2009 Press Releases
November 2009
"The Wildest Dream" Preview Screening Exclusive to Bozeman on December 20, 2009
Narrated by Liam Neeson, "The Wildest Dream" features Conrad Anker following in the footsteps of legendary Everest climber George Mallory.
Bozeman, MT (November 25, 2009)—The Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation and National Geographic Entertainment present a special preview screening of "The Wildest Dream", an Altitude Film, at 8pm on Sunday, December 20th at Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 27th at the Ellen Theatre box office or online at www.theellentheatre.com.
"The Wildest Dream" ~ George Mallory was obsessed with becoming the first person to conquer the untouched Mount Everest. Last seen 800 feet below the summit in 1924, the clouds rolled in and he disappeared into legend. His death stunned the world. 75 years later, climber Conrad Anker’s life became intertwined with Mallory’s after finding his frozen body with all his belongings intact. The only missing thing was a photograph of his wife, Ruth, which Mallory had promised to place on the summit. Haunted by Mallory’s story, Conrad returned to Everest to unravel the mysteries surrounding his disappearance.
"The Wildest Dream" sets out to answer some of the fateful historical questions with archival video footage of Mallory and Andrew Irvine on Everest, love letters between Mallory and Ruth, and a bold attempt to reenact Mallory and Irvine’s bid for the summit by modern-day climbers Conrad Anker and Leo Houlding. Narrated by Liam Neeson with featured voices of Natasha Richardson, Ralph Fiennes, Hugh Dancy and Alan Rickman.
"The Wildest Dream" preview screening is exclusive to Bozeman, Montana. The film will go into wide release in April 2010.
Two types of tickets are available for the event:
- General admission/screening-only tickets are $50. For general admission doors open at 7:30pm.
- Reception + screening tickets are $100. Cocktail reception is upstairs at The Ellen. Reception begins at 6:30.
In the spirit of historic events, formal attire is requested for all attendees
The film begins at 8pm at The Ellen Theatre (17 West Main Street
Bozeman, Montana) on December 20th. For ticket sales go to www.theellentheatre.com or call The Ellen at 406-585-5885. For more information, go to www.alexlowe.org. For full press release click here.
November 2009
HATCHfest a Success Again this Year
Montana's homegrown HATCHfest was a success again this year. The 6th Annual HATCH audio-visual arts festival held in downtown Bozeman in early October brought new films and filmmakers to town. The festival opened with a Welcome to Montana Reception, sponsored by the Montana Film Office (MFO), at the Double T River Ranch in Clyde Park, MT. This beautiful and accommodating guest ranch/retreat was the perfect place to welcome the festival's filmmakers, groundbreakers and Hollywood veteran mentors to Montana for the 4-day event. MFO staff worked the event meeting and greeting the notable guests such as Academy Award winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler, director Adrian Belic, producer Elisa Bonora, cinematographer David Klein and editor Scott Chestnutt among others. Also in attendance were up and coming filmmakers chosen each year as groundbreakers. Montana Film Office Manager Sten Iversen spoke to the guests about the notable production value and epic scenery that Montana offers and the reception launched a busy and fruitful four days of panels and film premières at the Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman.
In other Film Office news, the first week of November marks a marketing trip to Los Angeles where three events are running concurrently: The American Film Market, the AFI Fest and the AFCI Cineposium. Look for updates on these MFO marketing endeavors in the December Update.
October 2009
Montana Film Center & the Natural Resources Defense Council presents:
Grizzlies in Yellowstone - The Last Stand
Join us for a multi-media event celebrating the iconic grizzly bears of Yellowstone. This
event will feature a screening of the film “Grizzly” by local filmmaker John Shier followed by a presentation by Doug Peacock, author of Grizzly Years: In Search of the
American Wilderness, who will share his thoughts on the future of grizzlies in the
Yellowstone Ecosystem. Doug, a Green Beret medic during the Vietnam War, will talk
about grizzly conservation in the lower-48 states from the perspective of a hunter and
advocate of the Great Bear. Following the presentation you will have the opportunity to
ask questions and learn more about grizzlies and how you can help protect this treasured
icon of the wild from area experts.
