All it took was one Facebook post. A camera person in Utah wanting to know the status and contact info for one of the new films in Utah. My ears perked. Since Andi Mack, Westworld and Mosaic wrapped, the industry here has been incredibly slow. As a local actor all you want to do is audition and book, and when the well feels dry, like a lost soul in the desert, you crawl towards any drop of water you can find. Yellowstone, however, is a swimming pool.
New Television Series Films In Utah
Perhaps it’s just a rumor. There’s no mention of this Paramount Network/Viacom project coming to Utah. But then several of my film crew buddies already have it on their radar.
BTW, if you’re just now tuning into the film industry in Utah let me explain that we might not be Atlanta and the source of all things undead but we’re no small potatoes either. With a solid talent pool, stable, professional crew, easy airport/travel access, phenomenal seasonal weather, locations from wild west to upscale city, a film incentive, non-union status and welcoming locals, Utah should be the place. This year alone, you can watch the critically acclaimed features Wind River and Brigsby Bear; laugh and scream to the awesome Snatchers TV series playing on Stage13’s Go90.com Channel; your tweens will beg for more Andi Mack, replay Westworld on HBOGo, and though you may have missed ABC’s Blood and Oil because of crappy reviews, it was actually pretty decent.
By Eagerbeaver198484
Luke Grimes was just announced to star opposite Kevin Costner in Yellowstone. Needless to say that not only is Utah abuzz, Hollywood is tittering too. The Paramount Network Mega-western almost sounds like a reboot of Blood and Oilwith a much bigger cast and writer (Award-winning Taylor Sheridan). Here’s the logline: an intense study of a violent world far from media scrutiny — where land grabs make developers billions, and politicians are bought and sold by the world’s largest oil and lumber corporations. Where drinking water poisoned by fracking wells and unsolved murders are not news: they are a consequence of living in the new frontier.
The scene is set in Montana, not North Dakota like B&O. But the actual filming location for both is Utah! There are ruthless land developers, Indians, and America’s first national park. Costner will play John Dutton, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the U.S., Grimes plays his youngest son, Cory. (Wonder if John has grandkids? Teehee.)
“The show is both timely and timeless. As much as it explores themes painfully relevant to the world today, it explores the very essence of family, and how the actions of one member can alter the course of generations,” Sheridan told the Hollywood Reporter.
Taylor Sheridan’s Role
Sheridan will write and direct the 10-episode season of Yellowstone and everyone is chomping at the bit for a read. His credits include Sicario and Wind River. He’s also an actor which means he’s an “actor’s director.” John and Art Linson (Sons of Anarchy, Fight Club, Heat) will exec produce alongside the Weinstein Co.’s Harvey Weinstein and David Glasser. We’re talking heavy hitters in the film world.
Yellowstone begins production in the fall and has a 2018 premiere slot on Paramount Network (the rebranded Spike TV Channel). No word yet on locals’ casting but here some info if you’d like to be an extra.
There’s a new three-day festival coming to Hood River next week and if you love playing in the outdoors and think you maybe, could, really wanna try making a living doing what you love, you just might want to head to Oregon for the inaugural Outfound Festival, June 9-11.
Event Organizer Antonio Aransaenz did exactly what he’s offering to attendees. The native New Yorker with a background in event planning decided he loved the outdoors so much, why not create a space for like-minded outdoorsy types to meet up, play and engage in their passion.
Aranasaenz likes to say his new baby Outfound is SXSW for the outdoors. Just like in filmmaking and music, “there are so many innovative and passionate people in the outdoor world, and with OUTFOUND we set out to create a festival that brings them all together. That just can’t happen at a traditional trade show or expo event,” said Aransaenz. “There’s a push in the outdoor industry for more authentic experiences and opportunities where people can really connect and hear the stories behind adventures and products.”
The Outfound Festival will encourage that dialogue while also offering a lot of playtime kiteboarding, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, SUPing, and more. “It’s a hands-on experience where you are in this outdoor venue along the Columbia River Gorge. Brands can meet directly with consumers…network, have a myriad of activities at your fingertips whether it’s networking, outdoors or entertainment focused.”
If your idea of roughing it is a three-star hotel, Outfound Festival isn’t for you.
