve is a horror feature written and directed by Utah native, Nick Jensen. This production was approved under the Community Film Incentive Program, supporting smaller, local projects. “For us, this project is the culmination of years of hard work and passion. To be able to make this project here, in our home state of Utah, with Utah-grown talent, is a dream come true. I am excited to show off all that this state has to offer,” said Jensen. Filming begins this month, and the production is estimated to spend approximately $66,000 in-state with filming to take place in Davis County.
Rocketboy was also approved under the Community Film Incentive Program and is a documentary feature that chronicles the efforts of Steve Heller and Riley Meik as they prepare for their first commercial rocket launch from Utah-based Sugarhouse Aerospace. “We are so excited to film in Utah,” said Producer, Karina Orton. “It’s wonderful to follow groundbreaking stories that take place in Utah, where all of our crew has spent so much time. Having been Utah-based for so long already, we’re also grateful to work with experienced crew we know well.” Directed by Allyse Clegg, the production is estimated to spend approximately $47,000 and will be filming through Spring 2020 in Salt Lake and Utah counties.
For more information, visit film.utah.gov.