2 firms to make movies in Utah

Two companies announced Tuesday that they will partner to produce films not only shot in Utah, but also designed to be popular with Utahns.

Flynn-Daines Productions and Grizzly Adams Productions said their venture will create at least 20 films over five years, with total spending of $10 million. Production will begin on four films — each with a $500,000 budget — in 2007.

The result will be movies with "values, morals, ethics, a movie that will bring out the best in all of us, a movie that will make us proud of who we are," Charles Sellier, president of Grizzly Adams Productions, said at a Tuesday press conference.

"And I feel that the last 20 years, that's been very, very lacking in everyone's moviemaking, and I'm sure most of you would agree with that. What better place to make those kinds of movies than in Utah? Utah has everything the filmmaker wants or needs."

The films will be released most likely via DVDs through Grizzly Adams Family Entertainment, known for family-friendly and faith-based movies. And while their storylines have not been decided, Sellier said they will be similar to those in feel-good Frank Capra movies.

Sellier employs a business model using audience research testing to identify which subjects and storylines will attract potential viewers, and then production budgets are set accordingly.

Flynn-Daines will produce and direct the films with development and research assistance from Grizzly Adams Productions, which has created feature films and TV specials and series.

"But we are keeping our options open on a film-by-film basis as to whether it goes the theatrical or made-for-television route upon initial release," David W. Balsiger, vice president of business affairs for Grizzly Adams, said in a prepared statement.

Michael Flynn, president of Flynn-Daines and a TV and film actor and producer, said the films will be "family-oriented, values-driven" productions rather than a big-budget movie that is "stupid, ridiculous, doesn't make any sense and nobody wants to see it."

McKay Daines of Flynn-Daines Productions and a director, producer and writer said the productions will reflect "not only Utah, but it will reflect the values of Utah, and that's the kind of films we're making. . . . We want to produce the kind of stories that I think this community and this state represents."

"I think that this is going to impact Utah hopefully in a very, very positive way," said Sellier, who lived in Utah 23 years and has made 106 TV shows and movies in the state.