Film Flagstaff!

YOUR NORTHERN ARIZONA PRODUCTION BASE

Beautiful landscapes, panoramic views, a four-season climate, neighborhood atmospheres and historic areas are just the beginning of the many wonderful locations readily available.

Flagstaff is the largest city and a regional center for northern Arizona making it ideal for your production base. The city links I-40 to I-17, Highway 89 to Page and Utah and Highway 180 to the Grand Canyon. Historic Route 66 also passes through Flagstaff. The city offers a variety of lodging, dining and shopping opportunities for cast and crew.

Visualize breathtaking backdrops for any project. Within 45 minutes from Flagstaff you can find lush Alpine aspen meadows and extensive pine forest, primeval lava flows and volcanoes, the snow capped San Francisco Peaks, numerous lakes, the Red Rock canyons of Sedona and mysterious Native American dwellings.

Flagstaff is a great “set” in itself with a restored historic downtown area including the old Santa Fe Railway Station, a turn-of-the-century college campus, famous homesteads and Lowell Observatory.

FILM ARIZONA!

With over 300 days of sunshine, free use of state roads and state parks, pre-negotiated discounts from hotels, rental vehicles, restaurants, and more - plus cash rebates from equipment vendors, Arizona is the right choice for your next production. Few states offer Arizona’s endless variety of outdoor scenic vistas, all within a few hours’ drive, along with production services and post-production facilities rivaling the best in the nation. Lower production costs, streamlined permitting processes, experienced crews and talent: everything your production needs is right here and right next door.

To learn more visit the Arizona Commerce Authority Film Office website.

Come discover why Arizona is America's Backlot!

Flagstaff International Film Festival

The Flagstaff International Film Festival (FIFF) is an annual event that celebrates the power of cinema to inspire and entertain. The festival occurs in August, set against the backdrop of Flagstaff’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is a testament to Flagstaff as a vibrant cultural hub, and a must-attend event for anyone passionate about film and storytelling.

From avant-garde dramas to delightful comedies, from captivating animations to gripping science-fiction, FIFF showcases a wide range of themes that resonate with audiences of all interests and backgrounds. Whether you’re a film aficionado or a casual moviegoer, you’ll enjoy the best of independent cinema from local, national, and international filmmakers.

In addition to film screenings, FIFF also hosts Q&A sessions, workshops, and networking events. These events provide festival-goers with an understanding of the filmmaking process and an opportunity to interact with film creators and like-minded enthusiasts.

The Flagstaff International Film Festival champions independent filmmakers and innovative stories, drawing a wide range of films across different genres. It’s a diverse and compelling program of films that reflect the breadth and depth of cinematic storytelling from around the world.

For more info, visit flagstaffinternationalfilmfestival.com

Good News! AZ Film Tax Incentives 

We have good news to report! Applications for the AZ Motion Picture Production Program are now available. Arizona's Motion Picture Production Program (MPPP) is a refundable tax credit program that allows production companies the opportunity to recapture a percentage of qualified production expenses spent in Arizona to produce more than 50% of their movie, television show, commercial, or music video at a Qualified Production Facility and/or at a Practical Location beginning January 1, 2023.  Learn more.

Here's how to get started and apply:

To create a new account, click here. 

Fill out the form with all necessary information. For “Industry” select Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation. For "Primary Program of Interest," select The Arizona Motion Picture Production Program. 

Once you submit this form, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) will create an account and send you an email from the ACA Help Desk with your unique username and a temporary password (please check your junk mail folder). 

Login here with your username and temporary password (both are case-sensitive). You’ll be prompted to create a new password. 

Once logged in, you're now ready to apply. Click “Incentives". Select Motion Picture Production. 

Complete the Motion Picture Production: Initial Application for Pre-Approval.

If you'd like to read the rules for the new program, click here. 

Questions? 

Contact: Cindy Grogan, AZ Commerce Authority Senior Program Manager, Financial Incentives office 602-845-1221 or email: CindyG@azcommerce.com.

Flagstaff’s destination for all seasons is film ready for your location and project needs. Please contact Flagstaff Film Commissioner Ryan Randazzo at ryan.randazzo@flagstaffaz.gov or call (928) 213-2915 to learn more about filming in Flagstaff.