Department Of Commerce

The Montana Film Office (MFO) was established in 1974 as a central information source for filmmakers and to provide services to the film industry and the citizens of Montana. Its primary role is to promote Montana as a media production location for film, television and print industries. Today, MFO operates within the Destination MT Division of the Montana Department of Commerce and is funded by an allocation of the Lodging Facility Use Tax – commonly known as the “bed tax.” In addition to the many benefits of filming in Montana, MFO offers a robust grant program to attract, grow and sustain the industry.

The Big Sky Film Grant (BSFG) program builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies to create Montana film industry jobs. In addition to providing grant funding, the program elevates and supports Montana filmmakers, crew and businesses and individuals providing products, services and locations to the film industry. To qualify, a production must film 50% or more of the principal photography days in Montana.

In 2023, Senate Bill 540 of the 68th Montana Legislature revised laws related to state-funded tourism promotion to require a specific allocation of bed tax for “Montana-based film grants.” The Big Sky Film Grant program was reformed and expanded to include a focus on rural Montana going forward.

Depending upon the category, eligible productions include feature films, short films, documentaries, television series, limited series, music videos and others. Certain categories of productions are excluded from the program, including, but not limited to, broadcast news or current affairs programs, interview or talk shows, instructional videos, sport shows or events, religious or political campaigns, adult content and daytime soap operas.

For complete eligibility and application requirements, refer to the BSFG Application Guidelines and BSFG Administration Manual.

Grant Categories

Feature Film and TV

Awards in this category are made to a Montana-based production of a feature length film, television series, or limited series, with a minimum Montana spend of $350,000. Award amounts are not limited in this category, but are subject to annual program funding limitations.

Resident Filmmaker – Feature Film and TV

Awards in this category are made to a Montana-based production of a feature length project that is produced by a Montana resident filmmaker who has a validated credit as a producer, director, or primary director of photography. Award amounts are a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $100,000 per project. Proof of Montana residency must be submitted with an application to be eligible.

Short-Form Content

Awards in this category are to a Montana-based production of a short-form content film project. Examples include a short narrative, pilot episode, documentary, animation, webisode, Montana-centric story, or a film series of episodes each 60 minutes or less in length and a budget of less than $350,000 per episode. Award amounts are a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $50,000 per project.

Resident Filmmaker – Short-Form Content

Awards in this category are made to a Montana-based production of a short-form content project that is produced by a Montana resident filmmaker who has a validated credit as a producer, director, or primary director of photography. Examples include a short narrative, pilot episode, documentary, animation, webisode, Montana-centric story, or a film series of episodes each 60 minutes or less in length and a budget of less than $350,000 per episode. Award amounts are a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $50,000 per project. Proof of Montana residency must be submitted with an application to be eligible.

2024 Big Sky Film Grant

The Big Sky Film Grant program funding cycle will open Nov. 12, 2024, and close at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 7, 2025. Apply online.

UPCOMING BIG SKY FILM GRANT PROGRAM WEBINARS

  • Webinar 1, Thursday, Nov. 14, at 12 p.m. Register here.
  • Webinar 2, Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. Register here.

RESOURCES FOR APPLICANTS:

To Apply

For those with an OKTA account, log in to the Montana Department of Commerce Grants and Loans portal at https://montana.servicenowservices.com/mtgl and search for the Big Sky Film Grant application category of interest (there are four different applications, one for each category).

For those who have not yet registered for an OKTA account, select User Registration and follow the State of Montana’s instructions. Be sure to use a business email and create an specific OKTA login for the business. Using a personal, citizen account for the Big Sky Film Grant application is not advised. For assistance creating an account, call the State’s IT Service Desk at 406-444-2000 or visit okta.mt.gov.

Program information, application best practices, optional templates and required forms are available within the application portal.

Do not wait until the last minute to apply, technology glitches may happen. Film Office staff are available to assist applicants Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Call 406-841-2881, or send an email to montanafilm@mt.gov.

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