When: October 19, 2009, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Where: Livingston Elks Club; 130 South 2nd Street, Livingston.
Suggested donation of $8.00 per person
Children 12 and under free.
*Proceeds from the event will support “Bear Awareness Gardiner” to help
purchase bear resistant dumpsters for Yellowstone area residents.
October 2009
MFO Markets in NY
The Montana Film Office (MFO) recently completed a marketing trip to New York City, September 19-24 for IFP's Independent Film Week. This five-day event in mid-town Manhattan brought together producers and directors from New York City and around the country. Film Office Location Manager John Ansotegui was on hand to meet with filmmakers at the festival and to make sure Montana was a clear choice for any upcoming projects. The MFO had a trade show booth in the main lobby of the event for all five days of the festival and co-hosted three evening events for the filmmakers. "The evening receptions were very well attended with over 200 filmmakers each evening" said Ansotegui. Ansotegui brought back over 40 new contacts for the film office and multiple leads on features and documentaries for which Montana would be a perfect location.
Now in its 31st year, Independent Film Week is the oldest and largest forum in the U.S. and is qualitatively and quantitatively the best and biggest opportunity for an independent filmmaker to connect with industry professionals - including producers, funders, distributors, broadcasters, sales agents, film commissions and festival programmers.
This is the third year the Montana Film Office has marketed at this event which provides unique access to the New York filmmakers.
September 2009
LOCAL INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY TO SCREEN AT HATCHFEST IN BOZEMAN
The locally produced, award-winning documentary "Where You From" announces its first Montana screening on October 1st at The Emerson at 9:30PM, as part of this year's HATCHfest. A surprising journey into rural American hip-hop, the film chronicles the lives of three compelling individuals as they confront small town life, broken families and drug addiction, ultimately seeking triumph in their music. "Where You From" features music and musicians from the celebrated Bozeman band Eightrack Mind, as well an original score by Bozeman native Nat Kendall and additional music from High Poet Records. Emmy award-winning Bozeman residents Justin Lubke and Shasta Grenier (creators of "Class C," the critically-acclaimed film about girls' basketball in Montana) worked as cinematographers and editors on the project, and area resident Sabrina Lee directed and produced the film. Lee commented, "We are thrilled to be sharing this local collaboration at Hatchfest. It will be great to have the film appreciated by the community who made it happen."
The film has already played to enthusiastic audiences across the country, including at the Atlanta Film Festival, Florida Film Festival and the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival, where it was awarded Best Music Documentary. The film also will screen later this month in DC at the Bootleg Festival held at the True Reformer Theatre on September 18th, and in Seattle at the NW Film Forum Local Sightings Festival in early October.
Advance tickets ($10) are available at www.hatchfest.org (recommended) or can be purchased at the door. The Montana Premiere Party for “Where You From” will take place immediately following the film at the Innovators Lounge in the Emerson Ballroom, with members of Eightrack Mind performing a special set. (Premiere Party is 21 years and over; $5 discounted cover price with paid admission to film.)
For more information about the film and to view a trailer, visit www.whereyoufromfilm.com.
September 2009
Become a Fan of the MFO
By joining the Montana Film Office's online communities, our fans and followers will be able to keep up-to-date about all the latest film news and upcoming events happening locally and across the globe. They will also have the opportunity to network with film industry peers and professionals and stay informed with cast and crew calls, invitations to exclusive events, upcoming contests, film festival calls for entries and much more!
Want to become a fan and follower? If you haven't already, take a few moments to create your own accounts at Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook, search out the Film Office's fan page - Montana Film Office - and sign up to be a fan. On Twitter, search for MTFilmOffice and sign up to be a follower.
We look forward to having you join our online conversations.
August 2009
LOCAL FAVORITE HEADLINES INAUGURAL BENEFIT CONCERT FOR “MONTANA MATTERS” CAMPAIGN
Missoula, Mont. (August 14, 2009) -- Missoula native and country music great Shane Clouse will be the headliner when “Montana Matters” presents Songs of Montana: Concert and Jam Session Friday, September 18 at 7pm at the Wilma Theater in Missoula. The concert is a benefit and public debut for the Montana Matters campaign, a collaboration for conservation between the International Wildlife Film Festival and Media Center (IWFF/MC) and the Montana Wildlife Federation (MWF).
