23 feature films shot in Utah in '07

Millions of people saw parts of Utah during the past 12 months, and most didn't even have to leave their home town to do it.

From glimpses to lingering shots, moviegoers around the world could take in Beehive State views through "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and "American Pastime."

And in the next year, "High School Musical 2," "Daddy Day Camp," "The Redemption of Sarah Cain" and "Forever Strong" will join the state's movie portfolio.

Those were among 23 feature films shot in Utah during the 2007 fiscal year, according to statistics revealed during the Utah Film Commission's summer luncheon Thursday.

Also in the past fiscal year:

• Feature films accounted for 539 production days.

• Television series and major commercials required 353 production days.

• The Sundance Film Festival had a $59 million economic impact.

What's more, the state has benefited from productions' publicity. Marshall D. Moore, the commission's director, noted that a People magazine was devoted cover-to-cover with coverage of "High School Musical 2," including a section about the film's locations.

Moore spoke about the state's incentive program designed to boost film production and hailed the strength of Utah's production infrastructure. The elements include regional film offices in Utah Valley, Park City, Kanab, Ogden and Moab; 39 post-production facilities; 25 talent agencies; two full-service grip and electrical houses; the just-opened Stone Five Studios; and 1,150 crew members and companies in the film commission's resource directory.

As for the Motion Picture Incentive Fund, the state has provided $4 million to filmmakers the past few years but has seen a $50 million return on that investment, Moore said.

Moore also announced a pair of other developments, including a Filmcard Online, an improved way for filmmakers to connect with talented Utahns, and a photo book to help production companies understand the variety of shooting locations in the state.

More than 7,000 photographs were submitted for possible use, but only about 150 are in the soon-to-be-printed book, titled "Utah Hues."

"This is the photo book that will go out to the filmmakers," Moore said. "The purpose of this book and the collection of materials is to share with filmmakers everywhere the wonders of Utah and the variety of colors that exist in our beautiful cities and landscapes throughout the entire state."

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E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com

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