The Outfound Festival is the only event of its kind. From the looks of the schedule, it’s a bit more than a sports fest for athletes. There are games, a speaker series of outdoors professionals, music, movies, workshops like VanLife, Feeding The Hungry Hiker and Yoga and a pitch competition like Shark Tank for outdoor ideas. There will also be an Expo: an adventure sports consumer show where brands showcase and demo their latest products. All of these activities take place on a scenic, 30-acre waterfront playground where most will camp.
“The people who get the most out of [Outfound] will be those inspired to network and leave with new friends and relationships,” said Aranasaenz. “We hope to give you ideas of where to start in the outdoor industry.”
But Aranasaenz still wanted to keep the recreational festival experience. “That’s why we kept it open to everyone,” he said. There are already 500 people signed up for the event and the special half-off promotion could double or triple those numbers fast. “We have tons of space. We’d like to see it become a yearly thing for Hood River and possibly roll it out to other places. “It’s really all about the experience and having fun and meeting new people in a fun creative way,”
OUTFOUND Series sports and outdoor innovation festival in Hood River, Oregon, runs from June 9 to 11, 2017. The half-off sale ends Sunday.
It’s easy to cruise into Jackson, Wyo., and immediately blow your budget on your first night in town. There are nearly 100 dining spots in the area and a gazillion bars serving inventive, non-Utah-pour, cocktails. It’s hard to choose. But one place stands out as a local’s go-to when you’re looking for something with adventurous, daring and farm fresh menu items in a casual, family friendly atmosphere. You gotta do what the locals do and meet at the Rendezvous Bistro.
The spot on the main drag as you come into town was once a Denny’s but a couple of friends rooted in the back kitchens of other local restaurants decided to open their own and turn it into more than a pancake house. Eventually, the Bistro became the flagship for an eclectic portfolio in Jackson run by the Fine Dining Group.
Gavin Fine and Roger Freedman started the French-American Bistro to introduce this cowboy town to a fine dining experience that was also fun, lively and not quite as expensive as many of the other guys.
The menu is rife with crazy combinations like lobster pot pie, beef scallopini with poached egg, spicy Thai monkfish, and a $12 grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and avocado. They also have one of the only raw seafood bars. But I preferred the traditional bar with the spicy margaritas.
Some of the dishes might not appeal to picky palates. The jambalaya with venison chaurise was infused with pickled okra which drastically alters your traditional jambalaya experience. The carpaccio was not your usual thin slices of raw beef but more like a raw mini slider patty topped with a raw egg.
If you don’t mind the texture, the combination (you scoop it up with housemade potato chips and a couple of capers) was delicious.
The French onion soup was perfect and exactly as you would expect a drool-worthy pot to appear.
My guest couldn’t stop swooning over the delicate melt-in-your-mouth braised short ribs special.
All the desserts are made out of the Q Roadhouse (another FDG operation) but the commute won’t affect their deliciousness. We inhaled every crumb of the red velvet cheesecake.
From drinks to dessert, you can make an entire evening out of just one stop. The Rendezvous Bistro is a true taste of Jackson Hole.
“I did something stupid,” a fellow actor friend confessed. “I’m being a film extra on Mosaic.” Mosaic is an upcoming HBO production and one of the several film projects that has made its way to Park City and the new Park City Film Studios; and “being an extra” basically means being one of the bodies in the background of said movies. Sometimes, those people are called “atmosphere.” Talk about dehumanizing.
“That’s not stupid,” I told her. “You get to be on set with the talented Steven Soderbergh directing; you’re featured so we’ll be able to see your face, you get a free lunch, snacks and money for doing next-to-nothing all day.” If you are not a professional actor and have a flexible work schedule, in other words a seasonal employee, film extra work is anything but stupid.
“It’s not every day where you get an opportunity to be part of something that can become big,” said Utah’s G and G Casting Director Gumby Kounthong. “You’ll meet interesting people and take away an experience worth sharing. Plus you get paid for it.”
Rules For A Film Extra
All you need to be a film extra for a day (or even more) is the right attitude and a normal level of professionalism. You don’t pay to sign up for an agency; you don’t need those acting headshots or an acting resume. “Reliability, being on time, listening to directions and having a flexible schedule are what count,” said Kounthong. “You need to treat extra work like a job. It’s fun, but you’re working.” Your job is to blend in, not stand out. Being a film extra, however, can stymie an actor’s chances of an actual role which is why my friend thought it was “stupid”.
