Montana's Yellowstone Country
Info
Locations
Incentives
Film Credits
Contact
Introduction to Yellowstone Country
With dramatic mountains, rushing rivers and picturesque towns that offer modern-day amenities and historic charm — all under a renowned big sky — Montana’s Yellowstone Country can fill a variety of roles.
About Yellowstone Country Film
Comprising five southern counties, Montana’s Yellowstone Country provides filmmakers a wild paradise brimming with diverse landscapes for one-of-a-kind cinematic opportunities.
A Few Filming Locations in Yellowtone Country
Yellowstone Film Ranch
Livingston
Bozeman
Big Timber
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Yellowstone Film Ranch
Located in the cinematically beautiful Paradise Valley, the Yellowstone Film Ranch features a Western backlot modeled after a late 1800s gold rush town, prairie and forest land and medieval sets. The ranch also has a production office in Livingston available for rent that includes studio space and a costume and prop house.
Productions that have filmed here: Murder at Yellowstone City, The Old Way, Terror on the Prairie
A Few Filming Locations in Yellowstone Country
Yellowstone Film Ranch
Located in the cinematically beautiful Paradise Valley, the Yellowstone Film Ranch features a Western backlot modeled after a late 1800s gold rush town, prairie and forest land and medieval sets. The ranch also has a production office in Livingston available for rent that includes studio space and a costume and prop house.
Productions that have filmed here: Murder at Yellowstone City, The Old Way, Terror on the Prairie
Learn More
Livingston
Livingston sits at the north end of the spectacular Paradise Valley, where the Yellowstone River runs between the Gallatin Mountains and the Absaroka Mountains to the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park. The town — which features many buildings from the 1890s, a healthy dose of neon and a lively arts and culture scene — has long beckoned outdoor enthusiasts with its easy access to adventures like fly fishing, horseback riding and rafting as well as creative types with its breathtaking, and endlessly inspiring, scenery.
Productions that have filmed here: Yellowstone, 1883, A River Runs Through It, Broken Arrow, Certain Women, Cowboys vs. Dinosaurs, Rancho Deluxe
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Livingston
Livingston sits at the north end of the spectacular Paradise Valley, where the Yellowstone River runs between the Gallatin Mountains and the Absaroka Mountains to the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park. The town — which features many buildings from the 1890s, a healthy dose of neon and a lively arts and culture scene — has long beckoned outdoor enthusiasts with its easy access to adventures like fly fishing, horseback riding and rafting as well as creative types with its breathtaking, and endlessly inspiring, scenery.
Productions that have filmed here: Yellowstone, 1883, A River Runs Through It, Broken Arrow, Certain Women, Cowboys vs. Dinosaurs, Rancho Deluxe
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Bozeman
Bozeman is a modern Western town that retains its historic character, as evidenced by its attractive, bustling main street. With the Bridger Mountains to the north and the Spanish Peaks to the south, Bozeman’s urban arts, culture and dining scene is balanced by the staggering natural beauty and incredible opportunities for recreation nearby. The city’s international airport provides easy access.
Productions that have filmed here: Far and Away, Montana Story, God’s Country
Bozeman
Bozeman is a modern Western town that retains its historic character, as evidenced by its attractive, bustling main street. With the Bridger Mountains to the north and the Spanish Peaks to the south, Bozeman’s urban arts, culture and dining scene is balanced by the staggering natural beauty and incredible opportunities for recreation nearby. The city’s international airport provides easy access.
Productions that have filmed here: Far and Away, Montana Story, God’s Country
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Big Timber
The dramatic Crazy Mountains serve as the film-worthy backdrop to Big Timber, a quaint Montana town — complete with historic buildings on its charming main street — set amid farms and ranches in the Yellowstone River valley.
Productions that have filmed here: The Horse Whisperer, Candy Land, a music video for A-ha’s “Crying in the Rain”
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Big Timber
The dramatic Crazy Mountains serve as the film-worthy backdrop to Big Timber, a quaint Montana town — complete with historic buildings on its charming main street — set amid farms and ranches in the Yellowstone River valley.
Productions that have filmed here: The Horse Whisperer, Candy Land, a music video for A-ha’s “Crying in the Rain”
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Incentives & Rebates
Navigating the world of film production, financial incentives and tax rebates plays a crucial role in bringing your vision to life while maximizing your budget. This section outlines the range of incentives, tax rebates and financial support available to filmmakers choosing this location.
Through the MEDIA Act, Montana offers a 20% transferable income tax credit on production expenditures in the state with additional amounts that can increase the credit up to 35% of the production company’s base investment in the tax year. These per-production, additional incentives include:
- 25% of compensation for MT resident crew
- 15% of compensation for non-MT resident crew
- 20% of above-the-line compensation (actor, director, producer, writer)
- 30% of compensation paid to a student enrolled in a MT college/university who works on the production for college credit
- 10% of payments to MT colleges/universities for stage, equipment, rentals or location fees for filming on campus
- 10% of all in-studio facility/equipment expenditures that rent a studio for 20 days or more
- 5% of expenditures in an underserved county
- 5% for using “Filmed in Montana” screen credit logo
- 25% of post-production wages
The MEDIA Act transferable tax credit is administered by two Montana state agencies: the Department of Commerce, Film Office and the Department of Revenue. Each department has its own set of rules, applications and fees.
Big Sky Film Grant
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 grant program enhances the marketing efforts of Montana’s tourism regions and advocates for the state’s people, history and overall quality of life.
Learn More About Rebates & Incentives
Films That Call Yellowstone Country Home
Yellowstone Country boasts a rich history in filmmaking, providing the perfect backdrop for a diverse array of movies. Explore the titles that have transformed this space into a canvas for storytelling, and envision how your project could be the next to add to its legacy.
Film Credits
- Murder at Yellowstone City
- The Old Way
- Terror on the Prairie
- Yellowstone
- A River Runs Through It
- 1883
- Broken Arrow
- Certain Women
- Cowboys vs. Dinosaurs
- Rancho Deluxe
- Montana Story
- God’s Country
- Far and Away
- The Horse Whisperer
- Candy Land
- “Crying in the Rain” music video for A-ha
Unlock the Perfect Backdrop for Your Production
Robin Hoover
Why Contact this Location?
Diverse Locations: From bustling cityscapes to serene landscapes, find the perfect backdrop for any scene.
Permit Assistance: Simplified process to obtain necessary filming permits, ensuring a hassle-free production.
Local Production Support: Access to a network of local professionals, from crew members to equipment rental services.
Financial Incentives: Information on tax credits, grants, and other financial benefits to maximize your budget.
Location Scouting Services: Expert scouts familiar with hidden gems and iconic sites to match your script’s needs.
Accommodation Solutions: Exclusive deals and support in arranging accommodations for cast and crew.
Cultural Insight: Insights into local culture, traditions, and language to enrich your project’s authenticity.
Transport and Logistics: Assistance with transportation and logistics for equipment and personnel.
Network of Creatives: Tap into a vibrant community of filmmakers, artists, and creatives for collaboration.