Montana Department of Commerce Film Office Unveils New Incentive Package

The Montana Department of Commerce Film Office http://montanafilm.com/ is proud to launch a new campaign to attract film production to the state. Studio 406, is a new film incentive package that bundles Governor Brian Schweitzer’s Big Sky on the Big Screen Act tax incentives and other resources, like free location scouting to free office furniture and equipment.

"Montana is offering filmmakers something other states don’t – a solid cash incentive, backed up with a host of extra incentives that save productions significant money and make film shoots more enjoyable," said Governor Schweitzer. "Since the Big Sky on the Big Screen Act was implemented in 2005, film productions have contributed over $38 million to Montana’s economy and helped employ 183 people a year. That’s a significant impact – and Studio 406 is going to capitalize on the progress we’ve already made."

Studio 406, is aimed not only at large-scale, big-budget pictures, but will benefit the smaller, independent projects and commercial shoots as well. It will allow Montana to remain competitive with other states’ film incentive programs as well as saving producers time and money.

"We wanted to show filmmakers that Montana is an affordable and accessible location option for their next production," said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. "Our state offers everything filmmakers could want – from spectacular scenery and unspoiled wilderness – to the friendliest and most helpful people willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. This incentive package highlights what is a great about being in Montana."

Studio 406 incentives includes:

* 14% refundable tax credit based on hired Montana labor with no cap and no minimum spend (Big Sky on the Big Screen Act).

* 9% refundable tax credit for qualified expenses – this includes lodging, vehicles rentals, fuel costs, food and construction expenditures (Big Sky on the Big Screen Act).

* No sales tax.

* The Film Office will provide productions with free production office furniture and equipment.

* The Film Office will provide productions with free traffic control signage needs.

* Low cost or free locations fees.

* Easier permitting process to receive tax credits than other states.

* Free professional script breakdowns.

* Free professional location scouting.

* Lodging tax is reimbursed after 30 consecutive days.

* Free police service in select cities and towns.

* Montana has ample crew availability and excellent state university film schools full of potential production assistants.

* Goods and services are less expensive in Montana, from food to gas to lodging.

* Montana is easily accessible – Montana is home to five major airports with direct flights from Los Angeles, Salt Lake, Seattle, Minneapolis and Denver.

* Due to the large size of the state, there are a million different looks, from period to modern, and it is truly easy to find a nice, quiet place to shoot.

"Studio 406 was created to show that Montana has many added benefits few other states can match," said Sten Iverson, Manager of the Montana Film Office. "For example, we have extraordinarily long days in the summer, which extends our golden hour from one hour into three, giving crews much longer shooting hours. You can get 14 or more hours in a day. There are very few other places that can offer an added benefit like that."

Montana has a long history of luring filmmakers. Most recently, Glacier National Park served as the backdrop for the film My Sister’s Keeper starring Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin. My Sister’s Keeper is set to premier in June 2009. Montana has played host to such productions as A River Runs Through It, Horse Whisperer, Forrest Gump and CALL OF THE WILD 3D.

The Big Sky on the Big Screen Act was approved for extension until 2015 by the 61st Montana Legislature.

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Marissa P. Kozel

Communications Director, Director’s Office

Montana Department of Commerce

406-841-2772 (o)

406-465-7208 (c)

[email protected]