Big Sky Film Grant Accepting Submissions to the FY23 Cycle
The Big Sky Film Grant program is accepting submissions to our Fiscal Year 2023 cycle which opened April 1, 2022. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. (MST) on Thursday, June 30. Established in 2013, the Big Sky Film Grant Program builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies with the intention to create Montana film industry jobs. The program serves as an advocate for Montana filmmakers, crew, and service industries. To qualify, a production must shoot at least 50% of principal photography in Montana.
For the FY23 cycle, the program will be awarding $500,000 in grant funds to selected productions across 3 categories:
- Feature Film & TV: Awarded to a feature-length film, TV series, or limited series that has a Montana spend of $350K or more.
- Resident Filmmaker: Awarded to a feature-length project that is produced by a Montana resident filmmaker that has a validated credit as a Producer, Director, or primary Director of Photography.
- Short-Form Content: Awarded to filmmakers who create short-form content. Examples include short narrative, pilots, documentary, animation, and series 60 minutes or less with budgets under $350K per episode.
To determine if you are right for the program and what to expect in the application – read the program instructions & guidelines here.
To apply, click the appropriate category link on our website here. Links to the applications are live only during the call for submissions timeframe. The Montana Film Office uses Submittable (cloud-based application manager) for applying to the program.
For inquiries and assistance about the program, contact Stacey Zyliak, Incentive & Grant Specialist at szyliak@mt.gov or 406.841.2883.
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Recent and Upcoming Releases
Searching for your next made-in-Montana film? Make sure to catch the ones listed below.
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Montana Story
- Filmed in Paradise Valley
- Starring Haley Lu Richardson, Owen Teague, and Gilbert Owuor
- Was released in theaters on May 13, 2022
- Will be available from Redbox on June 28, 2022
- Watch the official trailer here
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Murder at Yellowstone City
- Filmed in Paradise Valley
- Starring Tanaya Beatty, Zach McGowan, Gabriel Byrne, and Richard Dreyfuss
- Will be released on June 24, 2022
- Available in select theaters and on demand through Apple TV, Redbox, and others
- Watch the official trailer here
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Terror on the Prairie
- Filmed in Paradise Valley
- Starring Gina Carano, Cowboy Cerrone, and Nick Searcy
- Was released on June 14, 2022
- Available on demand through The Daily Wire
- Watch the official trailer here
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We Burn Like This
- Filmed in Billings, Butte, and Missoula
- Recipient of the Big Sky Film Grant
- Starring Madeleine Coghlan and Devery Jacobs
- Will be released on June 28, 2022
- Available on demand through Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and others
- Watch the official trailer here
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Featured Location - Oro Ranch
Montana is the Ultimate Location, but finding the right spot for your next film can be daunting in a state with 147,040 square miles. However, you don't have to wander around alone. The Montana Film Office can guide you to the perfect spot. This is just one of the state's unique places. Make sure to browse our Location Database for more inspiration.
Oro Ranch, located in the northwest corner of Montana, near Condon, is owned by Deborah and Andy Carstensen. The property spans 100 acres and is nestled between the Mission Mountains and Swan Range. It features an expansive main lodge and two small cabins.
"To call Oro Ranch your office, even for a short time, is enough to drive you to center your next story around this place, so that you can come back and experience it again," independent filmmaker Preston Peterson said. Read more about his experience shooting at Oro Ranch here.
For more pictures and information on Oro Ranch check out the complete listing in our Location Database. Interested in filming at Oro Ranch? Contact Sean Tippin, Locations Coordinator at the Montana Film Office, for assistance.
Montana Crew Spotlight
TYLER GRUTSH, GRIP AND ELECTRIC
Tyler Grutsch has been working in film and TV for 13 years in Montana. He is based out of Missoula, where he was born and raised, and is the owner of Montana Video Production Rentals. Grutsch graduated from the University of Montana. His first job was at Beartooth NBC in Helena. Since then, he has worked in a variety of roles on set, but can most often be found in the grip or electrical department. Some of his most notable credits include Yellowstone, Ted K, and The Daily Show.
When asked what he likes most about working in Montana, Grutsch said, "It's a fun, collaborative environment that knows how to solve problems with little resources, in extreme conditions. You can rely on the community to support each other."
See which children's toy from 25 years ago links to a highlight of Grutsch's career, and learn what advice he gives to others working in the industry by reading his full interview here.
Learning Opportunity for High Schoolers
Helena College is offering a free, two-week summer bridge program for high school juniors, seniors, and recent grads. The students will be guided by professional filmmakers, college professors, and local historians through the production of a documentary. The program runs from July 11 - July 22, 2022.
For all the details visit the program's website.
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Contact Us
Want more information about the Montana Film Office?
Call: 406.841.2876
Visit: MONTANAFILM.COM
Email: montanafilm@mt.gov
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