The Sundance premiere, "Dark Matter," about a Chinese student who comes to America and makes the transition with the help of a university patron (Meryl Streep), was mostly shot in Utah, especially around Salt Lake City and Utah County. The movie premieres Tuesday.

Why shoot a film about a Chinese student in the Beehive state?

It wasn't because of our majestic mountains or arid landscapes. It's because producers liked the look of Utah Valley State College in Orem, according to the film's producer, Janet Yang.

That's another example of Utah getting a filmmaking gig, not because of our glorious backdrops, but because of our apparent architectural wonders (which we're, uh, well known for).

The Disney Channel hit "High School Musical" was shot in Salt Lake City in large part because filmmakers liked the look of East High School's cafeteria.

Makes you wonder if Steven Spielberg is scouting out the LDS Church Office Building for his next movie. (OK, maybe not)

-- Vince Horiuchi