Kevin Costner's 'American Saga' coming to Dixie

Territory Pictures, a movie production company owned by Kevin Costner, has announced that it plans to produce significant segments of the actor’s “Horizon, an American Saga” film series in Washington County this year. Territory pictures made the announcement to the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office and to the Utah Film Commission.

Parts 2 and 3 of the four-film series will begin filming throughout the county later this year. Portions of Part 1 of the series were shot in and around Moab. The tourism office said it anticipates the production will provide more than $90 million in{mprestriction ids="1,3"} economic impact to the region.

“The filming of 'Horizon' lays the groundwork for the Greater Zion region to diversify its tourism economy,” said Joyce Kelly, sales manager for Greater Zion. “Our distinct landscape has been the setting for several film and commercial shoots over the years but nothing of the magnitude of 'Horizon.' This is a multi-year partnership with great economic benefit to the community, but little impact to residents.”

Kelly said that the tourism office has been working for years with the production team to bring “Horizon” to the region. “Horizon” is written, directed and stars Costner. The film depicts the settlement of the American West before and after the Civil War. The film will shoot at various undisclosed locations throughout Washington County.

“The state of Utah, with its intrinsic beauty, is the perfect backdrop for the story of 'Horizon' and can be said to be its own character in our story,” said Costner. “I am looking forward to bringing the production of this next installment of 'Horizon' to Washington County, and I want to thank Joyce Kelly who was tireless in her efforts to bring the West back to Utah and her beloved county and the commission for their support in making that possible.”

“Utah’s film history is rooted in the western genre and we are thrilled that an epic western like 'Horizon' from Academy Award-winning director Kevin Costner will continue filming in Utah with the landscapes of Washington County as the backdrop,” said Derek Mellus, production manager for the Utah Film Commission. “With a large-scale production like 'Horizon,' local talent, crew and vendors will gain new opportunities for growth in the industry providing a lasting economic impact in the local community.”

The filming of “Horizon” also provides an opportunity to expand the film program at Utah Tech University. Students will have an opportunity for internships and other hands-on experiences with the film. In addition, local citizens will have the opportunity to get involved as extras, crew and more. The Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office will help facilitate communication of upcoming opportunities to get involved in “Horizon.”{/mprestriction}