Alaska television shows: statewide filming boosts economy.

• Author: Bohi, Heidi
• Position: FILM

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It's no surprise to Alaskans that the rest of the world finds them fascinating. While many would like to keep the best-kept secrets here under wraps, as millions of worldwide TV viewers set their dials to one of several weekly reality TV shows filmed in the state, not even the crustiest sourdough can argue with the economic development resulting from the rapidly growing television industry here.

Besides the millions of dollars spent on production-related costs in villages and larger communities statewide, other sectors such as the tourism and fishing industries are feeling the residual benefits that come from shows featuring local characters, creatures and the great outdoors.

NEW ECONOMIC SECTOR

When the State film production tax credit went into effect in 2009, almost solely credited for spurring the growth of this new economic sector, the feature film industry took top billing as major studio motion pictures chose to film in Alaska for the first time in more than a decade. Other feature films have also scouted Alaska locations and may begin shooting this year.

In the meantime, the state is also becoming an increasingly popular location for nonfiction television shows that capture some of the world's most scenic beauty, the absurdity of Alaskan personalities, and the drama behind the stories of what it takes to survive in one of the harshest climates on the planet.

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Deadliest Catch, Mounted in Alaska, Ice Road Truckers, Sarah Palin's Alaska, NAPA's North to Alaska, Gold Rush Alaska, Flying Wild Alaska, ERA Family of Bush Pilots, Ax Men, Geo Beach's Tougher in Alaska and Alaska Wildlife Troopers are just a few of the TV shows produced in the state and are based on true stories that capture the hearts of viewers who live and work the real Alaska. Ratings for these nonfiction television shows remain high, and based on inquiries and applications for the tax incentive program, the Alaska Film Office expects the interest to continue.

TV PRODUCTION ADVANTAGES

Although the television productions are considerably smaller than the feature films such as "Everybody Loves Whales," which was filmed last fall and had an estimated $30 million budget, televisions shows spend more time filming in various communities. The movie, for example, was filmed over about 60 days, whereas reality TV shows will film over the course of months, says Dave Worrell, Alaska Film Office manager. Because feature films require...