Department Of Commerce

Economic Effects of the Montana Film Production Industry

Creating of movies stimulates the local economy in a big way by bringing in tourists’ money, creating jobs and supporting Montana businesses. The Montana State Legislature passed the Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement Act in 2019 to offer an income tax benefit to entice film, television and other media productions to the state in light of this potential boost to local economies throughout Montana. The reports below provide an analysis of the economic, fiscal and societal impacts from film and television production in Montana and specifically evaluate the impacts associated with the MEDIA Act Tax Credit Program.

Clickable graphic for the Economic Report 2024-2026

2024-2026

Productions that have filmed, July 2024 to May 2026

  • Number of productions: 213
  • Total local direct spending: $469.7 million
  • Total direct spending: $134.2 million
  • Total local economic impact: $241.1 million
  • Total jobs: 480 FTE
  • Employee compensation: $41.8 million
  • Total tax revenue $19.9 million

Clickable graphic for the Economic Report 2022-2024

2022-2024

Productions that have filmed, July 2022 to mid-May 2024

  • Number of productions: 167
  • Total local direct spending: $149.9 million
  • Total direct spending: $334.0 million
  • Total local economic impact: $312.2 million
  • Total jobs: 1,320 FTE
  • Employee compensation: $95.8 million
  • Total tax revenue $22.2 million

Economic Reports by Year