SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – September 22, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) — The Governor’s Office of Economic Development board has announced and approved several film projects which will add revenue into the stare.
In a recent press release, Utah Film Commissioner Virginia Pearce said, “These productions create additional job opportunities for local cast and crew and will have a positive impact on our economy.”
A new production called “Phobic,” estimates a $210,000 budget in Utah and will film in both Salt Lake and Utah counties. This independent crime thriller plans to hire up to 40 locals for cast and crew positions and will begin filming sometime in October.
A new TV series called “Lifeforce,” begins production in Salt Lake and Tooele counties in the next few weeks bringing about $858,000 into the state and will hire approximately 50 cast and crew from Utah.
“The Jade Pendant” is gearing up for production and will add $3.4 million into the Utah coffers and have jobs for nearly 100 cast and crew from Utah.
Vineyard Productions, a Utah production company, was approved for “Prowess,” a project that plans to spend $220,000 and hire an estimated 25 cast and crew, scheduled to take place through the end of the year.
The HBO series “West World” was approved for a maximum tax credit of $461,948. Created by Jonathan Nolan, whose previous writing credits include “Interstellar” and “The Dark Knight” will also be directing episodes.
A remake of the 1973 Michael Crichton film, the series stars Anthony Hopkins, James Marsden, Evan Rachel Wood and Ed Harris. The majority of the production in Utah will take place in Moab and the surrounding area, spending an estimated $1.8 million.
A second HBO project authorized is estimated to spend over $10 million in the state. The GOED board approved the production for a maximum tax credit of $2,591,335.
“We are pleased to have worked closely with HBO to bring these projects to Utah,” said Utah Film Commission Director Virginia Pearce. “Both productions will create additional jobs and generate a positive impact on the Utah economy. This is especially significant when the economic impact happens in rural parts of the state, as it will for ‘West World.'”
“West World” began filming the pilot episode last September in Moab and will return there for episodic shooting this October.
About the Utah Film Commission
As a part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Utah Film Commission serves as liaison to the film industry as it facilitates production across the entire State of Utah for film, television, and commercial productions by promoting local professional industry crew, talent and services.
Over 900 films have been produced in Utah including “127 Hours,” “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,” “Forrest Gump,” “Lone Ranger,” “High School Musical” and the television series “Touched by an Angel.” ABC Studios recently chose Utah as the location for the ground-breaking new television series, “Blood and Oil.”
The Utah Film Commission partners with seven regional offices across the state – Kane County, Utah Valley, Washington County, Ogden, Park City, Heber Valley and Moab.
