Alaska movie theatres will probably see a surge in business starting February 3, 2012, with the opening of “Big Miracle.” The feature film stars Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski and Kristin Bell and is based on the true story of three gray whales trapped in ice near Barrow, Alaska, in 1988.
Primarily shot on location in Anchorage during the fall of 2010, location scouts were able to fill most of the set needs with existing offices, homes and businesses. They transformed the Port of Anchorage into the Barrow town site, reverted parts of downtown Anchorage to its original 1980’s appearance and even used a local Anchorage home to “stand in” for a similar style found in California.
Approximately 1,300 Alaskans filled roles of cast and crew; while some were using it as a spring board to get into the industry, others simply wanted to see some celebrities up close. Hotels, car rental agencies and restaurants were also kept busy during a normally slow time of year. A report by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation estimates the film brought $16.5 million to the state’s economy.
The red carpet premiere for “Big Miracle” will be held in Washington, DC on January 25 as a benefit for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). The organization works with the Defense Department to offer care and comfort to families of America’s fallen service members.
“Big Miracle” was shot on location in Alaska due in part to the state’s film industry tax incentives. Under the plan film makers can receive up to 44 percent in transferable tax credits for shooting in the state.
