Key Takeaways
- Utah’s film and television industry is thriving, with the Utah Motion Picture Incentive Program supporting 36 productions in 2025, generating over $136 million in production spending and creating over 2,600 jobs.
- The state’s diverse landscape and neighborhoods have provided a backdrop for thousands of movies and film productions over the last century, including high-profile films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and Marvel’s "Thunderbolts".
- The Utah Film Commission is committed to investing in a strong film industry, with a focus on rural film production and supporting local talent and infrastructure.
- Despite the Sundance Film Festival relocating to Boulder, Colorado in 2027, Utah’s reputation as an entertainment hub remains unscathed, with dozens of approved projects set to film in the state in the next year.
Introduction to Utah’s Film Industry
The Sundance Film Festival, a staple of the independent film scene, is set to open its 45th and final run in Park City, Utah. However, this milestone marks not only the end of an era for the festival but also a new chapter for Utah’s thriving film and television industry. The Utah Film Commission is celebrating another successful year, with the state’s reputation as an entertainment hub remaining strong despite the festival’s impending relocation to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. In 2025, the Utah Motion Picture Incentive Program supported 36 productions, generating over $136 million in production spending and creating over 2,600 jobs for Utahns.
Utah’s Growing Reputation as a Film Destination
Utah’s diverse landscape and neighborhoods have provided a unique backdrop for thousands of movies and film productions over the last century. The state’s natural beauty, combined with its modern locations, has made it an attractive destination for filmmakers. High-profile films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "Thelma & Louise," "Footloose," "Forrest Gump," and Marvel’s "Thunderbolts" were all filmed in Utah, as well as dozens of Disney movies, including "High School Musical" and "The Luck of the Irish." The state’s film industry has continued to grow, with major productions such as the CBS series "Marshals," the HBO drama "Mountainhead," and the Legendary Pictures film "Godzilla x Kong: Supernova" all filming in Utah in 2025.
The Utah Film Commission’s Commitment to the Industry
The Utah Film Commission is committed to investing in a strong film industry, with a focus on rural film production and supporting local talent and infrastructure. The commission’s director, Virginia Pearce, stated, "We’ve cultivated a thriving ecosystem of talent, infrastructure, and incentives that will continue to attract filmmakers and productions to our beautiful state." The commission has also stressed its continued commitment to rural film production through the Rural Utah Film Incentive, which has enabled productions to spend over $200 million in rural Utah communities in the past four years. This commitment to rural film production has helped to support local economies and provide opportunities for rural communities to be involved in the film industry.
Upcoming Productions in Utah
Despite the Sundance Film Festival’s relocation, Utah is set to remain a hub for film production, with dozens of approved projects set to film in the state in the next year. The upcoming season of ABC’s "The Bachelorette" will be filmed in Utah, as well as the Western "Blood on the Promontory," produced by the team behind Kevin Costner’s "Horizon: An American Saga." Additionally, the Utah Film Commission has announced 17 additional projects approved for state film incentives, including a spinoff series to "Yellowstone," a seventh season of "The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch," and several independent feature films. These productions will not only bring in revenue and create jobs but also showcase Utah’s unique landscapes and neighborhoods to a global audience.
The Future of Utah’s Film Industry
As Utah looks to the future, the state is well-positioned to continue its growth as a film and television production hub. With its diverse landscape, modern locations, and commitment to supporting local talent and infrastructure, Utah is an attractive destination for filmmakers. The Utah Film Commission’s focus on rural film production and its commitment to investing in a strong film industry will help to ensure that the state remains a thriving ecosystem for filmmakers and productions. As Jay Roewe, senior vice president of HBO Global Incentives and Production Planning, stated, "Choosing Utah was one of the best decisions we made in setting up our film… The scale and scope offered in its beautiful landscapes and uniquely modern locations have allowed us to seamlessly tell our larger-than-life story with the backdrop it deserves." With its unique combination of natural beauty and modern amenities, Utah is set to remain a top destination for filmmakers and productions for years to come.