I did a day as an extra on the ABC/Don Johnson series Blood and Oil. I had auditioned twice without landing anything so I figured it was my only shot at getting an inside (and insider’s) peek at the new Studios before the show ended. I worked five hours, sitting on a bar stool at the No Name (aka Tack Room), made $101.50, was treated well and had lunch with the writer of that particular episode. We had a ton in common- law graduates, lived in the San Fernando Valley, had kids the same age. I thought we had a connection. Turns out the writer complained about me because “an extra” dared to talk to him. Whaaat?! Can you say jerk? But such is the Hollywood mentality. It doesn’t mean Utahns are stupid to choose to play all day in Park City and get paid for it. It means some Hollywood asses are stupid to think we are subhuman.
Inside the PC Film Studios
SUCK UP YOUR EGO
There are three tiers of background work:
Extras –
There is absolutely no acting here. You won’t put this gig on your resume nor will anyone “discover” you. You walk past a door, sit in a bar, silently mingle at a party. You will be an unrecognizable body milling in the background. Your day could be one hour; it could be 12. You will sit in a holding area that may or may not have heat, chairs, or wifi. You plan accordingly- bring a chair, jacket, a book, your wifi hotspot. There will, however, be food. Lots of snacks and nibbles; lunch fed to you after the all other cast and crew have gotten theirs. You also might get rad hair and makeup like I did for Mythica. $101.50/day.
Being A Featured Film Extra-
The waiters who pour coffee for the lead actors or open a car door or play dead for the CSI team. You have no lines but you play a meaningful part. These parts usually go to those with a specific “look” or talent. You’re a 20-ish ethnic ballet dancer. A casting job ad might look like this one from Netflix’s Deidre and Laney Rob a Train filmed last August in Salt Lake:
D&LRAT | 2 days left | Women’s Prison Scene | Thurs. 8/4 | Looking for a featured extra ($150) Heavily Tattooed Woman.
Featured is a lot cooler than being a plain ‘ol film extra. Your friends will notice you if 1) your scene isn’t cut and 2) they don’t blink. You still won’t be discovered but if you are recognizable in a scene, they can’t use you in any other scenes at different locations. You get more money and often a shorter day. $150/day. Bonus, if you do stunts like I did in Ice Spiders.
Stand-Ins –
The crew uses look-a-likes to help position the lighting and cameras for the next scene or “take” while the stars take a break. No one will ever see you as a stand-in but you get treated better than the two above. You get to hang with the lead actors as well as spend time with the director and crew. Plus, you eat before the other extras. $150/day.
Ah, the summer. The green, the trails, the sun, the kids screaming for attention. School’s out which means you’re in. But cut yourself a bit of slack and enroll Junior in one of the many summer camps happening throughout Utah. Don’t feel guilty. You were never meant to play at a fourth grade level 24/7.
The list below is by no means all-inclusive so if you know of a summer camp, PLEASE to add it in the comments!
Updated for 2017. This list is updated every summer. Contact me if you have a summer camp in Utah that you’d like me to feature.
Egyptian YouTheatre Summer Camp is where children learn confidence and collaboration, while they expand their innate creativity through theatre arts in fun-filled days. Camps are offered to various age groups and interests (Drama or Musical), with exciting camp electives each day such as stage combat, stage make-up, puppetry, Shakespeare, acting for film, and so many more. This summer, YouTheatre has expanded its offerings to include several one-week camps, as well as the more extensive multi-week camps. All camps end with a production on the Egyptian Theatre stage in Park City.
Ballet West Summer Ballet Fantasy Camps With two different themed weeks you have the option to enroll in just one or both weeks to enhance your child’s art, dance and learning experience. Classes will take place at our Trolley Square location, 600 South 650 East, Salt Lake City . Students will incorporate ballet-based movements and imaginative art work to explore the world of fantasy! Ages 3–6 (As of May 1, 2017)
Ballet West Summer Intensives The Ballet West Academy 3 and 6-week summer intensives guide students in their ballet technical skills as well as other dance forms that compliment a ballet artist. The program is held at Ballet West’s beautiful home, the Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre located in downtown Salt Lake City. This program offers unparalleled training by a distinguished staff of Ballet West Academy Instructors, Ballet West Artistic Staff (featuring Artistic Director Adam Sklute), Ballet West dancers and well-known in-state and out-of-state guest teachers.
