Montana Awards $1.5 Million in Film Grants to Boost Local Economies

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce has announced a significant investment into the local film industry, awarding over $1.5 million in grant funding to 29 on-location film productions across Montana. This initiative, part of the Big Sky Film Grant Program, aims to stimulate economic growth in rural parts of the state including Alberton, Cooke City, Eureka, Ovando, Rocky Boy, Sula, and Twin Bridges.

Acting Director Mandy Rambo emphasized the expected regional impact, stating that these productions are projected to spend around $11.3 million locally. “These productions will not only bring valuable business into our rural communities but also enhance Montana’s profile in the film industry,” said Rambo.

The grants are distributed across various categories including Feature Film and TV, with allocations such as $100,000 going to El Jinete Films for ‘New Dawn Rising’ and $150,000 to The Reformer, LLC for ‘Voice Out.’ Short-form content projects and specific resident-only grants were also awarded, reflecting the program’s broad scope.

In addition to boosting local economies, the program supports creative endeavors within the state. For example, Polar Productions received funding for ‘Wild Foods: Montana,’ a project that host Kevin Chap described as “transformative,” highlighting the profound connection the team felt filming across Montana’s landscapes.

This funding initiative is further supported by Senate Bill 540, which designates funds from the Lodging Facility Use Tax specifically for Montana-based film projects. Since its inception in 2013, the Big Sky Film Grant Program has awarded over $13 million to nearly 380 projects, signaling a strong commitment to combining cultural enrichment with economic development.

For more information on the Big Sky Film Grant, interested parties can visit the Montana Department of Commerce’s dedicated film office page.