An image from Season 6 of “The Chosen,” which premieres on Prime Video on Nov. 15. (Courtesy Utah Film Commission)
The Utah Film Commission has announced the Utah Board of Tourism Development approval of three new productions for state film incentives creating over 120 jobs and generating $2.2 million in economic impact across Millard, Salt Lake and Utah counties.
The month’s slate of approved productions features a variety of projects from both local and out-of-state talent, including a new holiday musical, “A Totally Awesome Christmas,” along with a new feature from local filmmakers Rob Diamond and Lara Mountford, “The Woman I Forgot to Be,” and “These Little Ones,” a short film by Samuel Pauling.
“Supporting these productions means investing directly in our creative industries,” said Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission, in a release. “The Motion Picture Film Incentive Program continues to be a powerful engine that diversifies Utah’s economy across the state.”
Below is a list of approved productions (in alphabetical order):
A Totally Awesome Christmas
Feature
Locations: Utah County
These Little Ones
Short
Locations: Millard County
The Woman I Forgot to Be
Feature
Locations: Salt Lake and Utah counties
On a separate production note, filming has officially ended and post-production has begun on “The Chosen,” a multi-season historical drama series created, directed and co-written by Dallas Jenkins that portrays the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth through the perspectives of those who interacted with him. It was filmed partially in Utah for a total of 527 days for its seven seasons, including 90 for the final season. The first six seasons aired on Prime Video (Season 6 will premiere on Prime starting Nov. 15), while the seventh and final season is geared for a theatrical release — date to be announced.
As part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Utah Office Tourism, the Utah Film Commission was formed in 1974 and 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 over the last century, including John Ford’s “The Searchers,” “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,” “Thelma & Louise,” “Forrest Gump,” and most recently Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts.” Many episodic series have also been filmed in Utah, including “Westworld,” “Yellowstone,” “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” and the CBS television series “Marshals.”