Create Your Vacation at the Kimball Art Center this summer. Dozens of classes are available for tots (3 – 5), Kids (5 – 10), tweens & teens (11 – 17), families (all ages) and adults.
Whether you want to learn how to paint, sculpt, draw, photograph, mosaic or make ceramics, there is a class for everyone. Classes are weekly from June through September.
Dance Tech Studios, Park City’s premiere dance program and facility, is offering summer dance camps/intensives for girls and boys, ages 3-18. Whether your child’s interests lie in “Tiny Tutus” (ages 3-4) camps where girls explore ballet, jazz, tap and creative movement, or in the exclusive and highly demanded “Boys Extreme” hip hop/breakdance camps incorporating all the latest “tricks” taught by the finest hip hop/breakdance guys. Little man camps are for “guys only” ages 4-12 (age groups are separated). If your child is interested in trying all forms of dance and a truly unique experience, the “Dance Intensive” program is for dancers 7-18. Dancers will receive professional training (beg-adv placement levels) in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, turns/leaps, flexibility, yoga/Pilates for dancers, Cardio conditioning, choreography and much more. Pre-Registration is required for all camps and is limited.
The Up With Kids children’s theatre award-winning curriculum is always “G-Rated” and family friendly. Though perhaps not Broadway caliber, the shows will entertain parents and kids. The groups are divied by age so your little ones aren’t trampled during rehearsal or in the pool for those afternoon swims. Camps are located in Lehi, Sandy, Park City, Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Kearns.
Campers can explore their environment while playing outside in the dirt, growing and cooking tasty veggies, meeting ancient dinosaurs, and of course, making great art. Students k-8 have a variety of weeks to choose from where they can interact with their environments and communities while stretching their imaginations, making art and fun crafts with recycled and creatively repurposed materials. The all-day programs have partnered with some of Utah’s most environmetally active non-profiits like TreeUtah and the Cottonwood Canyon Foundation.
The Camp Invention program at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School is a week-long adventure in creativity that immerses children entering grades one through six in exciting, hands-on learning disguised as fun summer activities. Led by local educators, boys and girls are challenged to explore connections between science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Participants spend their time navigating an island via upcycled ships, learning the power of combining magnetism and electricity, while designing, improving, and analyzing their own inventions in a team setting. Early and alumni registration discounts are available. Spaces are limited.
We really love Keen sandals for summer camps (and all summer)! (affiliate links 😉
Camping at the Y is a fun and unique experience that gives children and teens the opportunity to discover their full potential, meet new friends, play and create memories that last a lifetime. Through camping children and teens explore nature, become a community and develop confidence, independence, leadership and social skills. Archery, Arts & Crafts, Hiking, Team Building, Mountain Biking, Orienteering, swimming, horseback riding & more.
Even tiny tots get camp. Each week 3-5 year olds can explore a unique theme that encourages learning, creativity, adventure and fun. Camps are from 9:00 – 12:45 Monday through Thursday. All camps are open to the general public.
Options for children ages 3-6 years old, camps run four days a week (Mon-Thurs.) from 9am-12:45 and are open to the general public. You provide lunch and sunscreen and they provide snack.
Wasatch Kids Camps offers field-trip based summer day camps throughout the Salt Lake valley for kids ages 5-16 as well as 5-day overnight travel camps. Kids will have full days of hiking, exploring, swimming, climbing and arts and crafts.
Tracy Aviary Summer Camps Join Tracy Aviary for an Avian Adventure during the half-day or full-day week-long summer camps for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. Each camp has a different theme, but all are packed with bird-related crafts, projects and games. Campers will also spend their time learning about and experiencing nose-to-beak encounters with Tracy Aviary’s feathered friends during flighted bird shows, keeper talks and special bird feedings and an intimate experience each day with one or more of our famous Bird Show avian ambassadors.
Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter’s educational summer camp programs will inspire and fascinate your child through week-long exploration and discovery about the natural world through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Swaner offers summer camp programs for youth ENTERING kindergarten through 8th grade in Fall 2017. You should enroll your child based on what grade they will enter in Fall 2017.
June through August, children two months to 12 years of age can explore creative and challenging activities and interests like hiking, mountain biking, basic biking skills, swimming, scavenger hunts, wet and wild water games, volunteer projects and arts and craft. Located in Snow Park Lodge at the base of Deer Valley Resort. Counselor ratios are one to three for infants, one to four for toddlers and one to eight for older children.
Red Butte Garden Summer Camp
Learn something new, make good friends, be inspired and have fun. These weeklong, morning and afternoon camps for preschool- 6th grade combine the excitement of the natural world with science experiments, art projects, garden exploration, photography and the simple joy of the outdoors. Camp registration is required.
Hogle ZooCamps
Come spend a week at the zoo. Camps offer a fun educational way to spend your summer. They include special animal encounters, crafts, and other activities. Kindergarten through 7th grade.
Thanksgiving Point has a broad variety of unique summer day camps. With exciting themes such as Jurassic Journey, Whatever the Weather, Fairytale Science, Animal Adaptations, Plants & Gardens, and more, if you can’t find what you’re child wants to do here, then it probably doesn’t exist.
Learn to Skate Camp is for ages 4 & up. Must have a least some experience on the ice. Pre-Competitive Figure Skating Camp, Ages 5 & up. Competitive Figure Skating Camp: Ages 8 & up. Must have passed pre-preliminary Free Skate & be working on an axel.
Squirt, Pee Wee & Bantam Camp, Rocky Mountain Hockey School.
BYU Cheer/Cougarette Cheerleading Camp
BYU offers summer camps for both cheerleading and dance. The dance camp is led by BYU Cougarette director Jodi Maxfield along with members of the 15-time National Dance Team Champion BYU Cougarettes. Cougarette Camp for 2017 will be held July 31st – August 2nd.
The Cheer and Stunt camp is led by BYU’s cheer coach Jocelyn Allan as well as former and current BYU cheerleaders. Cheer and Stunt Camp for 2017 will be held July 17th – 19th.
The Cubs Cheer Camp is also led by Jocelyn Allan and the BYU cheerleaders. Cubs Cheer Camp will be held July 24th – 26th.
The professional staff will guide your child through exciting summer days that include sports, games, arts & crafts, field trips, tennis, art, skateboard, and swim. Camp is located at 1354 Park Avenue, in City Park, in the building adjacent to the playground.
Basin Recreation summer camps offer a variety of camps for the athlete, the outdoor adventurer, the dancer, and the youth who just want to have a ton of fun during their day: basketball, soccer, tennis, mountain biking, swimming, water camps and more.
SummerWorks provides an active and engaging day camp experience for Rowland Hall students and students from across the Salt Lake area. Campers between the ages of 4 and 16 will find a range of fun self-awareness and team building games, field trips, ball games, swimming and an array of options that allow them to design a summer around their specific interests and imaginations. The week-long sessions and half- and full-day options makes SummerWorks an accessible and convenient option for parents looking to build a fun and flexible summer schedule.
Kids Tri Camps
These are multi-sport camps for kids, ages 5-12 years old, designed to introduce multi-sports training in a positive and fun environment. All athletes will receive training in swimming, biking and running and how to transition between events.
Summer Fundamentals Camp for ages 7-10 years old introduces kids to multiple sport experiences and reinforces physical education, agility, balance and coordination.
Depending on the week kids get to try baseball, tennis, swimming, karate, team handball, golf, skating and curling in addition to gymnastics two times per week and an opportunity to do freestyle into the Pool at the Utah Olympic Park. Alpine ski equipment, helmet and skate board equipment recommended but not required.
Go big with FLY Freestyle 3 and 5-day summer camps at the Utah Olympic Park. Water ramping into the Spence Eccles Olympic Freestyle Pool and bouncing on the trampolines will have participants mastering new tricks, catching air and having a great water ramp experience. Camps are designed to help athletes of all abilities become more confident in the air and on their skis in the water so they’re ready when the snow flies. They add off-site activities such as rock climbing, gymnastics, and divingto round out the day.
