The Scene is Set
For more than a century, Utah’s dramatic landscapes have drawn movie makers to our state. Every genre, from old-timey Westerns to sci-fi adventures, have been filmed across the otherworldly salt flats, rugged peaks, and desolate stretches of desert. Rural communities (shout out to Lehi for its Kevin Bacon connection), world-class ski resorts, and our quickly-growing capital city have served as backdrops for hundreds of scenes. According to local freelance location scout Amity Waldecker, Antelope Island is a frequent choice for car commercials with the lake acting as a substitute for the ocean. Whatever scene you can imagine, there’s likely a location in Utah that fits the bill.
The Salt Flats were featured in Independence Day and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
From the Beehive State to the Silver Screen
More than 1,300 films have been filmed in Utah. Here are some of the most well-known:
- Stagecoach (1939)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
- Footloose (1984)
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
- Thelma and Louise (1991)
- Rubin and Ed (1991)
- The Sandlot (1993)
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- Dumb and Dumber (1994)
- SLC Punk! (1998)
- Galaxy Quest (1999)
- High School Musical (2006)
- John Carter (2012)
- Gravity (2013)
Worth the Price of Admission
Beyond the wide array of cinematic backdrops, the state of Utah also offers many enticing financial incentives for movie makers. The Utah Film Commission was established in 1974 as part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Utah Office of Tourism. Their mission is, “to promote the entire state of Utah for film, television and commercial production and foster the development of local talent, crew and industry.”
The commission estimates that production companies typically spend an average of $100,000 to $150,000 per day. That spending benefits local businesses across a variety of sectors, such as hospitality, restaurants, and short-term-housing, returning $7 into the local economy for every dollar invested through the tax incentive.
The economic benefits of filming in Utah continue long after the cameras stop rolling. Film-influenced tourism generates revenue, as people are inspired to visit places they’ve seen in movies, such as East High School where High School Musical was filmed.
The Motion Picture Incentive Program was passed by the Utah legislature in 2011 and provides a tax credit of up to 25% on the production cost spent in the state. While 38 states offer such incentive programs, Utah is unique in the comparatively low cost of filming and a generally “film friendly” atmosphere.
According to a study from the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the broader culture industry directly supported nearly 70,000 jobs in 2022, spending $14.9 billion.
Utah’s infrastructure of studios, crews, and equipment in Utah is also impressive. More than 2,600 Utahns worked on state-incentivized film production jobs in 2025. Sound recording was reported as Utah’s fastest-growing cultural sector in 2022. The Beehive State is emerging as one of the faster-growing regional film markets.
A scene from our 2026 Music and Movie at Laird Park
Coming Soon to a Screen Near You
During the most recent legislative session, the Utah Legislature allocated $3 million for ongoing funding of the Rural Utah Film Incentive program, a promising commitment to keep studios interested in rural Utah locales. Actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner has been so inspired with the welcoming people and spectacular landscapes of Southern Utah that he is building a permanent studio in Washington County. There are numerous films and series shooting across the state, such as the Paramount series Marshals and various reality series. Keep an eye out for familiar scenes on your screen!
Want to Learn More?
Here are some local resources:
- Visit The Museum of Utah at the state capitol to see local cinematic artifacts
- Read James D’Arc’s When Hollywood Came to Utah for a comprehensive history
- See an independent film and engage with other movie buffs through the Salt Lake Film Society
- Attend one of the many film festivals that happen across the state
- If you’re a student considering in a career in film, East Hollywood High School is a free, public charter school specializing in media arts for grades 9-12 and the University of Utah offers a degree in Film and Media Arts
- Get your start as a background actor
Any Questions?
We pride ourselves on our local knowledge, from neighborhood playgrounds to movie location trivia. If you’re thinking about moving to Utah and have questions about what it’s really like, give us a call. We’re always eager to brag about this great place we call home.
Niche Homes is a full-service real estate agency specializing in Wasatch Front neighborhoods and enclaves. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a home.
