Department Of Commerce

The Montana Film Office was established in 1974 as a central information source for filmmakers and to provide services to the film industry and the citizens of Montana. Its primary role is to promote Montana as a media production location for film, television and print industries. Today, the film office operates within the Destination MT Division of the Montana Department of Commerce and is funded by an allocation of the lodging facility use tax, commonly known as the bed tax.

In 2025, the passage of Senate Bill 409 revised laws related to Commerce and the bed tax. The bill updated SB 540, which passed in 2023, restructuring the allocation of bed tax revenue by specifying how Commerce can use these funds for purposes like tourism promotion and grants.

The purpose of the Big Sky Film Grant is to build and support partnerships with filmmakers and productions companies to create film industry jobs throughout the state. In addition to providing grant funding, the Program elevates and supports Montana filmmakers, crew and businesses that provide products, services and locations to the film industry. To qualify, a production must film 50% or more of the principal photography days in Montana.

Eligible productions include feature films, short films, documentaries, television series, limited series, music videos and others. Certain categories of productions are excluded from the Program, including, but not limited to, broadcast news or current affairs programs, interview or talk shows, instructional videos, sports shows or events, religious or political campaigns, some adult content and daytime soap operas.

For complete eligibility and application requirements, refer to the BSFG Application Guidelines and BSFG Administration Manual.

The Big Sky Film Grant program application cycle is closed. The next cycle will launch in late fall of 2026.

The 2026 Big Sky Film Grant recipients will be announced on or before May 1, 2026.For more updates from the Montana Department of Commerce Film Office, subscribe to receive email updates here.

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