Cowboys, a bachelorette, monsters, aliens and puppets. Those are the focus of seven movie productions that will be shooting in Utah this fall, aided by state incentives.
The Utah Board of Tourism, at its October meeting, approved incentives totaling up to $3.7 million, based on production spending of $15.6 million and the employment of over 300 people.
The largest production is “Blood on the Promontory,” expected to spend $7.3 million while shooting in Washington County. Production will take place November through June, with 55 cast and crew and 200 extras being employed.
A period western set in the Wyoming Territory in the 1870s, the production is from the team that produced Kevin Costner’s western epic “Horizon: An American Saga.” “Blood on the Promontory” chronicles five convicts who escape in the Wyoming Territory of the 1870s. The tourism board approved an incentive of up to $1,825,000.
The director is Greg McLane. Producers are Dane Eckerle, Glenn Kleczkowski, Mark Gillard, Evan Cooper and Jeff T. Miller.
“This is riding on the coattails of the western movement and how much everyone loves the western projects right now,” Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission, told the board.
“This is a big project. I would expect those cast and crew numbers to come up quite a bit. They (productions) always tend to underestimate who they can find in Utah and they always see those numbers go up. So, [it will] probably create plenty of jobs and lots of spend down in Southern Utah.”
Taylor Frankie Paul of the Hulu series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” will be the focus of Season 22 of the reality series “The Bachelorette. Three-fourths of the series will shoot at various Utah locations, with the remainder in California, Colorado and international sites. The Utah portion is projected to employ 51 cast and crew in November and December.
The series was approved for an incentive of up to $500,435, based on Utah spending of $2.5 million. Producers are Scott Teti and Jason Ehrlich. The director has not yet been announced.
“Utah offers a stunning and diverse natural backdrop that is perfect for this romantic reality series,” said Lex Pascual, vice president of production incentives at Warner Bros. Discovery. “Beyond the scenery, Utah’s blend of small-town charm and modern amenities offer a fresh take on romance. The state is known for its friendly communities, strong family values, and a culture that emphasizes connection — traits that align well with the emotional journey and genuine relationships that ‘The Bachelorette’ aims to showcase.”
Independent feature “Iconoclast” was approved for an incentive of up to $875,000, based on expected Utah spending of $3.5 million. Pearce described it as an “AI/social media thriller.” It will shoot in Salt Lake and Weber counties, employ 52 cast and crew and 200 extras, and see production take place through January. It will shoot entirely in Utah except for one day in Las Vegas.
The director is Gabriel Basso. Producers are Paul Bernard, Alex Lebovici and Enzo Marc.
“I love filming in Utah. I personally feel it is truly one of the best places to film,” said Line Producer Steven Lee (“One Big Happy Family”). “The landscapes are amazing, giving us everything from iconic red rock deserts to lush mountain backdrops. The real treasure is the local crew. I have filmed all over the world, and the crews here are world-class, experienced and dedicated, and the local film vendors consistently go above and beyond to support productions.”
Puppets are the stars of the children’s series “Ladybug’s Garden” from a local filmmaking team behind several Disney and Halestorm productions. The series focuses on mental health awareness and emotional resilience. It will spend nearly $1.2 million through February, with shooting taking place in and around Utah County. “Ladybug’s Garden” will employ 38 cast and crew. Its incentive is for up to $298,007.
The director/producer is Brigham Taylor. Other producers are Ian Puente, Dave Hunter and Tom Goodall.
“Utah’s thriving community and dedicated talent have made this the perfect place to set down roots,” Puente said. “We’re proud to grow our business here, alongside the state’s expanding industry.”
The new documentary series “Monsters & Aliens” was approved for an incentive of up to $96,000, based on expected Utah spending of $480,000. Based on the idea that aliens and monsters throughout history have been closely related, the production will shoot in Salt Lake and Summit counties and employ 40 cast and crew and 25 extras through March.
Directors are Gary Auerbach and Joel Petrie, both of whom are producers along with Jennifer Ricci.
“Excited to be working in Utah once again,” Auerbach said. “Best crews, talent and film commission.”
Another documentary, “Into the Wilderness,” will be in production through December 2026. It will follow a group therapy program in Utah locations. Shooting is expected to take place in Washington and Wayne counties. Ninety percent of the documentary will be shot in Utah, with the rest taking place in Chicago. Portland and Dallas.
“Into the Wilderness” was approved for an incentive of up to $65,999, based on Utah spending of $329,994. It will employ 19 cast and crew.
The director is Nick Aldridge. Producers are Julian Cautherley and Marissa Lila Kongao.
“Utah was the natural choice for a film about the power of nature to heal,” Cautherley said. “The state’s landscapes — golden aspen forests, rugged red rock cliffs, and canyon waterways — provide both a breathtaking backdrop and a living context for the story. We were able to work with an exceptional local crew, whose deep connection to Utah’s environment elevated the project while supporting the state’s creative economy.”
“Jesus Sees Us” is the working title for a pilot approved for an incentive of up to $60,000, based in Utah spending of $200,000. Shooting in Utah County, it will employ 33 cast and crew, with production taking place through November.
Producers are Keith Grover and Benton Crane. Directors are Kelly Vrooman and Austin Wilson.
“We’re building a first-of-its-kind hybrid pipeline combining live-action, 2D, 3D and AI-enhanced animation, and we’re doing it all right here in Utah,” Grover said. “Our goal is to create world-class stories while training and employing local talent, helping make Utah a leader in the future of filmmaking.”