Utah On the Big Screen

As one of the most affordable states for video production, Utah has been the location of choice for thousands of films throughout the last century. With the Motion Picture Incentive Program, tax credits and cash rebates average 20-25 percent. But that’s not the only reason film crews gear up in Utah.

Giddy Up

With its vast desert landscapes, Utah is a perfect location for movies set in the old west. The iconic “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” filmed in 1969, was shot mainly in southern Utah and was the film that inspired Robert Redford’s love for the state. More contemporary western films shot in Utah include “Back to the Future Part III” (1990) and “The Lone Ranger” (2013). 

We Film In Peace

From the knobby rock formations in Goblin Valley to Bonneville’s barren salt flats, video production in Utah lends a great environment to science fiction and adventure films. Both the original “Planet of the Apes” (1968) and the remake in 2001 were shot at Lake Powell. 

“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989) was filmed at Arches National Park and Moab, scenes from “Star Trek” (2009) took place in San Rafael Swell and several shots of “Independence Day” (1996) were shot in Bonneville and Skull Valley. 

Dance It Out

“Footloose” (1984), the movie taught us all to dance like no one’s watching and was also filmed on location in Utah. The Lehi Roller Mills, where Kevin Bacon’s character works in the film, is still in operation today. Another toe-tapping Utah production is Disney Channel’s “High School Musical” (2006). In fact, all three films in the teen franchise were shot almost exclusively in Salt Lake City. 

Some other big names for video production in Utah include “Hulk” (2003), “Dumb and Dumber" (1994), “Thelma and Louise” (1991) and “National Treasure” (2004). From Westerns to comedies, the Beehive State has proven to be a great location for any genre.

Emily Culp writes for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. She writes for many other clients as well. Follow on Twitter