The Montana Matters campaign aims to preserve Montana’s rich and storied past, its vibrant history as the embodiment of the Wild West, while at the same time ensuring the state’s abundant wildlife and magnificent forests, fields, lakes and streams are preserved for generations to come. Additional information about Montana Matters can be found at www.montanamatters.com.
Songs of Montana: Concert and Jam Session takes place Friday, September 18 at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) at the historic Wilma Theatre in Missoula. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for students, and $50 for a reserved seat that includes a wine reception with the artists and autographed CD. Tickets are available at the Roxy Theater, through IWFF/MC at (406) 728-9380 or iwff@wildlifefilms.org, or at Rockin’ Rudy’s in Missoula. For more information and to purchase the “Songs of Montana” CD, visit www.montanamatters.com.
August 2009
Catch Montana on the Big and Small Screens
In an unusual turn of events, three different Montana made films were released during the month of June. The first, "Call of the Wild 3D," starring Christopher Lloyd and Wes Studi and directed by Richard Gabai, was filmed in Philipsburg and Lincoln in 2008. The U.S. premiere of the film was actually held at the Great Northern Town Center in Helena on June 10. The Helena Cinemark Theatre permanently installed a 3D digital projector for the premiere and for the city of Helena to enjoy for many years to come. The film was held over for a three week run.
The second film, "My Sister's Keeper," starring Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin, hit the big screen on June 26. This big budget studio film shot the ending scenes in Montana on the Blackfeet Reservation and in Glacier National Park. Montana was mentioned at various times throughout the film as a favored destination of one of the characters.
The third release during June was the independent film "Three Priests," starring Wes Studi and Olivia Hussey. This drama, shot entirely on location near Choteau in the summer of 2005, was the first feature film to take advantage of the then-new film incentive legislation, The Big Sky on the Big Screen Act. The film was released nationwide on DVD on June 30.
Be sure to get to the theatre and video store to check out these three new showcases of Montana on the silver screen.
June 2009
"Three Priests" Movie Shot on Location in Choteau, Montana Gets June 30th National Release Date
CHOTEAU, MT – "Three Priests", the newest film from Portland, Maine production company GumSpirits Productions, will be released nationwide on June 30th, having already been listed online by Netflix and Blockbuster Online for rental. "Three Priests" was picked up for domestic distribution after premiering at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California, rated as one of the “top 10” film festivals in the world and one of the country’s largest.
With the support of the Montana Film Office, Montana’s Film incentive and some local crew "Three Priests" was shot in 18 days entirely on location in CHOTEAU, MT. Co-producer/director/writer Jim Cole, co-producer/actor Aaron Duffey, co-producer Jay Towle, co-producer Eileen Oberholtzer teamed up with executive producers Peter Jacobs and Gloria Pinza to produce the contemporary western. The film stars Michael Parks (Kill Bill, From Dusk Till Dawn, Grindhouse, Assassination of Jessie James), Olivia Hussey (Romeo and Juliet, Mother Teresa), and Wes Studi (The Last of the Mohicans, The New World). The Trailer for the movie can be seen at http://www.gumspirits.com/threepriests.html.
Building on the success of "Sundowning" their previous multiple award-winning film shot on Casco Bay, the filmmakers were able to raise virtually all needed funds locally to produce "Three Priests". GumSpirits anticipates that a successful release of "Three Priests" will allow the team to continue to produce films that reach a national audience. "Three Priests" is available for pre-rental now online.
For more information contact: Aaron Duffey | 207-712-6719 | aaron@gumspirits.com
June 2009
Film Office Launches Studio 406
The Montana Film Office (MFO) recently launched a new campaign to attract film production to the state. Studio 406 is a new film incentive package that bundles the Big Sky on the Big Screen Act tax incentives and other resources, like free location scouting to free office furniture and equipment.
The Film Office launched its Studio 406 incentive package at the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival (LAFF) this June, where it was well received by the industry. The MFO sponsored the LAFF's Film Financing Conference, where film office staff was on hand all day to speak to conference attendees about the benefits of filming in Montana and the Studio 406 incentive package.
