Over a year ago, I submitted our home to the Utah Film Commission database and never expected what would happen next. When we were chosen to have a commercial filmed in our home for the Utah Department of Health, I had no idea how fascinating the experience would be — or how much work goes into creating just 60 seconds of film.
So imagine my surprise when I received a text saying our home had been chosen for a commercial filmed for the Utah Department of Health.
It felt a little surreal… and very exciting.
How the Process Started
After our home was approved in the Utah Film Commission database, a location scout reached out first. His job was to determine whether our house would actually work for the story they wanted to tell.
He came by and took detailed photos of several areas — spaces with good light, clean sightlines, and an overall feel that matched the message of the commercial. After that visit, we waited.
Not long after, we got the word:
They would be using our entryway, family room, and kitchen for the shoot.
That’s when it all started to feel very real.
Behind the Scenes of a 60-Second Commercial
The day of the shoot was absolutely fascinating. Even with all my Christmas decorations all up they were able to work around it all.
About 20 people arrived at our home — including:
- Camera crews
- Actors
- A makeup artist
- The director
- Sound technicians
- And representatives from the Utah Department of Health overseeing the project
By mid-morning, our home looked completely transformed.
There were:
- Cameras everywhere
- Lighting rigs inside and outside
- Large reflective screens positioned to bounce light just right
- Microphones, cables, monitors — all the things you never see on screen
They truly take over the house, but in the most professional and organized way possible.
Watching the Magic Happen
What amazed me most was how much effort went into what looks like such a simple moment on screen.
One scene — a young boy and his dad on our staircase — was filmed over and over again. Same lines. Same movement. Slight adjustments each time.
Lighting tweaked. Camera angles shifted. Timing refined.
It gave me a whole new appreciation for how intentional every second of a commercial really is.
I didn’t get to watch all the scenes being filmed, but I know this:
- Filming started at 7:00 a.m.
- They wrapped up around 5:00 p.m.
- And all of that work resulted in just part of a 60-second commercial
So much planning, detail and so much teamwork.
Why This Commercial Filmed in Our Home Meant So Much to Me
Beyond the novelty of filming, I truly loved the message of the commercial.
It focuses on something so important — connection.
Your teenager may be vulnerable to feelings of loneliness and lack of connection. So, talk to them about it. A few minutes of daily conversation can make a lifetime of difference.
That message landed deeply with me.
The commercial encourages families to slow down, notice, and talk — and it directs viewers to resources at:
👉 letschat.utah.gov
Being part of something that promotes healthy family connection and emotional well-being made the experience even more meaningful.
The Final Result
Seeing our home on screen — even briefly — was such a full-circle moment. All the equipment, the long day, the repeated scenes… it all made sense when we watched the finished piece.
Final Thoughts
Submitting our home to the Utah Film Commission database turned into an experience we’ll never forget. From the initial surprise of being chosen, to watching professionals work their magic inside our everyday spaces, it gave me a whole new respect for what goes into even the shortest commercial.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely.
And if you ever have the chance to open your home to a film crew — I say go for it. You just might end up with a great story… and a new appreciation for what happens behind the camera.
So interesting! Thanks for sharing what the experience was like.
It was really an eye opening experience to see how long it takes and how many people it takes to accomplish making a commerical. I would do it again for sure because it was actually quite fun.