House wants to lure TV, movie production here

The House approved Tuesday a new $3 million fund to entice more TV and motion picture production in Utah.

But cash for the program must still be approved by majority Republicans as they put together the state's $8.6 billion budget for next year.

Sponsor Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, said a six-month, $1 million trial last year to "incentivize" film production in Utah was a success. Other states, and especially Canada, are giving tax breaks to film production firms, and Utah must do likewise, "or our film industry will die."

But Rep. Brad Daw, R-Orem, worried that taxpayer dollars could be subsidizing films that are "downright offensive" in content, not reflective of many of the wholesome TV and film productions that have operated here before.

Allen said the special $3 million fund will be overseen by the current Industrial Assistance Fund, and board members will "look closely at content" before approving any money. Film production must actually be completed in Utah before any taxpayer funds are awarded, she said. And when the TV or film goes to DVD, in the special features part of the disk, Utah officials will be able to place a blurb about how wonderful the state is and tourist attractions, she said.