Economic Reports
Economic Effects of the Montana Film Production Industry
The creation 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 (MEDIA Act) in 2019 to offer an income tax benefit to entice film, television, and other media production 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.
Productions that Have Filmed, July 2020-June 2022
- Number of Productions: 195
- Total Local Direct Spending: $77.5 Million
- Total Direct Spending: $191.8 Million
- Total Local Economic Impact: $153.9 Million
- Total Jobs: 840 FTE
- Employee Compensation: $41.5 Million
- Total Tax Revenue $16.6 Million
Productions that Have Filmed, January 2019-June 2020
- Number of Productions: 117
- Local Spending: $23.9 Million
- Total Impact: $47.6 Million
- Total Jobs: 280 FTE
- Employee Compensation $17.6 Million
- Total Tax Revenue $1.3 Million
Economic Reports by Year
Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) is conducting an update to its previous analysis of the film industry in Montana as well as the impact of the MEDIA Act on the industry. As part of this research, ESI will be conducting focus groups with key business and industry leaders, film crew members, including artists, designers, and production specialists to identify driving forces, opportunities and biggest constraints to working in the industry in the state. The public is invited to participate in the online (Zoom) focus groups. To attend, please click on the appropriate link to RSVP for each session:
December 8, 20234 @ 9:00am (MST) | Crew Workforce click here to RSVP
December 14, 2023 @ 9:00am | Business Leaders click here to RSVP
December 14, 2023 @ 1:00pm (MST) | Crew Workforce click here to RSVP
December 15, 2023 @ 12:00pm (MST) | Business Leaders click here to RSVP
For assistance or additional information, please contact Brian Licari, Econsult Solutions, Inc., 917-405-2363, blicari@econsultsolutions.com.