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 high desert, the Mountain West offers a stunning variety of settings that can stand in for almost any part of the world. Filmmakers are drawn not only by the breathtaking scenery but also by the region’s burgeoning film-friendly infrastructure and enticing incentives.
Colorado
Colorado, with its stunning Rocky Mountain vistas, diverse terrain, and vibrant cities, has long captivated filmmakers from around the globe. The state’s unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication provides an unparalleled backdrop for a wide range of film genres. Filmmakers are drawn to Colorado not only for its picturesque landscapes but also for its favorable film incentives and growing industry support. Iconic films like The Shining, which used the eerie and majestic Stanley Hotel as a primary location, and The Hateful Eight, which captured the rugged charm of the state’s wilderness, showcase the diverse cinematic potential of Colorado. As more filmmakers discover the state’s myriad possibilities, Colorado continues to solidify its reputation as a premier film production destination.
Learn more from the Colorado Office of Film.
Incentive Type: Refundable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: Up to 20% of spend in Colorado, 22% if utilizing local infrastructure, rural or marginalized urban areas
Minimum Spend: $100K (local production company); $1M (out-of-state company); $250K (TV Commercials, Video Games)
Bonus: N/A
Audit Requirements: An audit performed by a Colorado licensed CPA or a Colorado registered CPA firm is required.
Application: Submit the Statement of Intent and Application for Conditional Approval and all supporting documents prior to production activities in Colorado.
Sales Use Tax Relief: No
Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: 12/31/2034
Idaho
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.
Montana
Montana, known for its vast open spaces, majestic mountains, and unspoiled natural beauty, has become a magnet for filmmakers looking to capture the essence of the American West. Filmmakers are drawn to Montana not only for its stunning scenery but also for its welcoming communities and supportive film incentives. Iconic films like A River Runs Through It, which beautifully portrays Montana’s picturesque rivers and forests, and The Horse Whisperer, which showcases the state’s expansive ranchlands, illustrate the cinematic allure of Big Sky Country. As more filmmakers recognize Montana’s potential, the state continues to grow as a premier location for film production.
Learn more from the Montana Film Office.
Incentive Type: Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: 20-35%
Minimum Spend: $350k
Bonus: An additional 10% of all in-studio facility and equipment rental expenditures incurred in the state for a production that rents a studio for 20 days or more.
An additional 5% of the base investment expenditures in the state if the state-certified production includes a Montana screen credit furnished by the state
Audit Requirements: Third party CPA expenditures Verification Report is required.
Application: Productions must first apply for certification with the Department of Commerce, Film Office. Then, to claim the credit, productions will apply with the Department of Revenue. Productions must first apply for certification with the Department of Commerce/Film Office BEFORE any principal photography takes place. An online application and required documents are required, along with a $500 non-refundable application fee.
Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes
Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: None
Utah
Utah’s diverse and striking landscapes, ranging from the otherworldly rock formations of its national parks to the vibrant urban settings of Salt Lake City, have made it a sought-after location for filmmakers. The state’s unique geological features, such as the red rocks of Arches and Canyonlands and the expansive salt flats, provide visually stunning and versatile backdrops for a wide array of films. Utah’s strong film infrastructure and attractive incentives further entice filmmakers to the region. Iconic films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, with scenes shot in the dramatic canyons of Moab, and 127 Hours, which showcases the raw beauty of Bluejohn Canyon, highlight Utah’s cinematic appeal. As more productions discover the state’s remarkable potential, Utah continues to solidify its status as a premier destination for film production.
Learn more from the Utah Film Commission.
Incentive Type: Rebate or Refundable, Non-Transferable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: 20-25% (residents), N/A (nonresidents)
Minimum Spend: $500k
Bonus:
Audit Requirements: An independent CPA audit is required.
Application: Application deadlines are on the 10th of every month and decisions are made on the second Thursday of every month. Productions must be fully financed and apply BEFORE principal photography begins and no earlier than 90 days prior to the start of the production.
Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes
Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: None
Wyoming
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.
