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2006 Press Releases


Helena, MT - September 20, 2006

"A Plumm Summer" Indeed --
Production Wraps Up and Donates Goods to Derby Fire ReliefK

After a very successful summer of filming, the producers of "A Plumm Summer" have wrapped up production and bid farewell to Montana..for now.

"We have been extremely pleased with the assistance provided to us by the state of Montana" noted producer Frank Antonelli of Fairplay Pictures. "Governor Schweitzer and his staff including Commerce Director Tony Preite and the Montana Film Office have been exceedingly accommodating to us throughout the course of filming."

After scouting seven other states and provinces, Antonelli explained that it was a combination of factors that led to their decision to film in Montana. High on the list was an attractive financial incentive through the new Big Sky on the Big Screen Act - offering a 12 percent tax rebate on Montana labor and an eight percent rebate on in-state expenditures. The new film incentives, coupled with exceptional cooperation from the state including the Governor's Office and a strong resident crew base helped seal the deal.

Director Caroline Zeldar added that Montana's scenery, weather and crew base are hard to beat. Of the ninety people who worked on the film, the majority were Montanans. One of Montana's strong suits is that is does have a very solid base of production crew available - many being MSU film school alumni. "The level of professionalism and dedication exhibited by our Montana crew made production enjoyable and efficient throughout the course of filming," said Zeldar.

On a local level, assistance came in all forms. Cyndy Andrus, from the Bozeman CVB provided extensive behind the scenes support assisting with everything from parking to room rates. The communities of Livingston and Bozeman were very welcoming and the producers and directors of "A Plumm Summer" appreciated the willingness of the towns and Main street businesses in adjusting to the production needs while being temporarily inconvenienced with some of the trappings associated with filming in a "live" community.

As a result of the relationships that were cultivated throughout the course of filming, the people behind Fairplay Pictures developed an affinity and compassion for their adopted state and its people. When the Derby Fire, which burned over 208,000 acres in southcentral and southwest Montana, left dozens of families homeless, Antonelli and Zeldar felt the need to help. As an act of charity, they have chosen to donate close to $5000 worth of clothes and toys to those Montanans impacted and displaced by the fire.

Another occasion in which a member of this production chose to embrace the community during filming was when lead actor Henry Winkler took time out his active filming schedule to visit with local children. Winkler, who is dyslexic, collaborates on children's books and decided to spend an afternoon sharing his latest work with children at the Bozeman Barnes & Noble.

While these examples of connecting with the community are ancillary benefits of film production, there are certainly direct benefits of film production to the state as well. The film based on The Happy Herb and Froggy Doo Show is a family adventure based upon actual events that took place in Billings, MT in 1966. The production included eight weeks of pre-production and seven weeks of filming for a total of 15 weeks in Montana. Sten Iversen, manager of the Montana Film Office, estimates that the film, budgeted at $3.5 million, spent close to $3 million of this in Gallatin and Park counties. "These are new dollars coming into the local economy which have a significant economic impact" noted Commerce Director Tony Preite.

Montana hopes that this is not the last time they see Fairplay Pictures set up shop in Montana. "Fairplay Pictures has two additional films lined up for the future that could work in Montana, and we plan on building on the success of this project to bring even bigger projects to Montana in the years to come" noted Antonelli. No question, Montana certainly looks forward to welcoming them back.

May 25, 2006

NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE

Pie Town Productions, the producers of House Hunters, the highest rated show on Home & Garden Television, announces a brand new half-hour series called National Open House.

Finally, viewers will get the information they've always wanted:

How much does that house cost?

Seems that $350,000 can buy a small two-bedroom bungalow in Los Angeles, a spacious new home in suburban Baltimore, or a hip high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. National Open House will compare home prices all over the U.S. to find out where you can get the biggest bang for your buck, or where you could pay a lot for a little. Along the way you'll get a whirlwind tour of cities and towns across America and find out why homeowners love living there!

In each city real estate experts will profile their local markets and highlight the typical features found in homes at a variety of price ranges. Proud homeowners will invite viewers into their homes and show us around. Best of all, we'll let you in on the cost of each and every house we see!

