Allison Whitmer
Film Commissioner
allison.whitmer@mt.gov | 406-841-2881 | 406-461-8760
For over 20 years, Allison has been involved in filmmaking – beginning with the Robert Redford classic, “The Horse Whisperer.” A member of the Directors Guild, Allison’s filmography includes 30+ movies and numerous television and documentary credits. Notable credits include the adaptation of the Native American breakthrough novel, “Winter in the Blood,” penned by the acclaimed author James Welch; “Certain Women,” which brings the everyday stories of Montana women to life; and “Walking Out,” which captures the very real consequences of interacting with the Montana wilderness. Over her career, Allison has worked with many clients in print (Valentino, Italian Vogue), sports (SLC Olympics), and commercials (Ford, Toyota, Jaguar). She is a graduate of Montana State University with degrees in media and theater arts and consumer economics.
As the Montana Film Commissioner, Allison is an expert in the business aspects of filmmaking. She strives to market Montana as an “ultimate location” and prove the value of the industry through economic reporting, managing incentive programs and advocating for Montana filmmakers.
Allison emanates the generational knowledge and spirit of her pioneer grandparents and possesses a love of open spaces. She actively promotes historic preservation and youth education, especially in her home area of Montana – the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Laura Benedict
Operations Coordinator
laura.benedict@mt.gov | 406-841-2764
Laura grew up in Billings and first tried her hand at screenwriting in the eighth grade. That script didn’t go anywhere, but undeterred, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts with honors in media and theater arts from Montana State University in Bozeman.
For 10 years, Laura worked as a local TV news professional in Tulsa, Okla. With production work that includes camera operator, graphics operator and director, she has covered news events ranging from presidential visits to tornados and historic floods. Laura is excited to be back home in Montana and thrilled to be promoting the Treasure State as a filmmaking destination. She hopes to help create more opportunities for Montana filmmakers to live, work and play here – at home.
In her spare time, when she’s not watching and endlessly critiquing movies and television, Laura enjoys attending live theater, training her rambunctious puppy, Wizard, and getting outside to explore and enjoy all the beauty of Big Sky Country.
Open
Media Incentive and Grant Specialist
Dan Molloy
Projects and Locations Coordinator
dan.molloy@mt.gov | 406-841-2880
Daniel Molloy grew up in Billings, going to as many movies as possible, preferably at the Babcock Theater. He knew from an early age that the film industry was where he wanted to be, especially after having watched “Far and Away” being filmed down the road from his middle school.
After graduating from Montana State with a Bachelor of Arts in media and theater arts, Daniel made his way to Los Angeles, where he gained industry experience in the offices of Davis Filmworks and Flower Films.
His love of the mountains of Montana brought him to Missoula, where he earned his master’s degree in media arts from the University of Montana. He has since found steady work on a wide variety of projects in the film world, both large and small — from multiple indie feature films to the wildly popular television hits “1883” and “Yellowstone.”
In addition to working on set, Daniel has shared his love of all things film with the opportunities he has had teaching film courses at Duy Tan University in Da Nang, Vietnam, as well as all over Montana.
If not in the office or on a set, Daniel can be seen out on a mountain trail running with his pup, Quigley, or skiing in the winter months.
Daniel brings an appreciation of Montana, knowledge of film, love of travel and location scouting to his position at the Montana Film Office.
Will Hastings
Multimedia Coordinator
will.hastings@mt.gov | 406-841-2879
Will joined the MT Film Office after spending the last four years working for Nissan North America as a Vehicle Planner developing the next generation of SUVs and trucks. He holds a BA in Communication from the University of California, San Diego and, though controversial, his favorite film is Napolean Dynamite.
Outside of work he enjoys spending time in Montana’s great outdoors, volunteering with Montana City VFD as a Firefight/EMT and film photography.