January 10, 2025

Four New Productions Approved for Film Incentives in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (January 10, 2025) – Today, the Utah Film Commission announced the Utah Board of Tourism Development approval of four new productions for state film incentives, generating an estimated economic impact of $17.5 million and over 420 new jobs.

A new series from local filmmakers, Jason Faller and Kynan Griffin (“The Outpost”, “Mythica: Stormbound”), “The Wayfinders” was approved for a Rural Utah Film Incentive. “We are excited to film “The Wayfinders” series in the remarkable state of Utah, where its awe-inspiring landscapes and distinctive rural charm will serve as the perfect backdrop for our story, “ said Faller. “From the vivid colors of the changing seasons to the rugged beauty of its countryside, and the small-town Americana setting that is central to the series, Utah offers the right setting that will enhance the immersive world we’re creating.”

A new thriller, “The Edge of Normal”, based on the Carla Norton novel was approved for the Utah Motion Picture Incentive. “We are incredibly grateful to the Utah Film Commission for awarding us the tax credit for “The Edge of Normal,” said Producer Matt Miller (“The Wolf of Snow Hollow”, “California King”) “Utah’s breathtaking landscapes, talented local crew, and unwavering support for filmmakers make it the perfect place to bring this story to life. We’re excited to return in the spring to begin production and further showcase all that Utah has to offer as a premier filmmaking destination.”

Season 2 of the Hallmark series, “Finding Mr. Christmas” starring Host Jonathan Bennett was approved for a Rural Utah Film Incentive. “For season 2 of Hallmark’s “Finding Mr. Christmas” there was little doubt about returning to Utah,” said Cara Tapper, producer and co-founder of Super Delicious (“Halloween Wars”, “Holiday Wars”). “The breathtaking vistas are spot on for a Hallmark dream location. But as a production company, the ability to source a lot of local crew, ease of production in Utah and help from the community in finding the perfect locations makes this a no-brainer. It’s been a pleasure for us working in Utah over the years with Food Network productions, and our comfort level in the state made it an easy decision to bring the Hallmark production to Utah. Not to mention the very easy parking…we don’t have that at home.”

“The Genesis Project”, a new feature from local filmmaker Dustin Ward (“Princess for a Day”) was approved for a Utah Community Film Incentive. The thriller follows five psychology students who are studying serial killers and attempt to capture the killer stalking their town.

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About the Utah Film Commission

As part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the Utah Film Commission formed in 1974 markets the entire state as a destination for film, television, and commercial production by promoting the use of professional local crew and talent, support services, Utah locations, and the Motion Picture Incentive Program. The office also serves as a liaison to the film industry, facilitating production needs across the state.

Thousands of productions have been filmed in Utah, including “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,” “Thelma & Louise,” and “Forrest Gump,” to name only a few. Many episodic series have also been filmed in Utah, such as “Yellowstone”, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” and “Westworld.”

For more information, visit film.utah.gov.