- Utah approves six new film productions, enhancing its entertainment industry reputation.
- These projects will generate $7.1 million and create over 400 jobs statewide.
- Notable productions include TV series "Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch" and "Navajo Highways."
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah will serve as the backdrop for six upcoming film productions.
The Utah Film Commission announced on Friday the Utah Board of Tourism Development's approval of six new productions for state film incentives — building upon Utah's growing reputation as an entertainment hub.
Together, the six upcoming productions are projected to generate an economic impact of $7.1 million and create more than 400 jobs for Utahns in Davis, Salt Lake, Grand, Uintah, Utah and Wasatch counties, according to the Utah Film Commission.
Among the approved productions are two ongoing television series. A fifth season of the Discovery Channel Series, "Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch," was approved for a Rural Utah Film Incentive and will film in Uintah County.
A second season of Director Pete Sands' "Navajo Highways," an educational series for children and families about Navajo culture, will film in multiple counties across Utah.
The remaining upcoming productions are all feature-length films. Productions "Gabriella," "Halloween Pizza Party" and "Strasbourg" were approved by the Utah Community Film Incentive. And the thriller, "Slay Day," earned approval from the Utah Motion Picture Incentive.
"'Halloween Pizza Party' had to be filmed in Utah — the gorgeous fall colors, crisp autumn air, and welcoming suburban neighborhoods perfectly capture the nostalgic chaos of Halloween night," said Director Brandon Carraway.
He continued, "Our producers grew up here and have built their careers in Utah's film industry. They know firsthand how special this state is and why it's the ideal backdrop for our story."
Local filmmaker Rob Diamond, the director behind "Gabriella," praised Utah for its "beautiful locations" and "top notch" cast and crew workers.
John David Buxton, the director behind "Slay Day," was impressed with Utah's "strong and straightforward incentive." He added, "the quality and experience of the local team we're assembling exceeds my wildest dreams."
Utah's diverse landscape and neighborhoods have provided a backdrop for thousands of movies and other film productions over the last century, and continue to entice filmmakers.
High-profile films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "Thelma & Louise," "Footloose" and "Forrest Gump," were filmed in Utah, as well as dozens of Disney movies such as "High School Musical" and "The Luck of the Irish."
In June, the Utah Film Commission announced several additional projects approved for state film incentives, including a spinoff series to "Yellowstone" and a seventh season of "The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch."
