Our Story
Formed in 1974, the Utah Film Commission is part of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Utah Office of Tourism. Our mission is to promote the entire state of Utah for film, television and commercial production and foster the development of local talent, industry and crew.
2024: 100 Years of Utah Film
Although audiences around the world may know Utah’s landscapes from films like Thelma & Louise, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, or even High School Musical, Utah’s rich filmmaking history began long before those films hit the big screen. Once known as “Little Hollywood,” Utah’s unique landscapes have made the state a popular backdrop for filmmakers since two 1924 silent films, The Deadwood Coach, shot on location in Zion National Park, Cedar City, and the newly formed Bryce Canyon National Monument; and The Covered Wagon, shot in Northern Utah. These movies were the first of Hollywood’s star-studded Westerns to shoot in state. Over the years, Utah has slipped into countless roles, sometimes as different states or even different planets.
2024 will be 100 years since the first film was shot in Utah and also the 50th anniversary of the Utah Film Commission, formed in 1974. We will celebrate these milestones with a year of exhibits, events, and film screenings. Many cities and counties around the state share a part of our early filmmaking history and during this Anniversary year — we will celebrate all of the people, locations, and films that have made Utah. America’s Film Set.Ⓡ
10 Year Impact
Film production creates jobs in the creative sector while supporting local businesses and encouraging tourism across the state. Utah’s Motion Picture Incentive Program has had a profound impact on the state, both economically and culturally.
| Total Utah Spend | Total Rural Utah Spend | Production Days |
| $463 Million | $155 Million | 28,400+ |
| Jobs Created | Total Incentive Projects | Film Tourism |
| 34,600+ | 210 | $6 Billion |
How We Help
We provide support for multiple production types including motion pictures, television, and commercials. From student to studio productions, the Utah Film Commission can assist you when filming in the state.
Our History
Since the early 1930s, Utah has been capturing the imagination of filmmakers and storytellers and today is no exception. With thousands of productions created in-state, Utah has an undeniably deep and lasting commitment to the entertainment industry. It includes iconic films such as ‘Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid’, ‘Thelma & Louise’, ‘Easy Rider’, and ‘Forrest Gump’.