Film Office Manager, Sten Iversen, sat on a conference panel entitled Homegrown: Domestic Film Incentives. "This was a great opportunity for me to speak directly to the conference attendees about Montana's incentive package which starts with the successful Big Sky on the Big Screen act and now goes the extra mile for filmmakers and really positions Montana as a turnkey place to make films" said Iversen.
As the trade press lined up interviews to discuss Studio 406, the film office staff prepared for the LAFF filmmaker reception, sponsored by MFO. The poolside reception was exclusively for the filmmakers that had been accepted into the Los Angeles Film Festival and was hosted by Peter Fonda. The event was an excellent opportunity for film office staff to meet and speak with the festival filmmakers about having their next project be in Montana.
Studio 406 is aimed not only at large-scale, big-budget pictures, but will benefit the smaller, independent projects and commercial shoots as well. It will allow Montana to remain competitive with other states' film incentive programs as well as saving producers time and money.
Studio 406 incentives includes:
- 14% refundable tax credit based on hired Montana labor with no cap and no minimum spend (Big Sky on the Big Screen Act).
- 9% refundable tax credit for qualified expenses – this includes lodging, vehicles rentals, fuel costs, food and construction expenditures (Big Sky on the Big Screen Act).
- No sales tax.
- The Film Office will provide productions with free production office furniture and equipment.
- The Film Office will provide productions with free traffic control signage needs.
- Low cost or free location fees.
- Easier permitting process to receive tax credits than other states.
- Free professional script breakdowns.
- Free professional location scouting.
- Lodging tax is reimbursed after 30 consecutive days.
- Free police service in select cities and towns.
- Montana is two-deep in crew with and has an excellent state university film schools full of potential production assistants.
- Goods and services are less expensive in Montana, from food to gas to lodging.
- Montana is easily accessible - Montana is home to five major airports with direct flights from Los Angeles, Salt Lake, Seattle, Minneapolis and Denver.
- Due to the large size of the state, there are a million different looks, from period to modern, and it is truly easy to find a nice, quiet place to shoot.
Since the Big Sky on the Big Screen Act was implemented in 2005, film productions have contributed over $38 million to Montana’s economy and helped employ 183 people a year.
Montana has a long history of luring filmmakers. Most recently, Glacier National Park served as the backdrop for the film My Sister's Keeper starring Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin. My Sister's Keeper is currently in theaters. Montana has played host to such productions as A River Runs Through It, Horse Whisperer, Forrest Gump and Call of the Wild 3D.
The Big Sky on the Big Screen Act was approved for extension until 2015 by the 61st Montana Legislature.
For more details on the Studio 406 initiative, click here.
June 2009
Montana Department of Commerce Film Office Unveils New Incentive Package
(HELENA)—The Montana Department of Commerce Film Office is proud to launch a new campaign to attract film production to the state. Studio 406, is a new film incentive package that bundles Governor Brian Schweitzer’s Big Sky on the Big Screen Act tax incentives and other resources, like free location scouting to free office furniture and equipment.
“Montana is offering filmmakers something other states don’t – a solid cash incentive, backed up with a host of extra incentives that save productions significant money and make film shoots more enjoyable,” said Governor Schweitzer. “Since the Big Sky on the Big Screen Act was implemented in 2005, film productions have contributed over $38 million to Montana’s economy and helped employ 183 people a year. That’s a significant impact – and Studio 406 is going to capitalize on the progress we’ve already made.”
Studio 406, is aimed not only at large-scale, big-budget pictures, but will benefit the smaller, independent projects and commercial shoots as well. It will allow Montana to remain competitive with other states’ film incentive programs as well as saving producers time and money.
“We wanted to show filmmakers that Montana is an affordable and accessible location option for their next production,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Our state offers everything filmmakers could want – from spectacular scenery and unspoiled wilderness – to the friendliest and most helpful people willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. This incentive package highlights what is a great about being in Montana.”
To view a list of Studio 406 incentives click here. To read full press release on Studio 406 click here.
