Are film permits being issued, enabling lensing to go on in your jurisdiction and if so, under what circumstances and with what, if any, requirements?
Local cities and counties throughout Utah are currently accepting film permit applications. Film permitting agencies across the state may require a production company’s COVID-19 guidelines to be implemented for cast, crew and general public safety and shared with the local health department for approval. Currently, Utah’s National Parks and State Parks are open with some restrictions in place. Any filming requests in these areas will be considered on a case by case/park by park basis. For other federal lands in Utah, please check the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management before filming in these areas. Visit https://film.utah.gov/covid-19-updates/ to view our recommendations for healthy & safe productions.
Within your jurisdiction/territories, are any regions/areas in particular more conducive to filming in light of the pandemic? How have those areas made themselves more able to safely host lensing?
Currently, Utah’s National Parks and State Parks are open with some restrictions in place. Any filming requests in these areas will be considered on a case by case/park by park basis. For other federal lands in Utah, please check the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management before filming in these areas. Private residences and businesses allow filming on their own determination as long as the guidelines set forth by the state and local health departments are adhered to by the production. Check the Film Locations Database at https://film.utah.gov/locations/ for more information about available filming locations across the state.
How have your procedures, modus operandi, process and responsibilities changed in light of the pandemic?
The Utah Film Commission has remained available to respond to all requests for information about filming in Utah since the beginning of the pandemic. We continue to work with productions to advise on best practices while filming in Utah during the pandemic in accordance with state, local and industry guidelines.
Are certain kinds of productions generally more feasible during this time? Commercials and shorter duration projects, for example.
Utah has received an increase of inquiries 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 drivable location from Los Angeles that eliminates the need for air travel, and a lower rate of COVID-19 cases in comparison to other states.
What advice or guidance have you to offer to the production community at large during these challenging times?
Film production remains a reliable economic driver and the Utah Film Commission continues to adapt our resources to meet the challenges brought on by the pandemic. This includes moving workforce development online, providing virtual location scouts, and consultation to productions that are navigating filming restrictions. These tactics will allow us to continue providing services to the film industry.
What’s your biggest takeaway or lessons learned from your experience dealing with production during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our industry is constantly reinventing itself and this past year really challenged all of us to rethink how we do things. Nonetheless, we continue to be inspired by the Utah film industry’s creativity, innovation and dedication to keep our film sets and crews safe during the pandemic.
