Untouched landscapes and authentic small towns will lend unforgettable imagery to your next project
The Mountain West region of the United States is a veritable treasure trove for filmmakers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse environments and unique cultural heritage, this area has become an increasingly popular backdrop for film production. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the vast expanses of the high desert, the Mountain West offers a stunning variety of settings that can stand in for almost any part of the world. Filmmakers are also drawn to the enticing incentives.
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Colorado Filming Incentives
Between Denver and the Rockies, Colorado holds the best of both worlds for your production. Its enchanting landscapes will aid your talents in content creation. Film lovers everywhere come here to attend celebrations such as the Telluride Film Festival, where past guest directors Peter Sellers (The Pink Panther) and Peter Bogdanovich (The Sopranos) have offered their expertise. Colorado provides top-notch locations to shoot your next blockbuster, whether you’re producing a feature film, television series, music video, documentary, or anything in between.
Learn more from the Colorado Office of Film.
Incentive Type: Fully Refundable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: 20% – 22%
Minimum Spend: $100K
Bonus: Uplift Bonus: 2% bump for productions filming outside metro areas such as Denver.
Audit: Yes
Application: Production companies must submit a Statement of Intent and Application for Conditional Approval, including necessary documents, before beginning production.
Sunset Date: December 31, 2031
Idaho State Filming Benefits
Idaho, with its untouched wilderness, dramatic landscapes and charming small towns, offers a unique and captivating setting for filmmakers. The state’s vast array of natural beauty, from the rugged Sawtooth Mountains to the serene Snake River, provides an extraordinary backdrop that draws filmmakers seeking authentic and breathtaking scenery. Movies like My Own Private Idaho, which captures the state’s hauntingly beautiful landscapes, and Napoleon Dynamite, which showcases the quirky charm of rural Idaho, highlight the diverse cinematic opportunities the state offers. As filmmakers continue to discover Idaho’s scenic environment, the state is becoming an increasingly popular destination for film production.
While Idaho has no tax incentives at this time, you can learn more about filming in the state from the Idaho Department of Commerce.
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Montana Filming Tax Benefits
While filming What Dreams May Come (1998), Robin Williams reportedly said, “If it isn’t God’s backyard, He certainly lives nearby” when looking at the stunning Montana scenery. He’s talking about the landscape, like the opening scenes in The Shining (1980), shot in Glacier National Park, the beautiful yet suspenseful scenes in The River Wild, shot in the Kootenai River, and the scenes of Paradise Valley in Montana Story (2021). Montana’s diversity and attractive filming incentives make this state a top production location for any project.
Learn more from the Montana Film Office.
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Incentive Type: Fully Refundable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: 15% – 25%
Minimum Spend: $350K
Bonus: Several bonuses are available, ranging from 5% to 10% bumps and 30% credits, including Underserved Area, University, Studio, and Screen Credit bonuses; College Student Credit, and Military Veteran and Tribal Credit. Contact the film office for more details.
Audit: Yes
Application: Application fees apply. The Department of Commerce shall notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the completed application as to whether the production qualifies.
Sunset Date: December 31, 2045
Utah Film Production Benefits
Utah’s diverse terrain has been used to create fictional towns that are described as different, existing places. Famous films shot in Utah include Footloose (1984), 127 Hours (2010), and National Treasure (2004). Between the red rocks, snow-capped mountains and desert, this state holds worlds within it. Attractive incentives draw filmmakers of all genres and calibers to take advantage of savings while utilizing Utah’s breathtaking scenery. From dramatic mountain backgrounds to vast desertscapes and urban sprawls to charming small towns, Utah delivers incredible filmmaking opportunities.
Learn more from the Utah Film Commission.
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Incentive Type: Fully Refundable Tax Credit / Rebate
Incentive Amount: 20% – 25%
Minimum Spend: $500K
Bonus: Local Hire/Rural Production Bonuses: 5% bump if the production company spends $1M in Utah, hires 75% in – state cast and crew, and 75% of production days occur in rural areas.
Audit: Yes
Application: Production companies must submit a completed application in PDF format via e-mail to the Utah Film Commission Director.
Film Sales Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: None
Wyoming State Film Production Incentives
Wyoming’s rugged beauty, from its vast open plains to the majestic peaks of the Grand Tetons, provide a perfect canvas for Westerns and other genres that require a sense of untamed wilderness and grandeur. Filmmakers are drawn to Wyoming not only for its natural splendor but also for its authenticity and cinematic heritage. Classic films like Shane, which beautifully depicts the sweeping vistas and rugged terrain of Wyoming, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, featuring the iconic Devil’s Tower, highlight the state’s unique cinematic appeal. As the film industry continues to explore Wyoming’s vast and varied landscapes, the state remains a cherished location for filmmakers looking to bring their stories to life.
While Wyoming has no tax incentives at this time, you can learn more about filming in the state from the Wyoming Film Office.
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