‘Skinwalker Ranch’ leads Utah productions approved for state incentives

Utah will be the site of several TV and film productions over the next few months, after they were approved for incentives recently by the Utah Board of Tourism Development.

The best-known of the bunch is the eighth season of “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch,” shot in Vernal.

Incentives approved by the tourism board in August totaled $1.95 million, based on three productions’ total in-state spending of an estimated $9.3 million. The August incentives follow those for two smaller productions, approved in July for $50,000, based on in-state spending totaling $250,000.

“The approval of these three productions is a targeted investment in our state’s film industry,” Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission, said in a news release announcing the August incentives. “By leveraging our film incentive program, we are fueling a ripple effect of activity that extends far beyond the screen by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and diversifying the local economy.”

“The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch” was approved for a tax credit incentive of up to $241,197. The show, which airs on the History Channel, is expected to spend $2.4 million in Utah, where 90 percent of filming will take place, with the remaining 10 percent in Alabama.

The show is a reality series following a team and skeptics investigating supposed paranormal and UFO-related activities at the 500-acre ranch. Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission, told the board that the show has made that part of the state a destination for fans of the supernatural.

The production will involve 17 cast and crew and will work through February, including post-production.

The show’s incentive of up to $241,197 is below the one approved for the seventh season last year, which was for up to $488,228. Pearce noted that the film commission’s pool of funding from the Legislature for rural film projects had shrunk from $12 million last fiscal year to $3 million this fiscal year, which began in July.

Approved for a tax credit incentive of up to $1.66 million is an untitled project from Republic Pictures. It will be shot entirely in Utah, in Iron and Utah counties, and spend an estimated $6.6 million. Written and directed by Utah native Robert Machoian (“Omaha,” “The Killing of Two Lovers”) and set in Cedar City, the production will employ 60 cast and crew and 200 extras. Prep work will begin in September, with post-production continuing through March.

Pearce told the tourism board that she could provide few details at this point but added that the number of cast and crew likely will increase.

“What resonated with me were the people of rural Utah — their preparedness, independence, privacy, devotion to family, and deep belief in taking care of their own,” Machoian said in a news release. “Utah’s landscape is rugged and uniquely beautiful, and I cannot imagine telling this story honestly anywhere else. We’re grateful to the Utah Film Commission for their support and we’re excited to bring this production to the state.”

“The Last Treasure Hunt” was approved for a cash incentive of up to $51,783, based on in-state spending of $258,913. Shooting entirely in Utah in Kane and Washington counties, it will employ 32 cast and crew, with post-production work continuing through January. The family feature focuses on a search for lost treasure.

The two productions in July were approved for cash incentives under the Community Film Incentive Program, for smaller-budget projects.

“We are proud to see these original local stories brought to life through our Community Film Incentive Program,” Pearce said. “Supporting these community-based films is essential to our mission, as it not only showcases the talent and stunning landscapes of our state but also ensures that the film industry in Utah continues to grow from the ground up.”

The documentary “Brother Joseph Again” was approved for an incentive of up to $20,000, based on in-state spending of $100,000. It follows researchers as they investigate the true likeness and appearance of Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

According to website https://brotherjosephagain.com, researchers Patrick A. Bishop and Joseph F. Brickey “combine investigative history, historical biography and modern forensic science to uncover the most accurate representation yet of Smith’s face.”

“‘Brother Joseph Again’ is a rigorous search for what Joseph Smith truly looked like,” said director Daylen Pollard. “We chose to film in Utah because of its exceptional experts, creative talent, and deep connection to the history and culture behind this story.”

“Just an interesting Utah historical story, so we thought this was a great project, even though it’s smaller,” Pearce told the board.

The production is shooting this summer in and around Utah County. It will employ 11 cast and crew and will work through October, including post-production.

The comedy thriller “Psycho Cabin” was approved for a cash incentive of up to $30,000, based on in-state spending of $150,000. Local filmmaker Rob Diamond is the writer, director and producer. The film is shooting this summer in and around Salt Lake and Sanpete counties, with post-production continuing through December.

Shot entirely in Utah, “Psycho Cabin” will employ 31 cast and crew and five extras. The film follows two strangers who stumble upon a dead body in a cabin high in the Utah mountains. Thinking the other is the culprit, they turn on each other while something far more dangerous closes in through the woods.

Pearce described it as a comedy-of-errors story. “It’s just very slapstick, and we don’t get a ton of comedies … so it was fun for us to see. … Overall, just a good fit for our Community Program,” she said.

“I chose Utah because I love all the beauty that it has to offer and the amazing cast and crew available to me,” Diamond said. “I’ve been making movies in Utah for over 25 years and want to continue to add to this thriving film community.”