Utah Film Commission approves 13 new productions for state film incentives

The Utah Film Commission has announced 13 new productions have been approved for state film incentives by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah) board.

These productions include Kevin Costner’s period Western, Horizon: An American Saga, Joy to the World; a new feature from Jerusha Hess, co-writer of Napoleon Dynamite; and a new untitled limited series from Taylor Sheridan, creator of Yellowstone.

The projects are expected to inject an estimated total of $142.5m into the local economy, with around 90% of productions set to take place in rural Utah. 

The film and TV projects will be distributed on various platforms, including Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, FX/Hulu, Nickelodeon, Paramount+, and for theatrical release.

All approved projects are expected to begin production this summer, and filming locations are still being confirmed.

In 2022, the Utah legislature voted to increase the state’s film industry competitiveness and encourage film production in rural communities.

Dan Hemmert, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity said: 'With the new targeted rural film tax credit, a ready workforce, and a business-friendly climate, Utah will introduce the film industry to new communities while supporting Gov. Cox’s goal of expanding economic opportunities throughout the state.'

Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission, a GOEO initiative added: 'Our film industry has had great success over the years. We’ve seen increased interest for filming in Utah from filmmakers and rural community stakeholders.

'This new rural film incentive allows Utah to attract more film production and remain competitive.' 

Approved productions are listed below:

Alma Richards: Raising the Bar
Estimated Utah Spend: $879,108
Distribution: Independent
Locations: Utah County

Cub Scout
Estimated Utah Spend: $1,107,114
Distribution: TBD
Locations: Sanpete County

The Chosen: Season 3
Estimated Utah Spend: $1,400,327
Distribution: Self-Distributed
Locations: Utah County

Dark Highway
Estimated Utah Spend: $4,004,367
Distribution: Independent
Locations: Emery County, Juab County, San Juan County

Hondo
Estimated Utah Spend: $10,271,416
Distribution: Amazon Prime Video
Locations: Tooele County

Horizon: An American Saga
Estimated Utah Spend: $53,925,008
Distribution: TBD
Locations:  Emery County, Grand County, Kane County, San Juan County, Washington County

Joy To The World
Estimated Utah Spend: $8,300,000
Distribution: TBD
Locations: TBD

Recipe For Love
Estimated Utah Spend: $328,268
Distribution: Independent
Locations: Salt Lake County, Utah County

Retreat: Season 1
Estimated Utah Spend: $1,407,920
Distribution: FX/Hulu
Locations:  Emery County, Grand County, Tooele County

The Streak
Estimated Utah Spend: $183,500
Distribution: Independent
Locations: Salt Lake County, Weber County

Unnamed Green Beans Show
Estimated Utah Spend: $10,700,000
Distribution: Apple TV+
Locations: TBD

Untitled Movie
Budget: $9,966,336
Distribution: Nickelodeon
Locations: TBD

Untitled Taylor Sheridan Series
Estimated Utah Spend: $40,000,000
Distribution: Paramount +
Locations: Summit County, Wasatch County