Department Of Commerce

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 degree with honors in media and theater arts from Montana State University in Bozeman.

For ten years, Laura worked as a local TV news professional in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 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.

Emma Brandt

Multimedia Coordinator

emma.brandt@mt.gov |  406.841.2876

Emma Brandt was born and raised in Helena, Montana, and has spent her entire life loving stories conveyed through art, literature, and film. After starting at Montana State University to study film and graphic design, she transferred to the University of Montana and received her degree in Art. During the last three Montana legislative sessions (’19, ’21, and ’23) she worked as a videographer and producer for the Montana Public Affairs Network (MPAN). An experience that provided a fascinating and informative look into state government and broadcast television, and the opportunity to watch live the passage of the MEDIA Act legislation.

Emma is excited to be a member of the talented team at the Montana Film Office. She is committed to helping build a thriving and sustainable future for Montana’s film industry.

In her free time, Emma enjoys watching and overthinking film and television, checking out new books and games, hiking Helena’s amazing trail system, and spoiling her fifteen-year-old beagle Peanut.

Kevann Campbell

Media Incentive and Grant Specialist

k2campbell@mt.gov | 406.841.2883

Kev (short for Kevann) brings to the film office her innate ability to make connections and her genuine personal interest and professional experience in community and economic development.

For 20+ years, Kev focused on public relations and business development in both public and non-profit sectors. Since joining the Department of Commerce a few years ago, she has worked with numerous individuals, businesses and organizations across the state to utilize the agency’s offerings and successfully complete their projects, whether it be for tourism destination marketing, job creation, project planning, housing assistance or emergency disaster recovery, to name a few. She will do the same for Montana’s filmmakers and industry professionals.

Kev is proud to be from the Hi-Line and like her film office colleagues, she also is a graduate of Montana State University, earning her degree in business administration. Passionate about the nation’s first people and history, Kev earned certification in cultural and heritage tourism from George Washington University and seeks ways to connect with rural and indigenous communities no matter what her roles are. Having previously lived in Havre, Bozeman, Butte, and Missoula, she considers her current home, Helena, the ultimate location for her family to learn, work and play.

Dan Molloy

Projects and Locations Coordinator

dan.molloy@mt.gov | 406.841.2880

Daniel Molloy grew up in Billings, MT, going to as many movies as possible, preferably at the Babcock Theater, knowing 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 degree 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.