October 1, 2025

Seven New Productions Approved for Incentives to Film in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (October 1, 2025) – Today, the Utah Film Commission announced the Utah Board of Tourism Development approval of seven new productions for state film incentives, generating an estimated economic impact of $15.6 million and over 300 new jobs filming in Salt Lake, Summit, Utah, Washington, Wayne, and Weber counties.

Season 22 of the popular reality series, “The Bachelorette,” was approved for a Utah Motion Picture Incentive starring Taylor Frankie Paul from the Hulu series, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” “Utah offers a stunning and diverse natural backdrop that is perfect for this romantic reality series,” said Lex Pascual, VP of Production Incentives at Warner Bros. Discovery. “Beyond the scenery, Utah’s blend of small-town charm and modern amenities offer a fresh take on romance. The state is known for its friendly communities, strong family values, and a culture that emphasizes connection—traits that align well with the emotional journey and genuine relationships that The Bachelorette aims to showcase,” Pascual added. The production is scheduled to begin filming this fall across the state.

“Blood on the Promontory” was approved for a Utah Motion Picture Incentive. From the team that produced Kevin Costner’s western epic, “Horizon: An American Saga,” comes a new western that chronicles five convicts who escape in the Wyoming territory of the 1870s. The production begins filming in Washington County this winter.

A new independent feature, “ICONOCLAST,” was approved for a Utah Motion Picture Incentive. “I love filming in Utah. I personally feel it is truly one of the best places to film,” said Line Producer Steven Lee (“One Big Happy Family”). “The landscapes are amazing, giving us everything from iconic red rock deserts to lush mountain backdrops,” Lee added. “The real treasure is the local crew. I have filmed all over the world, and the crews here are world-class, experienced, and dedicated, and the local film vendors consistently go above and beyond to support productions.” The production will start filming this fall in and around Salt Lake and Weber counties.

“Ladybug’s Garden,” a new children’s puppet series from a local filmmaking team behind several Disney and Halestorm Productions, was approved for a Utah Motion Picture Incentive. Producer Ian Puente shared, “Utah’s thriving community and dedicated talent have made this the perfect place to set down roots. We’re proud to grow our business here, alongside the state’s expanding industry.” The series will shoot in and around Utah County beginning this fall. 

A new documentary series, “Monsters & Aliens” was approved for a Utah Community Film Incentive. “Excited to be working in Utah once again,” commented local filmmaker Gary Auerbach. “Best crews, talent, and film commission.” The series will begin filming this Fall in Salt Lake and Summit counties.

“Into the Wilderness,” a documentary feature following a group therapy program, was approved for a Utah Community Film Incentive. “Utah was the natural choice for a film about the power of nature to heal. The state’s landscapes — golden aspen forests, rugged red rock cliffs, and canyon waterways — provide both a breathtaking backdrop and a living context for the story,” said Producer Julian Cautherley. “We were able to work with an exceptional local crew, whose deep connection to Utah’s environment elevated the project while supporting the state’s creative economy.” The production will be filming at locations this fall in and around Washington and Wayne counties.

A pilot with the working title “Jesus Sees Us” was approved for a Utah Community Film Incentive. “We’re building a first-of-its-kind hybrid pipeline combining live-action, 2D, 3D, and AI-enhanced animation, and we’re doing it all right here in Utah,” said Producer Keith Grover. “Our goal is to create world-class stories while training and employing local talent, helping make Utah a leader in the future of filmmaking.” The production will be filming in and around Utah County this fall.

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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.