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MONTANA FILM OFFICE
MONTANA FILM OFFICE Established in 1974, the Montana Film Office markets Montana as a business destination to production companies and provides technical assistance to productions that choose Montana. It is the responsibility of the MFO to ensure the state is film friendly. We work with producers to find locations that fit their script and serve as their liaison through every phase of their production. Producers have come to depend on the MFO to help navigate permitting, regulations, and location nuances. In the film industry, time really is money. A state’s willingness and ability to assist film productions often becomes a factor in choosing their location. BEFORE
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Photos above: Construction of the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Paradise Valley – A permanent Western town film set
Our Mission: To enhance Montana’s economy by: •Advertising Montana as open for business •Expanding film production in the state •Increasing job opportunities •Promoting the growth of small businesses •Promoting tourism
Our Services: •Supporting Montana film industry professionals •Location scouting •Production liaisons •Permitting assistance •Big Sky Film Grant •Film Tax Credit
The presence of film productions within Montana draws significant outside investment to the state. Many states provide incentives to attract productions as an economic development initiative because of this anticipated boost to local economies.
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MONTANA FILM OFFICE
FILM AS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DRIVER In 2019, the Montana State Legislature passed the Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement Act (MEDIA Act) to provide an income tax incentive to attract film, television, and other media production to the state – which offers a 20-35% tax credit on qualified production expenditures. The benefits to local communities from the film and entertainment industry are considerable. During filming, productions often hire local businesses to help support their operations. From caterers to hotels, from hardware stores to transportation, the film industry can have a significant economic impact on various sectors of the local economy. Even one day of shooting can have a notable impact on local business. And following a successful on-screen production, tourism is often boosted, which can further stimulate the local community and economy. In addition to direct economic benefits, long-term benefits include: development and establishment of spin-off film production activities; such as editing, sound production, creative and artistic activities, development of permanent facilities, like sound stages and studios; and industries related to independent filmmaking, documentaries, music videos, and interactive media production. Regions with thriving film activity also fuel a creative and culturally vibrant local economy, attracting additional interest in the area through capital investment and increased tourism. As an economic driver, the arts community provides thousands of jobs throughout the state, creating a diverse and resilient local economy.
MONTANA FILM OFFICE
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Every $1 spent in the film industry in Montana results in approximately $2 of economic impact.
MONTANAFILM.COM
SOCIAL ACCOUNTS Facebook: www.facebook.com/MontanaFilmOffice Instagram: www.instagram.com/montanafilmoffice406 Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/user5773313 Twitter: www.twitter.com/MTFilmOffice Youtube: www.youtube.com/montanafilm
© 2022 Montana Department of Commerce This document was produced by the Montana Department of Commerce and was printed at State expense. Information on the cost of this publication can be obtained by contacting the Office of Tourism at (406) 841-2781, alana.cunningham@mt.gov, 301 S. Park Ave, Helena, MT 59620.