We are currently looking for homeowners in the Missoula area who are interested in being on our show. We are seeking Missoula homeowners whose homes are currently valued close to one of the following price tiers$150k, $250k, $300k, $350k, $500k, $600k, $750k and $1 million. We are interested in those homeowners who are willing to speak on camera about the value of their home and why they've chosen to buy in the Missoula market. If you fit this description and you'd like to share your home and story with us, we want to hear from you!

For more information, please contact us via email or phone:
Brad Hall ( brad_hall@pietown.tv )
or Devora Rogers ( devora_rogers@pietown.tv )
(818) 255-9300

Check out a trailer of National Open House at: http://www.pietown.tv/shows/natopenhouse.html

Helena, MT - May 9, 2006

Fairplay Pictures "A Plumm Summer" with Froggy Doo to be filmed in Montana

Montana Chosen as the Location for Family Feature Film

(HELENA) - Governor Brian Schweitzer and the Montana Department of Commerce today announced that Fairplay Pictures has committed to produce a feature film in Gallatin and Park counties this coming summer.

"I am honored to have Fairplay Pictures filming in Montana," said Governor Schweitzer. "This is a perfect opportunity to showcase the majesty of the big sky on the big screen."

The film titled "A Plumm Summer", based on The Happy Herb and Froggy Doo Show is a family adventure based upon actual events that took place in Billings, MT in 1966. Governor Schweitzer met with the filmmakers last week during their scouting trip which was hosted by the Department of Commerce Film Office. Film Office Manager, Sten Iversen, stated "This is an excellent example of what can be accomplished with a proactive, engaged Governor who takes the time to personally meet with film producers. Governor Schweitzer spoke with producer Frank Antonelli about what was needed to close the deal, and came through with what was necessary to make this production a reality in Montana."

One of the important factors in why the production has chosen Montana is the Big Sky on the Big Screen Act, Montana's film production incentive. The filmmakers scouted seven other states and provinces before choosing Montana as the location to produce their film. "While other states offered more attractive financial incentives, Montana's incentive package along with great cooperation from the Governor's Office, the Montana Department of Commerce, the City of Bozeman, and the City of Livingston and a strong crew base really made this film possible to shoot in Montana", stated the film's Director Caroline Zelder.

The production plans on 8 weeks of pre-production and 7 weeks of filming for a total of 15 weeks in Montana. "We intend to utilize Montana goods and services, and have plans to employ Montana crew members in every position possible from the top down" stated executive producer Doug Metzger from his Gallatin County home.

The film is budgeted at 3.5 million dollars, most of which will be spent in Gallatin and Park counties. "These are new dollars coming into the local economy which have a significant economic impact. That fact, combined with good jobs for Montana's production crews, and the beautiful image of the Big Sky on the Big Screen is why Governor Brian Schweitzer encourages film production in Montana" said Commerce Director Tony Preite.

"Fairplay pictures has two additional films lined up for the future that could work in Montana, and we plan on building on the success of this project to bring even bigger projects to Montana in the years to come" stated producer Frank Antonelli from his office on Tuesday morning.

Fairplay pictures will be working with the Montana Film Office and the local governments over the next month to finalize arrangements and begin pre-production in Montana.

Helena, MT - March 20, 2006

"Don't Come Knocking" Film Premier

Butte is rolling out the red carpet. On Friday, March 24th at 7:00 p.m. the film "Don't Come Knocking" will have its Montana premiere at the historic Mother Lode Theater. The festivities include pre- and post-screening VIP receptions attended by the film's esteemed director, Wim Wenders.

"We are extremely pleased that Mr. Wenders chose to film a portion of his movie in Butte. We hope that with our new film incentives now in place, directors and producers will realize the financial benefits filming in Montana offers and will follow the lead of those behind "Don't Come Knocking" and discover Montana as the ideal location for future filming projects" commented Governor Brian Schweitzer.

