May 11, 2023

$84.7 Million in Film Production Approved to Film in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (May 11, 2023) – Today, the Utah Film Commission announced the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity Board approval of five new productions for state film incentives, generating an estimated economic impact of $84.7 million with approximately 90% to occur in rural Utah.

The approved productions are a selection of feature films, including the next installment of Kevin Costner’s Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga that began filming in Utah last year with the majority of the second part of Horizon: An American Saga currently filming in Washington County. “The production has made good on their commitment of local spend through not only the hiring of local crew and extras, but in purchase of raw materials and infrastructure services required to produce a film of this magnitude with minimal impact to our community.” said Joyce Kelly of Greater Zion Tourism Office. “Because of their work in our community, our film industry is strengthening and expanding.”

Other productions, like the sequel to Hallmark Channel’s #1 holiday film of 2022, Haul Out the Holly 2 also returns to film in the state. “Utah continues to be a wonderful place for Hallmark content,” said David Wulf, Utah-based producer. “Its small towns coupled with its city charms and excellent scenic backdrops really enhance the storytelling of this film.”

“We are thrilled to see the growth of Utah’s film industry in every corner of our state from small businesses owners to local crew professionals,” said Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission. “With the support of our Film Ready Utah Communities and the rural film tax credit program, we continue to attract more film production to Utah and remain competitive in the film industry.”

Below is a list of approved productions (in alphabetical order):

Cub Scout
Estimated Utah Spend: $1,317,497
Distribution: TBD
Locations: Summit County and Sanpete County

German Film
Estimated Utah Spend: $934,511
Distribution: TBD
Locations: Davis County, Salt Lake County, Summit County, and Utah County

Haul Out the Holly 2
Estimated Utah Spend: $2,662,969
Distribution: Hallmark Channel
Locations: Salt Lake County

Horizon: An American Saga 2
Estimated Utah Spend: $75,000,000
Distribution: TBD
Locations: Grand County and Washington County

Wardriver
Estimated Utah Spend: $4,800,000
Distribution: TBD
Locations: Salt Lake County, Weber County and Utah County

About the Utah Film Commission

As part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the Utah Film Commission markets the entire state as a destination for film, television, and commercial production by promoting the use of professional local crew and talent, support services, Utah locations, and the Motion Picture Incentive Program. The office also serves as a liaison to the film industry, facilitating production needs across the state.

Thousands of productions have been filmed in Utah, including Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, Thelma & Louise, and 127 Hours, to name only a few. Many episodic series have also been filmed in Utah, such as Yellowstone, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and Westworld.

####