The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved $94,270 in state incentives Thursday for a full-length documentary on daredevil Evel Knievel.
The state had only $59,270 left to fund film incentives, but film commissioner Donald Zuckerman expressed confidence that the state’s pledge, like the famed motorcycle jumper, wouldn’t come up short.
Zuckerman, who has seen interest in state film incentives outstrip the available funds, told the commission that some previously awarded projects may come in under budget.
The governor’s budget proposal also contains a $5 million allotment for state film incentives, a substantial boost from the $1.6 million Zuckerman had to work with last year.
While making his pitch to the commission, Daniel Junge, the director of “Being Evel,” pulled out the Oscar statue he received for his short documentary “Saving Face,” which detailed efforts to help women attacked with acid in Pakistan.
“Along with Muhammad Ali, he was one of the great icons of the 1970s,” said Junge of Knievel, who had a darker side the film will explore.
Although some of the footage was shot elsewhere, about $471,350 will be spent in Colorado for the remaining interviews and post-production work, Junge said.
Daredevil Johnny Knoxville, known for the “Jackass” series on MTV, is also involved in the film, which is scheduled to air next year.
Junge, who lives in Denver, is scouting for a vintage theater where he can roll archival footage of Knievel’s jumps that will run behind the various people being interviewed.
The commission on Thursday also approved a job-growth incentive tax request from Osprey Packs, a Cortez-based maker of outdoor gear.
Osprey could receive $163,845 in incentives if it adds 34 net new jobs in southwest Colorado rather than California, where it has a design studio.
The commission also voted to provide $351,000 to the state’s enterprise-zone administrators to help them with marketing and approved $50,000 for the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Alliance.
Aldo Svaldi: 303-954-1410, asvaldi@denverpost.com or twitter.com/aldosvaldi