This Hollywood-esque event marks a homecoming for the film which was partially set in Butte. Uptown Butte served as much of the backdrop during filming in the summer of 2004. The Sony Pictures Classics film stars Sam Shepard and Jessica Lange and was an official selection at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Attending the event on behalf of the Governor's Office, Department of Commerce Director Anthony J. Preite is pleased by the attention this premiere is receiving. "The significance this project has had on Butte and in turn Montana overall should not be overlooked. Not only is it introducing historic Butte to a worldwide audience but "Don't Come Knocking" provided an infusion of over $3 million dollars in the Butte economy over the course of shooting. As we continue to attract the film business to Montana through our new film incentives, productions such as this will provide significant benefits economically to our communities."

The Department of Commerce - Montana Film Office worked extensively with acclaimed German director Wim Wenders in helping to get the film made in Butte. Wenders had traveled to Butte previously and was captivated by its unique look. In an interview with film critic Emanuel Levy, Wenders comments "(Butte) knocked me out! I had never seen any place like it! Huge brownstone buildings like on Broadway in New York, twelve stories high, wide avenues. I revisited Butte several times in the eighties and nineties...Butte grew on me... entirely unique."

In the summer of 2002, Wenders and his team got a feel for the production climate while filming a national TV commercial in Montana. He liked what he found and vowed to return to shoot his next film, "Don't Come Knocking". In June of 2004, Wenders returned to Montana once again and while being escorted by the Montana Film Office began scouting and prepping for the shoot. The Montana Film Office assisted in getting the production set up in Butte with substantial support from Butte's very own Connie Kenney, the former Executive Director of the Butte CVB.

The Montana Film Office is a part of the Department of Commerce and promotes filming in Montana as a means of economic development. From 1998-2003, Montana's film industry generated $53 million in film production spending within the state. Film production created 903 full-time equivalent jobs in the film industry and 444 full-time equivalent jobs in the general economy. During those five years, the film industry contributed $4.3 million of tax revenue to the state.

Helena, MT - March 1, 2006

Montana Now Offering Tax Incentives to the Film Industry

The Big Sky on the Big Screen Act now in effect

Montana's majestic mountains, city skylines, pristine rivers, golden fields of grain and much more all just got a little easier for filmmakers to reach - thanks to new tax incentives initiated by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. The new incentives took effect a few months ago and now, for the first time in the state's history, film, television, commercial and documentary productions working in Montana will benefit from a production incentive. It's all part of Governor Schweitzer's overall plan for economic development in Montana.

"This incentive makes Montana more competitive for the film industry since producers will now get a refundable tax credit on their Montana production expenses" said Director of the Montana Department of Commerce Tony Preite. "Plus, they can still shoot in the incredible landscapes we have in Montana, which consist of so many diverse types of scenery" added Montana Film Office Manager Sten Iversen. "We have locations that can double for Switzerland, Kansas, or even Afghanistan as well as plenty of classic Montana locations complete with beautiful mountains and rivers. Of course, one of our major draws is that you don't need a passport to shoot in Montana!"

Montana also has a newly appointed Montana Film and Television Advisory Council. The 28-person council, created by Governor Schweitzer, is responsible for promoting Montana to the film and television industries and providing advice to the Department of Commerce Film Office, the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, and the Governor's office. The Council's members have experience in all types of film, video and still productions. Promoting the new tax incentives is one of the Council's first priorities.

The Big Sky on the Big Screen act provides two significant incentives including:

This incentive applies to all types of film and/or video productions including small and large budget feature length films, short films, commercials, documentaries, video, print ad, television series or television segments. It is also important to note that on top of these new incentives, Montana has NO sales tax which can be a significant factor in on-location shoots.

"The state and federal tax incentives, coupled with an able crew base, a willing film office, and diverse locations will make Montana a heavyweight contender in the fight to attract production money back to the United States," said Christopher Cronyn, film producer and Montana Film and Television Advisory Council Vice-Chair. "The state and citizens of Montana will benefit by the creation of a major new economic force. This is truly a win-win situation."

