Filming in Missoula, Montana means taking advantage of upscale lodging and restaurants alongside rivers and mountains, with unmatched outdoor access in every direction.
Innovation and collaboration are always welcome in Missoula, with our warm and resourceful community and enticing state incentives. Our city is steeped in history, surrounded by natural landscapes, and surprisingly easy to access—just hop on one of 16 direct flights into Missoula and find yourself among the mountains as soon as you step off the plane.
Montana does not have an overall state permit process, and the type of permit you’ll need depends on where you shoot.
You can find general information on obtaining the correct permits throughout Montana here.
For permits in Missoula, contact Ginny Merriam at 406.552.6001.
Downtown Missoula
Downtown Missoula is alive with trendy shops, restaurants, bars, breweries, live music, historic buildings and more—all surrounded by mountains in the near distance.
Missoula Midtown
Missoula’s midtown district offers a variety of opportunities as new shops, restaurants and breweries continue to pop up, in addition to the historic fairgrounds and Fort Missoula. The Missoula County Fairgrounds was designated a historic district, with its craftsman style buildings and agricultural roots. Fort Missoula was established as a military post back in 1877, and the grounds now serves as a 32-acre Historic Park with over 20 preserved buildings.
River + Mountain Trails
Missoula is surrounded by seven wilderness areas and sits at the confluence of three rivers, offering endless outdoor scenery.
Outdoor Recreation in Missoula
Rivers of Missoula
Popular Trails Around Missoula
University of Montana
The University of Montana was voted one of the most beautiful public college campuses in the U.S., with its historic brick buildings and sprawling green lawns at the base of Mount Sentinel. Surrounding the campus, you’ll find the University Area Historic District full of tree-lined streets and craftsman style homes. Aside from the iconic scenery, the University provides invaluable resources for film producers, from local connections and facilities to the endless stream of talent coming out of their School of Visual and Media Arts.
University of Montana Information
Aerial Campus Tour
Aside from our incredible landscape and amenities, there are a number of incentives when it comes to filming in Montana.
Tax Credits
Grants
Bonus Incentives
Montana’s diverse landscapes have long inspired films, TV shows, books and more. For example, Missoula and the surrounding area set the scene for the following films and TV shows:
Yellowstone, 2018-2020
Love Like Gold, 2015
Bella Vista, 2014
Wisconsin Project X, 2011
Pretty Ugly People, 2008
Under Siege 2, 1995
A River Runs Through It, 1992
Disorganized Crime, 1989
For a full list of films and TV series featuring Montana, go here.
Need a hand? The Destination Missoula staff is here to help make your next film project a success. Our services include:
Site Selection
Housing Assistance
Area Information
Resource Connections
Planning Assistance
Casting Calls and Local Outreach
