The Utah Film Commission announced today that six film productions, including a new ABC television series “Blood & Oil,” were approved for state incentives by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development board of directors.
“Blood & Oil” is the first network television series to be filmed in Utah since 2006. Approved for a tax credit of $8,340,230, the production will hire over 3,000 local cast and crew and will have an estimated economic impact of $33.3 million in the state.
"Bringing a major network television series to Utah means more jobs for locals, a boost to the economy, and a lot of credibility to our state's film industry,” said Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission. “ABC did look at other states in the west, but the combination of our incentive package, incredible locations and film resources confirmed that Utah was the best place for them.”
The five other productions, two reality shows and three feature films, have a projected in-state spend of $3.1 million and will hire more than 800 local cast and crew. All of the approved projects begin production this summer.
“Utah’s film industry has begun to really flourish since January,” Pearce said. “To have such a variety of studio, independent, local and out-of-state productions coming to Utah shows that we are growing and truly maintaining our reputation as a filmmaking destination.”
« Governor Herbert and our legislative leaders have recognized the economic impact commercial film and television have on the state,” said Jeff T. Miller, president of the Motion Picture Association of Utah. “With their support the industry continues to grow. Utah has the very best of what film productions are looking for, but much work lies ahead for us to remain competitive in a global market.”
Magilla Entertainment is producing a reality series called “Diesel Dave“ for the Discovery Channel and was approved for a maximum tax credit of $145,000, which represents 20 percent of dollars left in the state.
“Monolith,” produced by Picturesque Films, is an Italian production that will film in Kanab, UT and was approved for a maximum tax credit of $100,000, which represents 20 percent of dollars left in state.
“Mythica” is projected to spend $1.1 million dollars in the state. Produced by Utah based Camera 40 Productions, the film was approved for a maximum tax credit of $278,075, which represents 25 percent of the dollars left in state.
“We love filming in Utah,” said Jason Faller, a producer for “Mythica.” “The landscapes, production resources, professional crew and talent are certainly advantageous. We are constantly approached by out-of-state options, but the Utah film incentive keeps us working and shooting in the state.”
Narrator Entertainment was approved for a maximum tax credit of $67,926, which represents 20 percent of dollars left in state, for the production of “Stepsisters.” The independent feature will begin production this August and hire an estimated 168 local cast and crew.
“Utah ProStart Teen Chef Masters,” produced by REEL People Productions, a local production company, was approved for a maximum tax credit of $86,748.40, which represents 20 percent of dollars left in state.
