The owners of HaleStorm Entertainment announced plans Thursday to build a full service film studio in Provo.

The studio will serve as home base for HaleStorm Entertainment, the same company that made the LDS films “The RM” and “The Single’s Ward.”

Halestorm owners Kurt Hale, David Hunter and George Dayton are taking their company, along with the entire state, to the next level.

“The benefits of the studio are many,” Hale said. “Not only for outside production houses, but for HaleStorm primarily. Even if we didn’t cater to anybody at all, we’ve got enough slated in our own state and our own company that will keep this production facility working.”

The studio, named Stone Five, will be built in the Riverwood Shopping Village, located in northern Provo, currently home to shops, a movie theater and several apartments.

Stone Five Studios will open its doors this fall and will be available for other production companies to utilize the latest cutting-edge technology and facilities the film world has to offer.

The state of Utah has been, for many years now, a top choice for filmmakers to make their movies. According to owners, the state’s appeal should now be even greater with Stone Five Studios on board.

At a press conference held Thursday Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson expressed excitement over what the studio could mean for the economy of Utah.

Not only could it potentially boost the economy, but it also will provide more options for those desiring to film in Utah.

“It will be really nice and comfortable for us and other independent filmmakers that want to have a turn-key operation to come to us and be able to produce their films there,” Hale said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 11 Jul 2005