SLC vs LA for Production
Over the years, our team has produced video shoots across both Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, working in each market enough times to know their strengths inside and out. LA remains a production powerhouse for good reason, and we're just as comfortable running a shoot with our go-to LA crew as we are with our Utah production teams. But for clients weighing their options, we wanted to share an honest look at what SLC brings to the table, along with a fair take on where LA still has the edge.
We are not looking over the Great Salt Lake right now. From our Adobe Customer Stories shoot in LA.
Why SLC works so well:
Lower production costs: Crew rates, equipment rentals, permits, and lodging typically run well below LA prices, so budgets stretch further and more of the money lands on screen.
Fewer permitting headaches and less red tape: Utah's film-friendly approach, including its production incentive program, means simpler permit processes and less competition for locations than the congested LA market.
Less traffic and easier logistics: Shorter commutes, easier parking for trucks and gear, and quieter streets make shoot days smoother and help crews stay on schedule.
Fresh, uncommon backdrops: Audiences have seen LA locations countless times, while Utah's landscapes and architecture can give your project a distinctive look that stands out.
Lots of mountain scenes close to SLC, too. From our Park City Community Foundation shoot in Park City.
Where LA still has the edge:
Deep talent and crew pool: LA has the largest concentration of specialized crew, actors, and below-the-line talent in the country, so highly specific or niche roles are easier to fill on short notice.
Weather: LA averages about 180 clear days a year. SLC sits in a high desert and gets plenty of sun too, but its roughly 125 clear days is about 30% fewer than LA. And LA's year-round mild weather can't be beat.
Industry proximity and networking: Being in LA puts you close to agencies, studios, and decision-makers, which can streamline approvals and collaboration on bigger campaigns.
Understandably the talent often would prefer a short drive to a set in LA rather than fly to SLC. From our Adobe Acrobat shoot in LA
A couple of trade-offs to keep in mind with SLC:
Smaller vendor bench: For very large productions or highly specialized roles, the available crew pool is smaller than LA's, so bigger shoots may need to fly in some specialists.
Limited urban variety: While SLC offers stunning natural landscapes, it has fewer options for dense, varied urban backdrops or iconic cityscapes compared to LA.
This office could be found anywhere but LA had the best prosthetics labs to create this horn. From our Adobe Express shoot in LA