June 2009
Hollywood Premiere in Montana
"Call of the Wild 3D" will have its worldwide premiere at the Cinemark Theater in Helena on June 10th. Thanks to Vivendi Entertainment, Cinemark Theaters and the Montana Film Office, this special event is coming to the Queen City. Special guests include the film's star, Christopher Lloyd, famous for his role as Doc Brown in Back to the Future, acclaimed director Richard Gabai, known for his prolific family films and young star Ariel Gade, who steals the scenes in this heartwarming re-telling of Jack London's "Call of the Wild". Why Helena you may ask? Well, this Hollywood film was shot in Montana in 2007, on location in Helena, Lincoln and Philipsburg.
The Montana Film Office first introduced the filmmakers to the state in 2006 and by the winter of 2007 cameras were rolling on the charming streets of Lincoln and Philipsburg and caught the action of Montana's own Race to the Sky Sled Dog Race. Stunning mountains became the perfect backdrop for this updated take on Jack London's classic sled dog tale. Director Richard Gabai said "I loved Montana and its people and I am looking forward to returning with my family to say hello to old friends, make new friends and share this great family film with the people that helped made it happen." When the president of Cinemark Theater's, Tom Collins, first heard of the possibility of this premiere event in Helena he made the decision to make Helena's own Cinemark a digital 3D theater. Just prior to the premiere event, Cinemark will install a digital 3D projector in Helena's Cinemark Cineplex, so that Montana's capitol city will have the latest 3D technology for the premiere of" Call of the Wild 3D" and for many films to come.
The premiere event is by invitation only, but the film will open to the public in Helena on June 11th and statewide on Friday, June 12th at theaters with 3D capability. Mark your calendars for this special family film and make sure to see "Call of the Wild 3D."
June 2009
Helena to Host First Major Worldwide Hollywood Film
Premiere for "Call of the Wild 3D"
(HELENA) –– Coming Soon to Montana’s Capitol City…Helena’s first Hollywood worldwide premiere…..brought to you in 3D! "Call of the Wild 3D", a re-telling of Jack London’s classic novel Call of the Wild will premiere exclusively at the Cinemark Theatre in Helena on Wednesday, June 10th.
Thanks to Vivendi Entertainment, Cinemark Theatres, and the Montana Department of Commerce Film Office, this special event is coming to Helena. Special guests include the film’s star, Christopher Lloyd – famous for his role as Doc Brown in the Back to the Future film series, and director Richard Gabai – know for his prolific family films.
“Montana’s Big Sky belongs on the big screen. What better place to premier "Call of the Wild 3D" than right here in Montana’s Capitol City,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “Fourteen Montanans were employed through the filming of this movie and over 30 Montana businesses in Helena, Lincoln, Phillipsburg, Missoula and Kalispell directly generated business as a result.”
The "Call of the Wild 3D" was shot in Montana in 2007, on location in Helena, Lincoln, and Phillipsburg. The Montana Department of Commerce Film Office first introduced the filmmakers to the state in 2006 and by the winter of 2007, cameras were rolling on the quaint streets of Lincoln and Phillipsburg. Montana’s own Race to the Sky and stunning mountains became the perfect backdrop for this updated take on Jack London’s classic sled dog tale.
After filming here, director Richard Gabai can’t wait to get back to the Treasure State. “I loved Montana and its people, and I am looking forward to returning with my family to say hello to old friends, make new ones, and share our film with the people that helped made it happen,” said Gabai.
"Call of the Wild 3D" is one of many film and commercial projects to choose Montana as a filming location, due in part to the Big Sky on the Big Screen Act tax incentives spearheaded by Governor Schweitzer in 2005.
“This major motion picture features Montana’s majestic scenery and charming towns for audiences around the world,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “The State of Montana is committed to helping attract more films like CALL OF THE WILD 3D. Projects like these bring millions in new dollars to our state and put Montana’s Big Sky on the big screen for everyone to see.”
When Cinemark’s President & COO, Tim Warner, born and raised in Butte, Montana, was introduced to the idea of hosting this premiere event in Helena’s Cinemark 8 theatre, he decided to install a digital 3D projector. Now, Montana’s Capital City will have the latest Real D 3D technology for the premiere of CALL OF THE WILD 3D and for many movies to come.
