courtesy: Sundance Film Festival, Brandon Joseph Baker
The Sundance Film Festival means big business for our state—and we’ve got the numbers to prove it.
Last week, the University of Utah’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the David Eccles School of Business released a study showing just how much our state benefits from the festival, which was founded by Robert Redford in 1981. At its core, Sundance Institute is a not-for-profit organization that fosters the development of original storytelling in film and theatre and is internationally recognized for its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, film composers, playwrights, and theatre artists.
The 2010 Sundance Film Festival generated an overall economic impact of $62.7 million for the state of Utah, supported over 1,500 jobs, generated over $18 million in media exposure and provided millions in tax revenue. Since 1994, Sundance Institute has brought in excess of $1.5 billion in economic activity to the state through its annual film festival.
Through its films, panels, music events, and community and student programs, the Sundance Film Festival annually brings international exposure to an array of cultural, political, and social issues. The Festival inspires visits to Utah by leading CEOs, and dignitaries, and serves as a vital platform for business development.
Across the world Utah is known as the home of the Greatest Snow on Earth, we stepped into the world’s spotlight in 2002 during the Winter Olympic Games and the Sundance Film Festival further enhances our reputation as a world city.
