Hey everyone!! I’m working on a pretty exciting screenplay and have (potentially) an actress attached to one of the main roles. In a rather fortuitous stroke of luck it just so happens there’s an entire arid desert where this actress lives in Utah which is EXACTLY what I’m looking for. I myself am based in the UK so my knowledge of Utah is limited to say the least, is there anyone here that knows a little about the advantages filming a feature there? I’m hoping to do some outdoor shots in the sevier desert and the rest of the production to use virtual film set ala Mandalorian and it’s“Volume” set. Just wondering if there’s a studio there that’s already kitted out for such a venture
Filmmaking / Directing : Filming in UTAH? by Ian Buchanan
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Each state has its own Film Commission. For answers to your questions contact film.utah.gov.
Thanks, I actually went straight there after making the post, they have a helpful app which was useful. I think there are a couple of potential options for me there
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One of our members, Connor Pannell, runs a rental house and studio that is set up with those LED panels, but it's in Atlanta: https://www.instagram.com/neweastrental/
As for advantages, if you need an arid desert, consider comparing the filming incentives in Utah (https://film.utah.gov/incentives/) with that of Colorado (https://www.filmincolorado.com/resources/incentives-and-permits/) or New Mexico (https://nmfilm.com/for-filmmakers/incentives/).
Also, consider more than just the look - you should also consider the logistics of getting that look (i.e. tent set up during filming, food/water/bathrooms during filming, transport, overnight accommodations). Being completely surrounded by desert may not be as great as you might think, no matter how awesome Star Wars makes it look. I used to live in CO, and Moab was the place to go for desert shots, so clearly Utah is a good choice. Just consider your options (and maybe do side-by-side comparison so you feel good about your choice).
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Definitely worth checking out- I just didn’t realise you folks had sand dunes over there lol. Makes my job a whole lot easier knowing that. NM seems to have the best tax incentives but only by a margin. Lots to consider
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Ian - we've got sand dunes and high country deserts out here in Oregon. Depending on what you have in mind and the time of year; I might be able to shoot some B roll stuff for you.
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Hi Ian, I'm a British transplant to Utah - I'm still learning the ropes here, but happy to share anything I know, even if you're just looking for a British perspective, ha ha!
Quite the coincidence finding a fellow Scot who films in Utah! I’ll definitely hit you up