Big Sky Country Beckons

Breathtaking scenes of natural beauty move filmmakers to shoot in Big Sky Country. Amongst the notable projects chosen for Montana's naturally stunning settings are Little Big Man (1970), The Untouchables (1987) and What Dreams May Come (1998). And Robert Redford's critically acclaimed A River Runs Through It (1992) and The Horse Whisperer (1998) showcase the raw power of stimulating backdrops. It's a given: Filming in the Treasure State means reaping scenic rewards of "the last best place" in America.

Today's filmmakers can harvest more than just the picturesque film treasures; recent state efforts ensure it makes business sense, in addition to artistic sense, to make movies in Montana. In May of 2005, "The Big Sky on the Big Screen Act" was legislated, creating significant financial incentives for filmmakers. Incentives include tax rebates on qualified expenses (such as food and lodging) and labor hired from Montana. This economically sound motivation is reinforced by Montana's "no sales tax" policy as well as tax exemptions for production accommodations, vehicles, and equipment.

Thus far, the Act's reception is encouraging. Sten Iversen, manager of the Montana Film Office, proudly reports a 34 percent growth in economic impact attributed to the legislation. "We were really able to promote it in 2005, and we saw results in 2006." In 2005, Montana had a total of 61 productions; in 2006, the number of productions increased to 84. With these enticements in place, Iversen asserts 2007 is off to a good start, as six productions in the first three months has yielded positive expectations as filming season heats up this summer. Two of the six productions are feature films: The Call of the Wild Returns is a new film based on Jack London's novel, and, in Layover, airport circumstances reconnect two individuals whose paths separated fifteen years previously.

On May 3, 2007, the Big Sky on the Big Screen Act received reinforcement, with the support of Governor Brian Schweitzer. The legislation signed into law that day allows for a nine percent rebate on overall production expenses and a fourteen percent rebate for hired Montana labor - now with no minimum expense required and no cap on the total rebates received. And filmmakers can enjoy the further incentive that Montana has no sales tax. Since no paperwork or rebate is needed, this savings is realized immediately.

Non-financial incentives impress, as well. Created in the 1970s, the film office's purpose is to draw productions into Montana and ensure the state remains "film friendly." Film-office friendliness has been achieved through location scouting, production assistance and, when necessary, service as liaison. Asserting Montana is as rich in film resources as it is in exquisite locations, Iversen cites the many local services and equipment available but suggests big features bring their own camera. "Other than that, everything else can be found right here in Montana." As Iversen notes, not only do they have the necessary tools, but the people to use them. He reports there are "over 300 freelance film crew members who live and work in Montana."     

Iversen reveals Montana has one of the largest locations libraries in the world and more than 150,000 film location photos. Selecting ideal locations could, therefore, be a daunting task without the office's modernized assistance. But if the film office is sent a script or location breakdown early on, staff will custom build a website to showcase location possibilities, says Iversen. "Once that sparks interest, we'll host scouts for future film producers and take them out [to see locations]. A lot of the pre-production work is done by us until a production manager takes over."

All these incentives are crucial for low-budget, independent features like Layover. Yet a good experience can be an incentive itself. Layover director April Wright "loved the state, loved how beautiful it was, and the people there..." In her experience, she shares, "When people are in a setting that is really nice and welcoming and just pretty and clean... it helps people feel better about working out of town."

Fly-fishing anyone?

Filmed in Montana:
Hidalgo (2002)
The Horse Whisperer (1998)
What Dreams May Come (1998)
A River Runs Through It (1992)
The Untouchables (1987)
Little Big Man (1970)

Montana Exports:  
Dana Carvey - Comedian who rocked Wayne's World and mimed in This is Spinal Tap, his film career has disappeared since becoming The Master of Disguise.

John Dahl - Known for directing with a noir touch in Kill Me Again and The Last Seduction, he lightens the mood (if only a little) in the recently released You Kill Me.

David Lynch - Celebrated for his unique style as the craftsman of the favored Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, he intrigued audiences with his latest: Inland Empire.

Peter Fonda - Legendary as one of The Wild Angels and an Easy Rider, Fonda returns to the road in the upcoming 3:10 to Yuma.

Michelle Williams - After standing tall on Brokeback Mountain, she graced the indies in The Hawk is Dying and The Hottest State. Her next appearance is in the Bob Dylan homage, I'm Not There.