Commerce Opens Applications for Grant Supporting Montana-Based Film Projects and Filmmakers

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  • December 05 2024
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announces the opening of the 2024 Big Sky Film Grant, aimed at fostering growth and opportunities for Montana-based projects. The program closes for applications on Feb. 7, 2025. Awardees will receive financial support for feature films, television series, short-form content or other projects that utilize Montana’s unique landscapes, culture and talent.

The Big Sky Film Grant is administered by Commerce’s Film Office, established in 1974 as a central information source for filmmakers and a provider of services to the film industry and citizens of Montana. Its primary role is to promote Montana as a media production location for film, television and print industries.

“The Big Sky Film Grant helps filmmakers engage with local communities and connections to create documentaries, short films, animations and features films across Montana. The work produced through the grant has been recognized by some of the world's best festivals, including Cannes, Sundance, Tribeca and SXSW,” said Allison Whitmer, Montana Film Commissioner.

The program, funded through the Lodging Facility Use Tax, continues to elevate Montana’s position as a leading destination for film production. Previous awardees have included Montana residents, as well as both American and international filmmakers.

The award categories within the BSFG include:
  1. Feature Film and TV: Awards for Montana-based productions of feature-length films, television series or limited series, with a minimum spend of $350,000 in Montana.
  2. Resident Filmmaker – Feature Film and TV: Awards for Montana resident filmmakers producing feature-length projects. Awards range from $1,000 to $100,000 per project, with proof of Montana residency required.
  3. Short-Form Content: Awards for projects such as pilot episodes, short narratives, documentaries or animations under 60 minutes, with budgets below $350,000.
  4. Resident Filmmaker – Short-Form Content: Awards for Montana-based filmmakers with short-form content projects. 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. Awards range from $1,000 to $50,000 per project.
Applicants are encouraged to review the BSFG application guidelines and budget template, available at the Big Sky Film Grant webpage. For assistance, contact Commerce’s Film Office at 406-841-2883 or email montanafilm@mt.gov.

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