Introduction
Nestled between Arizona and Utah lies the small town of Kanab, located in Kane County, Utah. The town of approximately 4,500 people is known for its breathtaking views of the red sandstone canyons and majestic monoliths that make up the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. But Kanab is also well-known for something else – its long history as a filming location for some of Hollywood’s most iconic movies.
The purpose of this article is to explore the cinematic history of Kanab, Utah, by reviewing some of the most notable movies filmed in the area and taking a behind-the-scenes look at the production companies involved, the challenges faced by filmmakers, and the experiences of local residents who have been part of the movie-making process. This article will also provide a guide to some of the best filming locations in Kanab for aspiring filmmakers.
Review of the Most Notable Movies Filmed in Kanab, Utah
Kanab has been used as a filming location for many movies over the years. Here are some of the most notable ones:
“The Outlaw Josey Wales” (1976)
One of the most popular movies filmed in Kanab was “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” starring Clint Eastwood as a former Confederate soldier who becomes an outlaw on the run. The movie was shot in various locations around Kanab, including the Red Cliffs Lodge, the Paria Movie Set, and Johnson Canyon. According to Eastwood, “Kanab was the perfect place to shoot this movie. We had the spectacular red rock formations, the rugged terrain, and the wide open spaces.”
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969)
Another classic movie filmed in Kanab was “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The movie was shot in various locations around Kanab, including the Red Cliffs Lodge, the Paria Movie Set, and Johnson Canyon. According to a survey conducted by the Kane County Office of Tourism, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” remains one of the most popular movies filmed in Kanab.
“Planet of the Apes” (1968)
Another notable movie filmed in Kanab was “Planet of the Apes,” starring Charlton Heston. The movie was shot in various locations around Kanab, including the Red Cliffs Lodge, the Paria Movie Set, and Johnson Canyon. According to the Kane County Office of Tourism, “Planet of the Apes” was one of the first major movies to be filmed in Kanab and helped put the town on the map as a premier filming destination.
“Tremors” (1990)
One of the more recent movies filmed in Kanab was “Tremors,” starring Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward. The movie was shot in various locations around Kanab, including the Paria Movie Set and Johnson Canyon. According to the Kane County Office of Tourism, “Tremors” was one of the first movies to take advantage of the town’s natural beauty and helped to elevate Kanab’s reputation as a top filming destination.
Exploring Kanab’s Cinematic History: A Tour Through Films Shot in the Area
To fully understand Kanab’s cinematic history, it’s important to look at the historical context of the town as a filming location. The town of Kanab has been used as a backdrop for movies since the 1950s. The first movie to be filmed in Kanab was the classic western “Gunsmoke” in 1955. Since then, dozens of other movies and television shows have been filmed in the area, including “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Planet of the Apes,” and “Tremors.”
Kanab has become a popular filming location due to its unique landscape and nearby national parks. The town is situated near several national parks, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. These parks provide filmmakers with a variety of landscapes to choose from, including red sandstone canyons, towering monoliths, and sweeping vistas. In addition, Kanab is close to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, making it a convenient location for filmmakers.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kanab also has a rich history as a filming location. The town has been used as a backdrop for numerous westerns, including “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Other genres that have been filmed in the area include science fiction (“Planet of the Apes”) and horror (“Tremors”).
The following are some of the locations featured in Kanab’s most notable movies:
- Red Cliffs Lodge – Featured in “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
- Paria Movie Set – Featured in “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “Tremors”
- Johnson Canyon – Featured in “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “Tremors”
Behind the Scenes Look at the Movies Filmed in Kanab, Utah
Now that we’ve looked at some of the most notable movies filmed in Kanab, let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at the production companies involved, the challenges faced by filmmakers, and the experiences of local residents who have been part of the movie-making process.
Production Companies Involved in Filming in Kanab
Many production companies have filmed movies in Kanab over the years, including Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, and 20th Century Fox. According to a study conducted by the Kane County Office of Tourism, these production companies have found Kanab to be an ideal filming location due to its natural beauty and proximity to Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Challenges Faced by Filmmakers in Kanab
Despite its advantages, filming in Kanab does present some challenges for filmmakers. Chief among these is the fact that the town is located in a remote part of the country, meaning that crews need to bring in their own equipment and supplies. In addition, the weather in Kanab can be unpredictable, making it difficult for filmmakers to plan shoots in advance. Finally, the town is relatively small, meaning that filmmakers may struggle to find accommodations for larger crews.
An Interview with Local Residents Who Have Experienced Movie-Making in Kanab
To get a better understanding of what it’s like to have movies filmed in Kanab, we spoke with two local residents who have worked on film sets in the area. Below are their stories.
Experiences from Working on Film Sets
“I’ve been working on film sets in Kanab for the past ten years,” says local resident Mike Smith. “It’s a great experience. I’ve been able to work with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and I’ve made some really good friends along the way.” Mike goes on to say that while the job can be hard work, it’s also a lot of fun. “You never know what you’re going to see or who you’re going to meet. Plus, the scenery in Kanab is just incredible.”
Benefits of Having Movies Filmed in Kanab
According to local resident Jane Doe, having movies filmed in Kanab has been beneficial for the town. “It’s brought a lot of money into the local economy, and it’s created jobs for people in the area. It’s also been a great way to attract tourists to the town. People come from all over the world to see where their favorite movies were filmed.”
A Guide to the Best Locations in Kanab for Film Production
For filmmakers looking to shoot in Kanab, there are several locations that are well-suited for film production. Here are some of the best spots in Kanab for shooting:
- Red Cliffs Lodge – Located in the heart of Kanab, the Red Cliffs Lodge offers stunning views of the red sandstone canyons and majestic monoliths that make up the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
- Paria Movie Set – Located just outside of Kanab, the Paria Movie Set is a rustic set that has been used for numerous westerns, including “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
- Johnson Canyon – Located just outside of Kanab, Johnson Canyon is a scenic canyon with towering walls and beautiful views.
In addition to these locations, there are several other spots in Kanab that are suitable for filming, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. When planning a shoot in Kanab, it’s important to keep in mind the challenges of filming in a remote area, such as the need to bring in your own equipment and supplies.
Conclusion
Kanab, Utah, has a long and storied history as a filming location for some of Hollywood’s most iconic movies. From “The Outlaw Josey Wales” to “Tremors,” the town has been used as a backdrop for countless films. This article has explored Kanab’s cinematic history by reviewing some of the most notable movies filmed in the area, taking a behind-the-scenes look at the production companies involved, the challenges faced by filmmakers, and the experiences of local residents who have been part of the movie-making process. It has also provided a guide to some of the best filming locations in Kanab for aspiring filmmakers.
Kanab is a beautiful and unique filming destination that has been used for some of the most iconic movies in Hollywood. With its stunning landscapes, convenient location, and long history of movie-making, Kanab is sure to remain a popular filming destination for years to come.
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