Utah County commissioners don't mind having county facilities in the movies, but they'd like the county's name in the credits in return for the favor.
Responding to a request from Merlot Film Productions Inc., represented by Dennis Williams at the Tuesday commission meeting, the commissioners agreed to rent the old Utah County Jail for $2,000.Merlot wants the jail for an episode of "Touched by an Angel" where a female death row inmate awaits execution and is reunited with her children before her death.
The film company plans to use the jail between now and Aug. 12. The jail scene supposedly takes place in Kentucky.
Commissioner Gary Herbert asked if Utah County would receive a line or two in the credits, advertising the county.
"We just approved an item where we spent a considerable amount of money to promote the county, and it seems appropriate to promote the county here, if possible," Herbert said.
Utah Deputy County Attorney David Shawcroft suggested if the county jail is not portrayed in a favorable light, it might be better not to receive credit.
Herbert repeated his request that Utah County be included as a location site "unless we come out poorly."
Williams said he isn't authorized to make that decision but would pass along the county's request to the film company.