Billings, Montana
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Incentives
Film Credits
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Introduction to Billings
Montana’s largest city is alive with urban growth and vibrancy, yet it maintains its Western heritage and accessibility to natural resources for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit an art museum, experience a Native American powwow at nearby Crow Indian Reservation, explore ancient fossil beds, relive the Battle of the Little Bighorn, rappel down rimrock cliffs or navigate the mighty Yellowstone River. Here, city parks and urban landscapes rival the beauty of Mother Nature and surrounding natural wonders.
About Visit Billings
The team at Visit Billings works closely with the Montana Film Office to ensure the state and destination are film-friendly. With Montana’s new and attractive tax incentives, Visit Billings also offers financial assistance (on a case-by-case basis) to provide perks for choosing this area to film your next production. And for off-day adventure ideas, they provide inside information on hidden gems and local favorites. Job one for Visit Billings is to be your local resource in facilitating seamless location-shooting and simplifying production logistics.
A Few Filming Locations in Billings, Montana
The Billings Depot
Four Dances National Recreation Area
The Rimrocks
Western Heritage Center
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The Billings Depot
Built in 1909, just 20 years after statehood, this massive complex spans four city blocks. Sitting on a main east-to-west rail line corridor, this gorgeous building was a centerpiece for downtown Billings. The campus features an office building, passenger station (with a baggage room) and historic post office. Politicians, Hollywood celebrities and even royalty have made their arrival in Billings through these doors. Today, it is lovingly restored to period condition.
A Few Filming Locations in Billings, Montana
The Billings Depot
Built in 1909, just 20 years after statehood, this massive complex spans four city blocks. Sitting on a main east-to-west rail line corridor, this gorgeous building was a centerpiece for downtown Billings. The campus features an office building, passenger station (with a baggage room) and historic post office. Politicians, Hollywood celebrities and even royalty have made their arrival in Billings through these doors. Today, it is lovingly restored to period condition.
Learn More
Four Dances National Recreation Area
With cliffs that drop 200-500 feet to the river, this area features spectacular views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding plains that are bordered by mountains on the horizon. One side showcases an undeveloped natural area while the other highlights an industrial cityscape. The crown jewel of the area is Pictograph Cave State Park.
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Four Dances National Recreation Area
With cliffs that drop 200-500 feet to the river, this area features spectacular views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding plains that are bordered by mountains on the horizon. One side showcases an undeveloped natural area while the other highlights an industrial cityscape. The crown jewel of the area is Pictograph Cave State Park.
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The Rimrocks
Geologically and geographically iconic to the Billings landscape, these 70-million-year-old sandstone cliffs outline the northern border of the city. Several parking areas make it easily accessible, while historic Zimmerman Trail allows cars to zigzag up (or down) the “rims” amidst natural and wooded areas.
The Rimrocks
Geologically and geographically iconic to the Billings landscape, these 70-million-year-old sandstone cliffs outline the northern border of the city. Several parking areas make it easily accessible, while historic Zimmerman Trail allows cars to zigzag up (or down) the “rims” amidst natural and wooded areas.
Learn More
Western Heritage Center
Known today as the Western Heritage Center, this historic building along Montana Avenue in downtown Billings is a celebrated landmark sitting along the railroad. In 1901, this building, opened as Parmly Billings Library, aimed to increase the quality of life in Billings. Architect C.S. Haire used native sandstone from the Rimrocks. Today, it’s accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
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Western Heritage Center
Known today as the Western Heritage Center, this historic building along Montana Avenue in downtown Billings is a celebrated landmark sitting along the railroad. In 1901, this building, opened as Parmly Billings Library, aimed to increase the quality of life in Billings. Architect C.S. Haire used native sandstone from the Rimrocks. Today, it’s accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Learn More
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.
From assisting with site inspections and visits to accommodating talent and crews with off-day adventure ideas, the Visit Billings team is proud to assist every step of the way. From American Idol talent calls to assisting the director (Payne) and producers (Parra) of Nebraska, the community is ready and willing to help make sure filming is seamless and that execution is as simplified from a community standpoint as possible. There is financial assistance available on a case-by-case basis by Visit Billings that offers advantages to choosing the area.
For formal offerings per the Montana Film Office, please note:
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Films That Call Billings Home
Billings, Montana 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
- Nebraska
- We Burn Like This
- Far and Away
- American Idol
- The Amazing Race
- Hotel Impossible x 2
- Undercover Boss (Kampgrounds of America)
- Wheel of Fortune
Unlock the Perfect Backdrop for Your Production
ALEX TYSON
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.