By Brice Wallace
Five new film and TV productions — including two TV series — will be shooting in Utah after being approved for incentives by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) board.
The board approved the incentives during its June meeting. The five productions are expected to have a total economic impact of $15.6 million and create about 400 local jobs.
The highest spending amount in Utah — $5.5 million — will be by Camera 40 Productions LLC for the second season of “The Outpost.” The first season will air on the CW Network in July. The state incentive is a tax credit of up to $1.38 million. The production is expected to have 60 cast members and 80 people in the crew. Principal photography is Jan. 7-April 27 next year, with post-production set for Jan. 14-Aug. 31. Directors are John Lyde and Clare Niederpruem.
“The Outpost” tells the story of the sole survivor of a race called Blackbloods and who discovers a supernatural power she will use to defend the world against a fanatical dictator.
“We are thrilled to be shooting our upcoming season of ‘The Outpost’ in Utah,” producer and creator Jason Faller said in a prepared statement. “The Utah TV crew are brilliant and highly proficient, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the Utah Film Commission has been instrumental in our decision to stay in Utah. We hope to build, expand and employ here in Utah for years to come.”
The GOED board approved a tax credit of up to $500,000 for Vineyard Productions for its TV series titled “Dwight in Shining Armor.” Expected to air on BYUtv, the show has begun production in Salt Lake City. Shooting is expected to continue through July 25, with post-production taking place through Feb. 15. The pilot was shot in Georgia.
“Dwight in Shining Armor” is a story about a teenager who falls into an ancient underground chamber and helps defeat the enemies of a gothic princess he discovers there.
The production is expected to involve 30 cast and 60 crew and spend about $2.5 million in Utah. The director is Timothy Kendall. The producer is Jeff T. Miller.
Vineyard Productions also was approved for a tax credit of up to $1 million for the feature drama “The Happy Worker.” The production is expected to spend $5 million in Utah and involve 20 cast and 60 crew. Principal shooting takes place July 30-Oct. 15, with post-production scheduled for Aug. 15-Jan. 15. The director is Duwayne Dunham. Producers are Bill Borden and David Lynch.
“The Happy Worker” tells of a world in which a group of diggers find their way of life disrupted by machinery and greed.
Green Olds LLC was approved for a tax credit of up to $533,019 for the independent feature drama “Green Olds.” The production is expected to spend $2.1 million in Utah and involve six cast and 48 crew. Principal photography will take place through July 20. Post-production is scheduled for July 23-Oct. 5. The director is Max Mayer. Producers are Michael Goodin and George Parra.
Starring Alice Eve, Thomas Haden Church and Dash Mihok, the movie is about a husband and wife in the atomic age who work to make the perfect family.
Rootbeer Christmas LLC was approved for a cash rebate of up to $100,000 through the Community Film Incentive Program, which supports smaller, local projects, for the family feature “Shoelaces for Christmas.” The production is expected to spend $500,000 in Utah, including during principal photography in June and post-production through Sept. 1. Twelve cast and 30 crew will work on the project. The director is Craig Clyde. Producers are Bryce Fillmore and David Hunter.
“2018 is looking to give Utah another busy summer in film production,” said Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission. “Films made in Utah contribute to both the creative and economic economy, and the artistry and professionalism of our crews are a big reason why production companies keep coming back.”