Colorado on Friday approved a $5 million incentive package to lure production of the upcoming Quentin Tarantino film "The Hateful Eight."
The Oscar-winning screenwriter's movie could be filmed on a 900-acre ranch west of the ski town of Telluride, depending on local permit approval, The Denver Post reported.
Colorado's incentives, approved by the state Economic Development Commission, beat out those of Utah and Wyoming. Budgeted at $44 million, the film would be the most significant production in Colorado since 1969's "True Grit." The John Wayne classic was filmed in rural western Colorado.
"The Hateful Eight," which is slated for a 2015 release, tells the story of post-Civil War bounty hunters who try to find shelter during a blizzard but get entangled in a plot of betrayal and deception, according to IMDB.com. The website lists Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson and Amber Tamblyn among the film's stars.
Details of "The Hateful Eight" script were leaked in January, and Tarantino sued news and gossip website Gawker after it posted a link to the script. The case was dismissed in April, and the plot was later retooled.
The newspaper reports that Colorado's incentive package would use the rest of the year's incentive budget, plus some from the 2015-16 budget year. After approval, state film commissioner Donald Zuckerman quickly signed off on paperwork so film spending could advance.
"The whole movie's going to be shot here, exteriors and interiors," Zuckerman said. "They're going to build it on a ranch."
The movie's budget in the state includes $15.7 million for payroll, including a 168-person crew, and $9.35 million in other spending, including lodging. The $5 million rebate makes up 20 percent of that spending.
Shooting was expected to kick off in early December at Schmid Ranch, a high-mesa ranch 10 miles west of Telluride that was homesteaded in 1882.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More