$260,000 in grants awarded for film production in Montana

HELENA – Gov. Steve Bullock today announced $260,000 in grant awards for productions filming in Montana, which create jobs for Montana crew, support Main Street businesses and inspire viewers to visit.

“Film is a powerful tool for economic development,” Governor Bullock said. “Productions bring jobs to our industry professionals and money to our communities, while the projects themselves live on to share with audiences around the globe what Montana has to offer.”

Grants are awarded through the Big Sky Film Grant program administered by the Montana Film Office at the Department of Commerce. The grant comprises three categories: feature film and TV, resident filmmaker, and development. The development category includes any non-feature-length projects such as a web series.

The following projects received a grant:

Feature Film and TV Grant

“God’s Country” (narrative) received a $200,000 grant and will feature locations around southwest Montana.

Adapted from the James Lee Burke short story “Winter Light,” “God’s Country” is a dramatic, female-driven thriller set against the sweeping backdrop of the snow-covered Montana wilderness.

“Mending the Line” (narrative) received a $40,000 grant and will feature locations around southwest Montana.

A Marine injured in Iraq comes to a Montana VA hospital and meets a damaged Vietnam vet who teaches him fly fishing to come to terms with his physical and emotional trauma.

Resident Filmmaker Grant

“MAUS” (narrative short film) received a $5,000 grant and will feature Forsyth.

A man from the city purchases an old house in rural Montana only to find out that it is infested with mice. His goal to rid the house of his irritation becomes a dark obsession.

Development Grant

“Tessa Returning” (narrative short film) received a $15,000 grant and will feature Paradise Valley.

After a summer of devastating forest fires in Montana, struggling artist Tessa returns home to her father’s ranch only to hear his request to “get a real job” yet again. A new stepmom, a changing landscape, and old demons surface, but Tessa’s father might just surprise her if they can get a moment alone.

Learn more about the Big Sky Film Grant at montanafilm.com