In addition to providing advice about ways the state can encourage and increase film, television and related media productions to the state. The Council will also work with the Montana Department of Commerce to sponsor workshops, seminars and festivals on film making, and assisting with film and televisions premiers and galas. A complete list of Council members can be found at www.montanafilm.com/filmcouncil.htm.

The Montana Film Office is part of the Montana Promotion Division in the Department of Commerce. The film office was established in 1974 to provide a wide variety of services, including scouting, production assistance, contact lists, resource directories and the Montana Production Guide, a 190 page guide produced annually. The Montana Film Office has an extensive photo library to provide customized photo presentations of Montana locations and maintains a website, www.montanafilm.com, which features updated information on location sites, support crews and services, plus a searchable database of location photos. The MFO also works as a liaison between production companies and federal, state, county, city and tribal government agencies as well as individual landowners and the general public. The office's primary responsibility is to bring productions, such as feature films, commercials, documentaries, television programs and still shoots into Montana.

Helena, MT - February 2, 2006

New Incentives Take Center Stage for Montana At Sundance Film Festival

The Montana Film Office teamed up with members of Governor Schweitzer's Film and Television Advisory Council to help spread the word about Montana's new film incentives at the Sundance Film Festival.

The annual Sundance Film Festival which is held in Park City, Utah each January is considered the premier U.S. showcase for American and international independent film. "It is taking advantage of opportunities like those at Sundance to educate national and international filmmakers about the new tax incentives available in Montana that will spur more film production in Montana," cites Governor Brian Schweitzer. "These efforts help us to realize the intent of our aggressive economic plan designed to create jobs, keep Montana university graduates in the state, and bring new money to Montana's economy."

Last year, the Legislature passed the "Big Sky on the Big Screen Act," a tax incentive package designed to encourage film production in Montana. The measure gives production companies a 12 percent incentive rebate on all Montana labor hired for film production and an eight percent rebate on all production-related Montana expenditures including lodging, equipment rental, fuel, lumber and construction materials. Montana's new tax incentives, coupled with the federal incentives that passed in The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, will assist in making filming production in Montana much more affordable and attainable.

It was under this specter of saving up to $1 million per film that council members Chris Arnold, Chris Cronyn and Cinda Holt joined Film Office staffer John Ansotegui at the Outreach table at the Filmmaker's Lodge to educate filmmakers that Montana is now a competitive place for film production. "We are pleased we have such a dedicated group of individuals to work on film and television opportunities for the state," says Commerce Director Anthony J. Preite. "We see their involvement as a critical component of being successful in attracting business and are appreciative of the networking opportunities they sought out on behalf of Montana at Sundance."

In addition to the invaluable face-to-face networking, Montana made certain information about their new tax incentives were strategically placed on information tables at many of the film venues in Park City. "Throughout all our interactions, our goal was to provide the filmmakers with the information needed for them to have a practical and more profitable alternative to taking their productions across the border into Canada," noted council member attendee Chris Cronyn. In addition, the Images of Nature Gallery was once again the venue for a western hospitality reception co-hosted by Montana and their Film The West marketing consortium of Wyoming, Idaho and South Dakota. Upwards of 200 active filmmakers with projects likely in the works were in attendance. Once again providing Montana unfettered access to filmmakers.

Asked about the overall exposure and experience, Chris Arnold explains, "Making the effort and creating a presence are the most important things. It was encouraging that news about our incentives ranged from genuine interest to a more urgent 'Overnight FedEx your production guide and all your incentive info ... This sounds like what we have been waiting for.'"

Montana was represented at the film festival with a screening of "Don't Come Knocking" starring Sam Shepard and directed by venerable director, Wim Wenders. The film, which was partly shot in Butte in 2004, infused $4 million into Montana's economy over the course of the filming and the cinematography was beautifully shot lending a favorable portraiture of Butte. In addition, another Montana production that was featured at Sundance was the short film "High Plains Winter" by MSU professor Cindy Stillwell.

From 1998-2003, Montana's film industry generated $53 million in film production spending within the state. Film production created 903 full-time equivalent jobs in the film industry and 444 full-time equivalent jobs in the general economy. During those five years, the film industry contributed $4.3 million of tax revenue to the state.



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