Utah Celebrates a Century of Cinema, from "Stagecoach" to "Westworld"
Utah's Symbiotic Relationship with Hollywood
Casey Parker
- 2024-01-13
- Updated 01:15 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - The scenic state of Utah boasts a storied 100-year relationship with Hollywood, a legacy that began during the silent film era. This historical partnership was initiated when silent film superstar Tom Mix shot "The Deadwood Coach" amidst the southern Utah landscape. The state has hosted the production of over 1,000 film and television programs since 1924, playing backdrop to legendary films such as "Stagecoach," "Jeremiah Johnson," and "Thelma & Louise."
Half a Century of Film Commission and Economic Impact
The Utah Film Commission, marking its golden jubilee in 2024, has presided over a significant contribution to the state's economy. Over the last decade, this agency has seen a local spend of more than $604 million spread across 237 projects. Attracting such productions has been sustained by film incentives, including a refundable tax credit program that has demonstrated success; an influx of $24 million into this program spurred nearly $95 million in expenditure from productions. Utah's diverse landscapes from Park City to the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats have not only provided ideal film sets but have also contributed to a transformative film-induced tourism, reportedly influencing 37% of the state's visitors.
A Canvas for Storytelling; Attracting Big Names and Productions
The state's picturesque environs have drawn major productions, with recent projects by big names like Jonathan Nolan and Taylor Sheridan filming in the northern part of Utah and rural areas, respectively. Sheridan's "Wind River" and the initial three seasons of "Yellowstone," as well as Kevin Costner's forthcoming "Horizon: An American Saga," all speak to the appeal and versatility of Utah's locations. They have doubled for places as diverse as Timbuktu and upstate New York. Ongoing interest is highlighted by frequent shoots by Hallmark and Disney, recognizing Utah's location aesthetics. Additionally, the Sundance Film Festival, which will celebrate its 40th edition in 2024, continues to solidify Utah's standing in the cinema world.
Legacy and Future Prospects
The influence of Utah's film history is also the subject of James D'Arc's "When Hollywood Came to Utah, Centennial Edition," as well as an anticipated “100 Years of Utah Film & Television” exhibition at the Utah state capitol building. Initiatives such as the film committee established in Moab in 1949, and the legacy of the Parry brothers and their Parry Lodge in Kanab, underscore the state's active efforts to court Hollywood productions. With the Utah Office of Tourism offering film tourism road trips and iconic locations like Highway 163 from "Forrest Gump" being tourist magnets, Utah's century-old Hollywood connection promises to fortify its cultural and economic fabric for years to come.
