SALT LAKE CITY, UT — In a significant boost for the local economy and the film industry, the Utah Film Commission announced on Thursday that the Utah Board of Tourism Development has approved state film incentives for three high-profile productions. These projects are expected to generate an estimated $11.3 million in economic impact and create over 175 jobs in various locations across Juab, Salt Lake, Summit, and Utah counties. Among the productions benefiting from these incentives is Season 7 of the popular series "The Chosen," which is set to film in and around Goshen this spring. The show, which dramatizes the life of Jesus Christ, has been praised for its engaging storytelling and impressive visuals. Brad Pelo, the president of "The Chosen," expressed his excitement about returning to Utah for filming. "We love filming in Utah and look forward to being in Utah for another season of ‘The Chosen,’" Pelo stated. He emphasized the state’s stunning landscapes and welcoming communities, describing them as ideal for bringing the biblical narrative to life. The second approved project is "Unwell Winter Games," a new competition series created by Alex Cooper, who gained fame through her podcast "Call Her Daddy." The show aims to engage a Gen Z audience with a unique format that pits teams of celebrities, athletes, and internet personalities against each other in Olympic-style competitions. Scheduled to begin filming this month in Summit County, Cooper's project is poised to leverage Utah's breathtaking scenery and robust production resources. Producer Larissa Beck highlighted the advantages of filming in Park City, stating, "Filming in Park City allows us to leverage Utah's iconic scenery as well as its production infrastructure, world-class hospitality, and vibrant creative community." The third production receiving incentives is Season 7 of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," which is also set to kick off filming this month in Salt Lake County. This reality series has been a staple of Utah's film scene since its debut in 2020, showcasing the state’s unique lifestyle and winter landscapes to a global audience. A representative from Forest Productions Inc. commented on the appeal of Utah for this series, saying, "Utah provides a stellar background for filming from both a creative and technical perspective. The Real Housewives production will showcase the spectacular locations that Utah has to offer, including mountain vistas, ski resorts, and the surrounding towns, featuring a top-quality crew base and filming infrastructure." The Utah Film Commission, which operates under the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity and the Utah Office of Tourism, has been instrumental in attracting film and television productions to the state since its formation in 1974. By marketing Utah as a prime destination for various media projects, the commission has helped stimulate local economies and create job opportunities. The newly approved incentives are part of a broader effort to enhance the state's reputation in the film industry and attract even more productions in the future. The economic impact of these productions extends beyond just the immediate job creation. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and service providers, are set to benefit significantly from the influx of cast and crew members. The presence of major productions also helps to bolster Utah's image as a vibrant cultural hub, making it an appealing location for future filmmakers and television producers. As the filming schedules for these shows commence, local officials and residents are hopeful that this continued investment in the state's film industry will yield long-term benefits. The combination of stunning natural landscapes and an enthusiastic film community makes Utah a standout choice for production companies looking to create compelling content. In conclusion, the Utah Film Commission's recent approval of state film incentives for "The Chosen," "Unwell Winter Games," and "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" marks a significant milestone for the state's film industry. With an estimated economic impact of $11.3 million and the creation of over 175 jobs, these productions not only highlight Utah's scenic beauty but also contribute to the state's economic vitality. As filming gets underway, the hope is that these projects will pave the way for more productions to choose Utah as their filming destination, further enriching the local economy and showcasing the state to a global audience.