GOED approves incentives to bring two film projects to Utah for production

Murder and dementia are the focus of a pair of films approved for incentives this month by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) board.

Instant Cash LLC was approved for a cash rebate of up to $409,018 for “American Murderer,” a feature drama expected to spend more than $2 million in Utah. The production is expected to employ 36 cast members, 85 crew and 200 extras.

Principal photography is scheduled for Oct. 13-Nov. 14 throughout Salt Lake County. The director is Matthew Gentile. Producers are Kevin Matusow and Gia Walsh.

Based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown, the film will tell the story of a party king who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet and in the process becomes the FBI’s most unlikely — and elusive — top 10 fugitive.

A cash rebate incentive of up to $12,000 was approved for Grandpa’s Crazy Movie LLC for its family feature “Grandpa’s Crazy?” The production is expected to spend $60,000 in Utah, including during principal photography that took place earlier this month in Tooele County.

“Grandpa’s Crazy?’ tells the story of a man after the funeral for his wife, when he finds himself alone, staring at the walls, trying to find ways to spend time with his kids and grandchildren. When they don’t respond, he resorts to pretending to have dementia to try to get some attention, although the plan backfires.

“Grandpa’s Crazy?” is directed by K. Danor Gerald. The producer is Dave Bresnahan. The production is expected to employ 23 cast, 10 crew and 10 extras.

“Utah has the finest scenery; great locations; and highly qualified, talented and skilled cast and crew,” Bresnahan said.

“Providing film incentives to both large and small productions is a great way to develop more opportunities for our local film industry,” said Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission. “Film production also gives our local communities and businesses an immediate economic boost during a time when it’s needed most.”

The GOED board also amended incentives awarded in July, based on increased estimated in-state spending. The July incentive for Mira Media LLC for its episodic production of “Mira Mira” was a cash rebate of up to $158,701, based on spending of $793,504. It was amended to up to $202,465, based on $1 million in Utah spending. The July incentive for Kinderfanger Media LLC for “Kinderfanger” was for up to $165,650, based on spending of $828,252 in Utah. The incentive was amended to up to $264,407, based on in-state spending of more than $1.3 million.

Both “Mira Mira” and “Kinderfanger” are horror productions set to air on Crypt TV.