Utah approves 7 new productions for film incentives — including return of ‘The Bachelorette’

Utah will set the stage for seven upcoming film productions — including the upcoming season of ABC’s “The Bachelorette.”

The Utah Film Commission announced on Wednesday the Utah Board of Tourism Development approval of seven new productions for state film incentives — expanding Utah’s extended list of upcoming productions and growing reputation as an entertainment hub.

Together, the seven upcoming productions are projected to generate an economic impact of $15.6 million and create more than 300 jobs for Utahns in Salt Lake, Summit, Utah, Washington, Wayne and Weber counties, according to the Utah Film Commission.

Among the approved productions is Season 22 of ABC’s reality dating series, “The Bachelorette,” which stars Utah influencer Taylor Frankie Paul.

Paul is known for her roles in #MomTok and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” She is also the first leading woman in the franchise from Utah.

“Utah offers a stunning and diverse natural backdrop that is perfect for this romantic reality series,” Lex Pascual, vice president of production incentives at Warner Bros. Discovery, said in a statement.

He continued, “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.”

The team that produced Kevin Costner’s Western epic, “Horizon: An American Saga,” will return to Utah to film “Blood on the Promontory,” a Western that chronicles the escape of five convicts from Wyoming during the 1870s.

Two documentaries were also approved for filming in the Beehive State. “Monsters & Aliens” is a documentary series that will begin filming this fall in Salt Lake and Summit counties.

“Into the Wilderness,” a documentary feature, follows a group participating in a therapy program. Washington and Wayne counties will serve as the backdrop of the production.

“Utah was the natural choice for a film about the power of nature to heal,” said the film’s producer Julian Cautherley. “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.”

Cautherley continued, “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.”

Also among the upcoming productions are a new children’s puppet series, “Ladybug’s Garden,” a pilot for a series with the working title “Jesus Sees Us,” and an independent feature film, “ICONOCLAST.”

“I love filming in Utah. I personally feel it is truly one of the best places to film,” said Steven Lee, line producer for “ICONOCLAST.”

“The landscapes are amazing, giving us everything from iconic red rock deserts to lush mountain backdrops,” Lee added. “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.”

Utah’s diverse landscape and neighborhoods have provided a backdrop for thousands of movies and other film productions over the last century and continues to entice filmmakers.

High-profile films such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Thelma & Louise,” “Footloose” and “Forrest Gump” were filmed in Utah, as well as dozens of Disney movies such as “High School Musical,” “Return to Halloweentown” and “The Luck of the Irish.”

Between June and August, the Utah Film Commission has announced 10 additional projects approved for state film incentives, including a spinoff series to “Yellowstone,” a seventh season of “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch” and several independent feature films.