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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
In Utah, the film industry accounts for over 6,000 jobs and $170 million in wages each year. Our state's diverse topography and pronounced seasons bring in all sorts of different film projects. One of Utah's local production agencies, Godfrey Entertainment, recently spent $5 million and created 75 jobs for Utah while filming Nitro Circus the Movie in 3D, which was released earlier this month.
Jeremy Rawle and Gregg Godfrey founded Godfrey Entertainment 15 years ago. These two have known each other since they were kids, and Jeremy says they were always doing stunts and making amateur action sports films. Now, their company does all sorts of film production worldwide, from commercials to television and movies. Right now, they're filming a commercial for one of the nation's largest RV companies. The company is using Southern Utah as the setting for their commercial because of the scenery.
The group created the Nitro Circus brand as a DVD set, then moved to a television show that worked its way up until it was being aired on MTV. The brand is all about daring stunts, and while there are other productions that deal with stunts, Godfrey Entertainment focuses on challenging athletes' skills rather than creating slapstick humor.
Jeremy says Utah was the perfect place to film the Nitro Circus movie, because it is no stranger to action sports and recreation. The film opened in 850 theaters nationwide earlier this month, and has been off the charts in viewer reviews, even being voted a "must see" on Fandango. On YouTube, the movie trailers have nearly five million views.
Godfrey Entertainment has recruited world-class action sport athletes for their Nitro Circus productions. One of the group's members, Travis Pastrana, is the first person to have done a double back flip on a motorcycle, and Godfrey Entertainment filmed it. Jolene Van Vugt (vote) makes sure that the boys aren't doing all these stunts, though. She sealed her spot on the team by becoming the first woman to do a back flip on a motorcycle.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Godfrey Entertainment 14852 S. Heritage Crest Way, Ste D Bluffdale, UT 84065 801-572-6816 www.godfreyentertainment.com
