Kevin Costner’s New Studios Set to Boost St. George as a Filmmaking Hub
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Nestled among hills and a flowing creek, construction is underway on a film studio — but it’s far from the typical Hollywood setting.
Just south of St. George Regional Airport, Territory Film Studios is taking shape. This ambitious project is led by local land developer Brett Burgess and Hollywood actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner, who knows a thing or two about bringing big dreams to life.
“It feels like a dream come true,” said Burgess, a seventh-generation Utahn.
The vision began when Burgess wanted to find a reason for his son Carson, a University of Utah film major, to stay local. Around the same time, Costner, who was filming the first two chapters of his series Horizon: An American Saga nearby, was also searching for studio space.
“Kevin had been here scouting for a location and decided he wanted to build a soundstage right here in southern Utah,” Burgess explained.
Despite the disappointing box office results of the first Horizon chapter, the studio plans are moving forward. The initial phase includes a nearly finished 37,500-square-foot warehouse for storing sets, with construction about to start on a 30,000-square-foot soundstage.
Eventually, Territory Film Studios will feature 70,000 square feet of soundstages and a sprawling 3,000-acre backlot. The development also plans to include a restaurant open to the public and even hopes to offer studio tours in the future.
For Burgess, the goal goes beyond just real estate — it’s about building a lasting film industry in Utah and keeping local talent engaged.
“I want to keep so many young people here who otherwise would leave the state. I want to create opportunities in the arts so we can share our stories. I truly believe Utah has what it takes,” Burgess said.
While some locals worry about an influx of outside productions, Adam Mast, co-founder of the Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah, sees the studio as a gateway for local filmmakers.
“This studio will open doors for everyone,” Mast said. “There’s definitely a trickle-down effect.”
For filmmakers like Torsten Bangerter, who currently works on commercials, the chance to create “awesome movies” at the new studio is an exciting prospect.
“As much as I enjoy making commercials, I’d much rather be part of something big and cinematic,” Bangerter said.
