Utah’s Rising Role as a Filming Destination: Beyond “The Real Housewives”
Utah is rapidly becoming a hotspot for film and television production, attracting a diverse range of projects from sports competitions to historical dramas and reality television. Recent approvals for film incentives signal a continued boom for the state’s film industry, promising economic benefits and job creation across multiple counties.
The “Unwell Winter Games” and the Gen Z Appeal
Alex Cooper, the popular host of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, is bringing her “Unwell” brand to life with a new sports competition show, “Unwell Winter Games.” Filming will take place in Park City this month. The series will feature a unique blend of Olympic-style competitions, celebrities, athletes, and internet stars, targeting a Gen Z audience. This demonstrates a growing trend of content creators expanding into production and leveraging their existing fan bases to create new programming.
The “Unwell” brand’s focus on a younger demographic is noteworthy. As traditional media consumption shifts, productions catering to Gen Z and younger millennials are increasingly sought after. Utah’s scenery and production infrastructure are proving attractive to these projects.
“The Chosen” Continues to Find Home in Utah
The New Testament drama “The Chosen” will return to Utah for its seventh season, filming in and around Goshen in Utah County. The series has repeatedly utilized locations in Utah, specifically the motion picture studios of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to recreate ancient Jerusalem. This highlights Utah’s versatility in providing both natural landscapes and specialized filming facilities.
Brad Pelo, president of “The Chosen’s” production company, praised Utah’s “wonderful people, stunning landscape, and perfect locations.” The upcoming season will focus on the period between Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, with episodes expected to air in late 2026 and early 2027.
“Real Housewives” and the Reality TV Factor
Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” is also set to begin filming its seventh season in Salt Lake County. The show’s continued presence underscores Utah’s appeal for reality television production, offering a backdrop of mountain vistas, ski resorts, and surrounding towns. Forest Productions Inc. Noted Utah’s “stellar background” from both a creative and technical perspective.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The Utah Film Commission estimates that these three productions – “Unwell Winter Games,” “The Chosen,” and “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” – will generate an estimated economic impact of $11.3 million and create over 175 new jobs in Juab, Salt Lake, Summit, and Utah counties. This demonstrates the significant economic benefits that the film industry brings to the state.
A Banner Year for Utah Film
Recent reports indicate a broader trend of increased film production across Utah, including rural communities. HBO’s “Mountainhead” filmed in and around Park City, and the CBS Original series also contributed to a “banner year” for the state’s film industry. This expansion beyond traditional filming locations suggests a growing recognition of Utah’s diverse landscapes and production capabilities.
The Role of Film Incentives
The Utah Board of Tourism Development’s approval of film incentive money for these productions is crucial. These incentives facilitate offset production costs, making Utah a more competitive filming location. The Utah Film Commission provides support for various production types, from motion pictures and television to commercials and student films.
FAQ
Q: Where is “Unwell Winter Games” filming?
A: “Unwell Winter Games” is filming in Park City, Utah.
Q: What is the economic impact of these productions?
A: The three productions are expected to generate an estimated $11.3 million in economic impact.
Q: What other shows have filmed in Utah?
A: “The Chosen” and “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” are currently filming in Utah, and HBO’s “Mountainhead” recently completed filming in the state.
Q: What resources are available for filmmakers in Utah?
A: The Utah Film Commission provides support and resources for all types of film productions.
Did you realize? Utah’s diverse landscapes have doubled for locations around the world, from ancient Jerusalem to modern ski resorts.
Pro Tip: Explore the Utah Film Commission’s website for information on incentives, locations, and resources for filming in Utah.
Interested in learning more about Utah’s growing film industry? Visit the Utah Film Commission website to discover more about filming locations, incentives, and recent productions.
