Economic Reports | Montana Department of Commerce

Economic Effects of the Montana Film Production Industry

Creating of movies stimulates the local economy in a big way by bringing in tourists’ money, creating jobs and supporting Montana businesses. The Montana State Legislature passed the Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement Act in 2019 to offer an income tax benefit to entice film, television and other media productions to the state in light of this potential boost to local economies throughout Montana. The reports below provide an analysis of the economic, fiscal and societal impacts from film and television production in Montana and specifically evaluate the impacts associated with the MEDIA Act Tax Credit Program.

2022-2024

Productions that have filmed, July 2022 to mid-May 2024

Number of productions: 167
Total local direct spending: $149.9 million
Total direct spending: $334.0 million
Total local economic impact: $312.2 million
Total jobs: 1,320 FTE
Employee compensation: $95.8 million
Total tax revenue $22.2 million

2021-2022

Productions that have filmed, July 2020 to June 2022

Number of productions: 195
Total local direct spending: $77.5 million
Total direct spending: $191.8 million
Total local economic impact: $153.9 million
Total jobs: 840 FTE
Employee compensation: $41.5 million
Total tax revenue $16.6 million

Economic Reports by Year

Econsult Solutions, Inc. is conducting an update to its previous analysis of the film industry in Montana as well as the impact of the MEDIA Act on the industry. As part of this research, ESI will be conducting focus groups with key business and industry leaders, film crew members, including artists, designers and production specialists to identify driving forces, opportunities and biggest constraints to working in the industry in the state. The public is invited to participate in the Zoom focus groups. To attend, please click on the appropriate link to RSVP for each session:

Dec. 8, 2023, at 9 a.m. (MST) | Crew workforce click here to RSVP.
Dec. 14, 2023, at 9 a.m. (MST) | Business leaders click here to RSVP.
Dec. 14, 2023, at 1 p.m. (MST) | Crew workforce click here to RSVP.
Dec. 15, 2023, at noon (MST) | Business leaders click here to RSVP.

For assistance or additional information, please contact Brian Licari, Econsult Solutions, Inc., at 917-405-2363 or blicari@econsultsolutions.com.