Open Call for Big Sky Film Grant Program (US)

In addition to providing grant funding, the program elevates and supports Montana filmmakers, crew and businesses and individuals providing products, services and locations to the film industry. To qualify, a production must film 50% or more of the principal photography days in Montana.

Categories

• Feature Film and TV
• Short Form Content
• Resident Feature Film and TV
• Resident Short Form Content

Funding Information

• The total annual budget for the grant program is $1,500,000.
• BSFG funds are available for the following grant categories:
  • Feature Film and TV
    • Awards in this category are made to a Montana-based production of a feature-length film or television series with a minimum Montana-spend of $350,000.
  • Short Form Content
    • Award amounts are a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of up to $50,000 per project.
  • Resident Feature Film and TV
    • Award amounts are a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of up to $100,000 per project.
  • Resident Short Form Content
    • Award amounts are a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of up to $50,000 per project.

Eligible Projects

• All eligible projects must be Montana-based and include an eligible production type.
• Eligible production types include:
  • Feature film;
  • Short film;
  • Music video;
  • Documentary;
  • Series for theaters;
  • Television or streaming;
  • Pilots;
  • Webisode;
  • Video game or game sequel.

Ineligible Projects

• Ineligible projects include:
  • A project containing obscenity;
  • A project that has completed final editorial;
  • A project that already has been released;
  • Concepts;
  • Development ideas;
  • Development stage projects;
  • Projects without funding or investment from the applicant.

Ineligible Costs

• Ineligible production types include, but are not limited to:
  • Broadcast news or current affairs programs;
  • Interview or talk shows;
  • Instructional videos;
  • Sport shows or events;
  • Religious or political campaigns;
  • Adult content;
  • Daytime soap operas.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible applicants include:
  • Individual person(s);
  • Business entity (for-profit or not-for-profit);
  • Organization (for-profit or not-for-profit, non-governmental).

Evaluation Criteria

• Its members will evaluate applications using the following ranking criteria:
  • Project details;
  • Finance plan and budget detail;
  • Production details;
  • Brief biographies of key crew;
  • Schedules;
  • Employment and compensation;
  • Marketing and distribution plan.

Application Requirements

• The following information should be included in the application and will be used by the review committee for application evaluation:
  • Script: The written text of the proposed project.
  • Logline: Describes the plot in a captivating way and states the main concept in a few concise sentences.
  • Project Description/Synopsis: This is a breakdown of the project’s story into prose and should fit on a single page. This is the most critical element of the film project proposal because it highlights how compelling the project is and reveals how passionate the filmmaker is. A dynamic synopsis strategically placed makes a strong impression.
  • Treatment: A multi-page document written in prose which tells the story that happens in the screenplay. It is more detailed than the synopsis and may include details of directorial style. It should be written in present tense.
  • Lookbook or Mood Board: A collection of photographs arranged to provide a visual representation of the mood, tone or feeling of the film.
  • Project Need: This establishes the focus and rationale for the grant proposal. This may include the project’s economic impact on the local area, region or state. Project need can also be based on the pure art form or its subject matter, etc. Funding needs should be addressed separately in the Finance Plan and Budget Detail section.
  • Primary Filming Locations: All Montana towns, cities, tribal territories or other defined areas where the majority of proposed principal photography days will take place.
• Required Documents
  • Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
    • A current, signed, IRS W-9 Taxpayer Identification Number and certification form;
    • A letter detailing commitment of funds, availability of funds in a financial account or similar document to substantiate the secured funding of at least 1% to 5% of submitted budget is immediately available.
• Montana Residency
• Evidence of Montana residency is required for an application in either of the specific Montana resident filmmaker categories.
• Applicants should submit the following, as applicable:
  • Individuals must provide proof of Montana residency by providing a copy of a current and valid Montana driver’s license, Montana-issued ID card, Montana Tribal ID card, or voter registration card;
  • Entities must be controlled by a Montana resident and provide proof of an established physical address located in Montana and an active business registration with the Montana Secretary of State’s Office.

For more information, visit Montana Department of Commerce.