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Utah Film Commission
OVERVIEW
U.C.A. 63N-8-101
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The Utah Film Commission markets the entire state as a destination for film, television and commercial production by promoting the use of local professionals, support services and Utah locations . The film commission is a client-driven program that serves international, out-of-state and in-state production companies .
Motion Picture Incentive Program
The purpose of the Motion Picture Incentives Program (MPIP) is to encourage the use of Utah as a destination for the production of motion pictures and television series . The state of Utah provides financial incentives to the film industry so that the state can compete successfully with other states and countries that offer film production incentives . The MPIP allows Utah to foster a strong, local motion picture industry that will contribute to the economic health in urban and rural areas . The MPIP functions as a fully refundable tax credit for approved productions and operates on a post-performance basis on expenditures that are made in the state .
State Approved Rebate Percentages
• Tax Credit: 20 percent on dollars left in the state, with no per-project cap • Tax Credit: 25 percent on dollars left in the state, with no per-project cap
A 20 percent tax credit is available for productions with a minimum spend of $200,000 and a maximum spend of $999,999 in Utah . These projects must meet the definition of “significant percentage of cast and crew (hired) from Utah,” which is 85 percent .
A 20 percent tax credit is available for projects with a minimum spend of $1 million with no requirements for significant percentage of cast and crew (hired) from Utah .
A 25 percent tax credit is available for productions that spend at least $1 million in Utah and meet the definition of “significant percentage of cast and crew (hired) from Utah” which is 85 percent . If a production spends over $7 .5 million in Utah, there are other opportunities for them to receive 25 percent .
Projects that are approved for the MPIP may claim the awarded tax credit over the next few years due to production schedules and tax filings .
Approved Projects:
• 31 projects approved for a tax credit – Total tax credits approved: $17,114,392 – Total projected economic impact: $53,090,483 • 20 projects went into production • 11 projects are anticipating going into production in FY 2016
Completed Projects:
• Five projects received a cash rebate – Total: $354,493 • 18 projects were issued a tax credit – Total: $5,771,455 • Total economic impact: $20,667,747
BLOOD & OIL - Network Television Series
Blood & Oil marks the first network series filmed in Utah in over 10 years . The ABC produced television series began production in March, 2015 on the pilot episode and began filming an additional 12 episodes in July, 2015 .
Shooting in Huntsville, Midvale, Ogden, Park City and Oakley, the production is projected to spend over $33 million dollars in the state and is expected to hire over 200 cast and crew . The series is based at the new Park City Film Studios for stage work and production offices .
Airing on the primetime schedule in the fall of 2015, Blood & Oil stars Chase Crawford and Rebecca Rittenhouse as a young couple trying to take advantage of the largest oil boom in the country . Also starring is Don Johnson - who also serves as executive producer of the series .
On the set of Blood & Oil in Oakley, Disney-ABC Television Group
BEING CHARLIE - Independent Feature
Being Charlie, directed by Academy Award nominated and Emmy Award winner, Rob Reiner (The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men) started principal photography in April, 2014 . The film was written by Nick Reiner, Rob Reiner’s son, and stars Nick Robinson, Cary Elwes and Susan Misner .
Being Charlie filmed across the Wasatch Front and hired 145 cast and crew, spending $1 .2 million in the state . It has an anticipated theatrical release of December 2015 .
The set of Being Charlie filming in Salt Lake City, directed by Rob Reiner
Commercial Production
The MPIP assits in creating exposure to other production types including commercials . Commercials that film in Utah have a significant impact to the local industry . In 2015, 155 photo and video commercial projects came to the state, delivering an economic impact of $7 .8 million . Recognizable brands such as Apple, AT&T, Jeep, Microsoft and Ford filmed their commercials across the state, many in rural areas .
Film Destination
Utah remains a prominent film production destination in the western states region . The MPIP is an integral part of the strategies for increasing production in the state . That, along with local professional crew, talent, support services and the diverse beauty of Utah, will sustain the motion picture and television industry in the state .
On the set of a Toyo tires commercial filming in Salt Lake City, York/Blvd Productions
Wild Horses filming in Riverton, directed by Robert Duvall
For additional information about the Utah Film Commission visit film.utah.gov or contact Virginia Pearce, Director at 801-538-8740
