1) Local cities and counties throughout Utah are currently accepting film permit applications.
2) The Utah Film Commission has developed recommendations to give the Utah film industry a starting point for getting back to work.
- Visit this link for more information: https://film.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/UFC-Recommendations-for-Healthy-Safe-Production-Sets_7-2020.pdf
3) The Utah Film Commission staff has remained available to respond to all requests for information about filming in Utah since the being of the pandemic. When the state began suspending business operations to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Utah Film Commission worked with producers that were forced to halt production in Utah, created a list of resources, and provided consultation to Utah employees and businesses in the film industry. As Utah began to reopen in May 2020, the Film Commission worked with state, local and industry task forces to develop recommendations to give the Utah film industry a starting point for getting back to work.
Are you finding–or do you expect–certain kinds of productions generally being more feasible at this time than others? Commercials and shorter duration projects, for example, as opposed to longer form feature and TV series commitments? Are you opening up sooner to the prospect of short-form projects?
4) Utah has received an increase of inquiries over the last few months during the pandemic with a significant amount being commercial-related. Commercial productions are specifically seeking out Utah as a filming location since Utah offers productions unique outdoor locations across the state from desert lands to mountain grandeur that allow for social distancing, a drive-able location from Los Angeles that eliminates the need for air travel, and a lower rate of COVID-19 cases in comparison to other states.
5) A color-coded health guidance system has been developed by the State of Utah to guide health behaviors for individuals and businesses. Most of Utah’s counties are in a low-risk or new normal phase. More information about those guidelines is available here: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utahs-health-guidance-system/
6) Even in these unprecedented times, film production remains a reliable economic driver. The Utah Film Commission is adapting our resources to meet new challenges brought on by the pandemic. This includes moving workforce development online, providing virtual location scouts, and consultation to productions that are navigating new filming restrictions. These tactics will allow us to continue providing services to the film industry.
