Universe.byu.edu Article - Utah Filmmaking Heats Up

Law could bring more filmmakers to Utah
By Adriana Pinegar
- Mon, 05/16/2011 - 22:03


After some editing, Utah’s new film incentives bill is ready to let the cameras roll.

Gov. Gary Herbert recently signed HB99, a bill that offers incentives to production companies that film in Utah. The legislation will update a law already on the books, with some changes that will allow Utah to remain competitive in bringing films to Utah.

Utah now offers a 20 percent rebate on in-state expenditures during filming, with an additional 5 percent offered if films acknowledge Utah in the content of the film.

During debates surrounding the bill, some Utah representatives expressed concern about where the money to offer the incentives was coming from.

“I have difficulty supporting something that puts public money into something that is not essential,” said state Sen. Peter Knudson, R-Brigham City. “So I oppose this bill for that reason.”

However, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper, assured his fellow representatives the bill will generate sales tax that will go back into the general fund. The new incentive program is post-performance, meaning the incentives paid to production companies will come from the tax dollars generated through the production of that film.

The bill found support among many representatives during debates. Several representatives stepped up to speak in favor of the program. Rep. David Butterfield, R-Logan, said the bill would replenish funds for programs like education.

“We’re really not fronting any money here,” Butterfield said. “What we’re doing is incenting those things that drive economic development and tax generation so that we can fund those very programs.”

In light of the current economic situation, several states have reduced or eliminated incentive programs. However, many states, including New Mexico, have maintained an incentive program. In a news release from the Utah Film Commission, Don Schain, president of the Motion Picture Association of Utah, said incentives were an important part of the state’s economy.

“Our incentive works because it keeps our industry competitive while providing the state of Utah an attractive return on investment,” Schain said. “In these difficult economic times, we are pleased that the legislature recognized that film and television are part of the solution.”

Producers of films like “True Grit” and “Cowboys and Aliens” considered filming in Utah but ultimately chose to shoot in New Mexico. Many representatives debating the bill agreed with Schain that the bill was necessary for Utah to remain competitive in the film industry.

“It’s important to Utah to keep this film industry,” said Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, “There’s about $380 million worth of reasons why we need to support the bill. But we’ve got to be competitive about it.”

The bill went into effect last week, and those involved are hopeful it will generate money locally and state-wide.

“This new incentive program will only help to bring more business to Utah and Utah County,” said Lee Adamson, film commissioner for the Utah County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

While the new program is similar to those offered in Louisiana, New Mexico and Georgia, Adamson said Utah has other qualities that will draw production companies to film here.

“The state is home to an incredibly talented crew base,” Adamson said. “Utah has some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the country, and it is easily accessible from an international airport that is only a short 90-minute flight from Los Angeles. Based on these factors, Utah is a very attractive location to production companies.”