SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Film Commission has announced the approval of six new productions for state film incentives, which are expected to generate an estimated economic impact of $7.1 million and create over 400 new jobs in various counties including Davis, Salt Lake, Grand, Uintah, Utah, and Wasatch.
Among the newly approved projects is ‘Gabriella,’ a family film by local filmmaker Rob Diamond. Diamond expressed his enthusiasm for filming in Utah, stating, ‘I love filming in Utah. I’ve been making movies here for 25 years. It has some of the most beautiful locations in the world and the cast and crew are top notch. I plan on making movies here for many years to come.’
Another exciting addition to the lineup is the comedy feature ‘Halloween Pizza Party,’ helmed by a local filmmaking team. Director Brandon Carraway emphasized the unique charm of Utah’s fall season as a perfect backdrop for the film, saying, “’Halloween Pizza Party’ had to be filmed in Utah—the gorgeous fall colors, crisp autumn air, and welcoming suburban neighborhoods perfectly capture the nostalgic chaos of Halloween night.’
The production is set to take place in and around Salt Lake, Utah, and Wasatch counties.
In addition to these new films, Season 5 of the popular Discovery Channel series ‘Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch’ has been approved for a Rural Utah Film Incentive and will be filming in Uintah County. This series has enjoys a dedicated viewership and continues to thrive in the local filming landscape.
Moreover, Season 2 of ‘Navajo Highways,’ directed by Pete Sands, has also gained approval for a Utah Motion Picture Incentive. This educational children’s series aims to teach Navajo culture, traditions, and language, with filming scheduled for Grand and Salt Lake counties. The first season is currently available for streaming on First Nations Experience (FNX).
The thriller ‘Slay Day’ will benefit from a Utah Motion Picture Incentive as well. Director John David Buxton stated, “’Slay Day’ found a perfect home in Utah. We knew Utah would be an amazing fit from a location’s standpoint, but the quality and experience of the local team we’re assembling exceeds my wildest dreams. Combined with the strong and straightforward incentive, it was an easy choice for us.” The production will take place in Salt Lake County.
Finally, ‘Strasbourg,’ an independent feature film from local filmmaker Jake Van Wagoner, has been granted a Utah Community Film Incentive. This World War II drama is set to film in and around Summit and Wasatch counties.
The Utah Film Commission plays a vital role in promoting the state as a destination for film, television, and commercial production. Established in 1974 as part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the commission facilitates production needs statewide while also marketing the state’s locations and professional talent.
Utah has a rich history of hosting thousands of productions, ranging from iconic films like ‘Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,’ ‘Thelma & Louise,’ and ‘Forrest Gump,’ to popular television series, including ‘Yellowstone,’ ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,’ and ‘Westworld.’ The announcement of these new productions highlights the ongoing growth of the film industry in Utah and its importance to the local economy.
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