Frequently Asked Questions

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Everyone has questions. Here are the answers to the ones people ask us the most:

1. What services does the MFO provide to the film industry?
2. Does the MFO charge for its services?
3. Do you need a permit to film in Montana?
4. What incentives does Montana offer to filmmakers?
5. Does Montana have available crew?
6. Does Montana have a production hotline?
7. What are the requirements to get on the Montana crew list?
8. Who receives or uses the Montana crew list and how is it distributed?
9. How can I get work in the film industry if I don’t have experience?
10. My home or ranch would be great on film. What do I do?
11. What’s a PA?
12. How can I get work as an extra or find out about casting calls?
13. How can I be sure I’m dealing with a reputable talent agency?
14. How do I let the industry know about the goods or services my business provides?

WHAT SERVICES DOES THE MFO PROVIDE TO THE FILM INDUSTRY?
We act as a central information source for on-location filmmakers. Visit the Our Services page to learn more or call our office at 800-553-4563.
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DOES THE MFO CHARGE FOR ITS SERVICES?
We do not. Services by the Montana Film Office are provided at no charge to individuals or companies interested in filming in Montana. Our office is a state agency and is part of the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development – a division of the Montana Department of Commerce. We are funded entirely through bed-tax dollars.
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DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO FILM IN MONTANA?
Montana has no over all state filming permit. However, you will need a Special Use Permit to film in national and state parks, national forests and public lands, and other regulated lands. If your production will be inhibiting pedestrian or vehicle traffic, coordination with the regional Montana Department of Transportation office is required. In all cases, the Montana Film Office can act as your liaison with the appropriate agencies. Call 406-841-2876 or email us at montanafilm@mt.gov
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WHAT INCENTIVES DOES MONTANA OFFER TO FILMMAKERS?
Montana’s offers a cash return with The Big Sky Film Grant pending approval and available funds. Visit the Big Sky Film Grant page for more information or to apply. For other incentives, visit our Incentives page.
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DOES MONTANA HAVE AVAILABLE CREW?
Montana has talented and qualified local crew that are experienced in working on productions. A list of Montana crew is available on our Crew and Services page and is also searchable through our iPhone App, which can be downloaded for free at Apple’s App Store. If you’d like to see crew lists from recent projects filmed in Montana, just let us know.
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DOES MONTANA HAVE A PRODUCTION HOTLINE?
Yes. Visit our Buzz page. Through The Buzz you can find any current projects that need crew. You can also find job postings, call for entries, casting calls and tons of film-centric content about Montana.
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WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO GET ON THE MONTANA CREW LIST?
The Montana crew list is a list of experienced and qualified Montana crew members available to work on productions filmed in the state. While the Montana Film Office is not an employment or referral agency, production personnel often wish to hire qualified local crew members. In an effort to match the two groups, we make this list available on our online crew database, Reel Scout. There is no fee to be listed.
Requirements to be listed on the Montana crew list:

1. A Montana address and phone where you can be contacted. This could be your own residence or a relative who lives in Montana.
2. Verifiable production experience. Crew member credits and experience is verified by Montana Film Office to ensure accuracy of the information. The Internet Movie Database www.imdb.com is an acceptable method of verification, or crew members may be asked to submit call sheets, crew lists, or pay stubs to verify credits and experience.
3. For more information contact the Montana Film Office at 406-841-2876 or email us at montanafilm@mt.gov.
4. Start your registration.
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WHO RECEIVES OR USES THE MONTANA CREW LIST AND HOW IS IT DISTRIBUTED?
The Montana crew list is available through our online database and the iPhone app. It is searched by any production entity looking for qualified crews and services.
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HOW CAN I GET WORK IN THE FILM INDUSTRY IF I DON’T HAVE EXPERIENCE?
Visit our Now Hiring page for some basic hints on how to get involved in the film industry. Also, we recommend formal training through University and Conservatory programs. And keep an eye on all the goings on with the Film Office Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
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MY HOME OR RANCH WOULD BE GREAT ON FILM. WHAT DO I DO?
Having your home used as a film location can be exciting and challenging. Best take a look at the Location Owner’s Guide, first.
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WHAT’S A PA?
Getting started in the film industry often begins with a position as a Production Assistant aka the “PA”. The PA works in all department areas and is a great way to find the right department best suited for your skill sets. Check out, “What’s a PA?”
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HOW CAN I GET WORK AS AN EXTRA OR FIND OUT ABOUT CASTING CALLS?
The Montana Film Office verifies that all casting calls are legitimate. You can visit The Buzz and Now Hiring for the latest casting calls. To find out about working as an extra, check out, “So You Wanna be in Pictures?“
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HOW CAN I BE SURE I’M DEALING WITH A REPUTABLE TALENT AGENCY?
There are a number of talent agencies in Montana and many of them are listed on in the Crew and Services database. They all have experience with productions. But since Montana does not have a licensing or regulating body for talent agencies, as a state agency, this office cannot recommend one over another. However, we can offer some practical suggestions for do’s and don’ts.
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HOW DO I LET THE INDUSTRY KNOW ABOUT THE GOODS OR SERVICES MY BUSINESS PROVIDES?
The Montana Film Office is constantly updating the services offered by Montana businesses. Contact us at 406-841-2876 or montanafilm@mt.gov or sign up through our Crew and Services database.
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