SALT LAKE CITY - Principal photography is now completed in Utah for The Walt Disney Studios' upcoming feature film, "John Carter of Mars," being directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WallâàôE), and produced by Colin Wilson (Avatar).
Filmed throughout Southern Utah in the areas of Big Water, Kanab, Hanksville, Delta and Moab, the production created 300 jobs over a 120-day period, and brought $21 million into several rural Utah economies.
"As Governor, I am particularly happy that Utah has been host to the recently completed production of 'John Carter of Mars' during the past year. The book series was a favorite of mine when I was young, and I can't wait to see the finished film," Governor Gary R. Herbert said.
"This project has stimulated the state's local economies at a critical time and provided hundreds of jobs for Utah's film professionals."
The film's producers were considering Utah when Senate Bill 14 (Financial Incentives for Motion Pictures) was passed in March 2009. SB 14, in addition to the quality filming locations and the availability of professional crews, helped Utah win the starring role as the double for Mars.
"The collaboration between the Utah Film Commission, the Motion Picture Association of Utah and the State's robust film industry has yielded tremendous results," said Spencer Eccles, executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. "We are anxious to welcome the next studio production to Utah, our message to Hollywood is, welcome home."
"This was an ideal project for Utah because of the unique landscapes we have within our borders," said Marshall Moore, director of the Utah Film Commission. Lockheed Martin had also recently used Utah as a double for Mars during an industrial shoot in 2009.
Various locations of the state were used in the production, among them Kane County and Moab City which felt a large economic benefit. "The film provided employment for extras, framers, carpenters and landscapers. Many local businesses including grocery, lumber, hardware, lodging and restaurants benefitted from the film," said Kay Giles, director of the Kane County Office of Tourism and Film Commission. The City of Moab was pleased with the economic impact the film had on their community. "This was a win-win situation for the City of Moab business owners and our citizens," said Dave Sakrison, Mayor of Moab, Utah.
The production of "John Carter of Mars," represents the largest economic impact of any movie made in Utah. Based on the first of Edgar Rice Burroughs' "Barsoom Series," the film chronicles the journey of Civil-War veteran John Carter (TAYLOR KITSCH), who finds himself battling a new and mysterious war amidst a host of strange Martian inhabitants, including Tars Tarkas (WILLEM DAFOE) and Dejah Thoris (LYNN COLLINS). The film is scheduled to be released in 2012.
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