Incentives bringing $9.3 million in film production economic impact to state

Four films and one episodic drama are expected to shoot in Utah after being approved for incentives by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) board.

Combined, the productions’ economic impact in Utah is expected to be about $9.3 million.

“With these diverse projects slated to begin shooting in the next few months, the summer looks to be busy time for film production in the state, proving that our locations, incentive programs and professional cast and crews continue to encourage productions to film in Utah time and time again,” said Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission.

On The Mat Productions was approved for a tax credit of up to $1.68 million for the feature drama “Unstoppable,” which will tell the story of wrestler Anthony Robles overcoming the odds to win an NCAA title.

“Unstoppable” is expected to spend $6.7 million in Utah and employ 25 cast, 85 crew and 1,800 extras. Shooting is expected to take place Sept. 23-Nov. 8. The producer is Andy Fraser and 101 Studios.

Echo Boomers Productions LLC was approved for a cash rebate of up to $314,003 for the feature drama “Echo Boomers,” the story of five post-graduates who steal from the rich and give to themselves. The production is expected to spend nearly $1.3 million and employ 30 cast, 40 crew and 150 extras. Shooting is expected to take place Aug. 5-28 throughout Salt Lake County.

“Echo Boomers” stars Michael Shannon (“The Shape of Water,” “Take Shelter”) and Britt Robertson (“Tomorrowland,” “Girlboss”). The director is Seth Savoy. The producer is Lucas Jarach (“Being Charlie,” “Border Run”).

“It is with great excitement that I return to Utah to produce ‘Echo Boomers,’ my third film shot in this beautiful state where the level of professionalism of both cast and crew is top-notch and some of the best in the world,” Jarach said. “Above all, the human element of the Utah film community and the Utah Film Commission is truly what keeps bringing me back, as I consider Salt Lake City my home away from home.”

A cash rebate of up to $129,991 was approved for The Nameless Days LLC for the horror feature “The Nameless Days.” The company is expected to spend about $650,000 in Utah, including having nine cast, 34 crew and seven extras. Principal photography takes place through Aug. 15 in Tooele County.

“The Nameless Days” is co-directed by Andrew Mecham and Matthew Whedon (“Behind You”). Producers are Craig Steiner and Larissa Beck.

Dreamland Entertainment LLC was approved for a cash rebate of up to $80,000 for the episodic drama “Dreamland.” The production is expected to spend $400,000 in Utah and involve 34 cast, 25 crew and 80 extras. Shooting takes place Aug. 19-Sept. 16 in Utah and Salt Lake counties.

“Dreamland” tells the story of the residents of a small town whose romantic lives resemble the stories of classic fairy tales. The director is Brandon Ho. The producer is J.R. Andrus.

Mainstay Productions LLC was approved for a cash rebate of up to $57,296 for the feature thriller “Blackout.” The company is expected to spend about $286,000 in Utah and employ 11 cast, 20 crew and 100 extras. Shooting was scheduled for July in Utah and Salt Lake counties.

“Blackout” tells the story of a successful artist who survives a car wreck but finds discrepancies in the description of her former life by her husband, her business manager and her manager’s wife. It is directed by John Lyde (“The Christmas Apron,” “The Outpost”), who also is listed as a producer along with Paul D. Hunt.

“I love making movies here in Utah,” Lyde said. “The hard-working crews know what they are doing and make filmmaking enjoyable.”