“Cinemark is pleased to be the first movie theatre company to offer the 3D experience to Helena and the surrounding communities,” said Warner, who currently has a home in the Bozeman area. “Hosting this red-carpet film premier is the perfect inaugural event to showcase the 3D technology to our patrons.”
Tom O’Mally, President of Vivendi Entertainment, is thrilled to help premier the film for communities that have shown great enthusiasm and support for the project. “We could not be more excited to present CALL OF THE WILD 3D in Montana where it all began. The gracious hospitality of Montana and its residents coupled with Cinemark USA’s amazing 3D venue have allowed us the unique opportunity to premiere our heartwarming family story inspired by the Jack London classic.”
The special premiere event will take place at the Great Northern Town Center in Helena. The afternoon will kick off with a special family event for selected children and their families at Helena’s famous Carousel and Painted Pony Ice Cream Shop featuring Montana-made Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream. The stars, director, and producer of the film will attend along with special guests Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, Tom O’Mally, President of Vivendi Entertainment, and Greg Herman, Region Leader of Cinemark Theatres. The premiere event is by invitation only, but film director Richard Gabai will officially open the film to the public in Helena on Thursday, June 11th. The film will open statewide, Friday, June 12th at theaters with 3D capability. Mark your calendars for this special family film and make sure to see CALL OF THE WILD 3D, brought to you first here in Helena, Montana!
Click here for a PDF of this press release.
June 2009
Montana Premiere of the film "Division Street:
Screening to Raise Awareness of the Impact of Our Transportation System on Our Lives and Wildlife
What: Film screening: Division Street A panel discussion with the film's producer, Eric Bendick, and representatives from Transportation for America and American Wildlands will follow the film.
When: Thursday, June 11, 7pm
Where: Roxy Theater, 718 S. Higgins, Missoula
This film is timely, as the current federal transportation bill expires this year, and now is the time to rethink our transportation system, bringing it in line with needs and values of the 21st Century.
“Roads are the largest human artifact on the planet; they have fragmented wild landscapes and ushered in the age of urban sprawl.”— Dr. Richard Foreman, Harvard University
To view a trailer of “Division Street”: http://www.divisionstreetmovie.com.
Co-sponsored by American Wildlands and Transportation For America.
May 2009
Paramount Pictures Releases "A Plumm Summer" DVD
Paramount Pictures released Montana made film "A Plumm Summer" on DVD across all of North America on May 5th. For those of you who didn't have a chance to see it in theaters, "A Plumm Summer" is an award-winning, funny, and heartwarming family film perfect for your children, nieces, nephews or grandchildren. It is supported by Montana talent and is a true Montana tale about the innocence of an idyllic Montana hamlet that is disrupted when celebrity puppet ‘Froggy Doo’ is kidnapped and held for ransom.
Screenwriter and Billings native TJ Lynch created the screenplay which is inspired by actual events. The film was co-produced by Big Sky resident, Doug Metzger (Flicka, The Italian Job, The Patriot), who also served as the First Assistant Director on the film. “A Plumm Summer” was shot by Cinematographer Mark Vargo, a Bozeman resident with a long list of film credits (Poseidon, 3:10 to Yuma). In the film, Governor Brian Schweitzer also makes his silver screen debut playing the role of Sheriff Strunk.
You can find "A Plumm Summer" on DVD almost everywhere, from Target, to Walmart, to Amazon. Below are links to reviews that specifically talk about the film's family elements:
Variety's Review
The Fuming Pew
A Plumm Summer
Directed by Caroline Zelder
Produced by Frank Antonelli & Caroline Zelder
Written by TJ Lynch and Frank Antonelli & Caroline Zelder
May 2009
Film Office Projects in Stores and on TV
DVD Release of "A Plumm Summer"
The feature film "A Plumm Summer", which shot in the Bozeman area and Livingston in the summer of 2006 was released on DVD on May 5th. The film had a limited release on the big screen in theaters around the country last spring and is finally out on DVD for all to enjoy. The family film is based on true events surrounding the kidnapping and subsequent ransom of Froggy Doo, a marionette puppet on a popular 1960's kid’s variety show. When the puppet was stolen from a Billings, MT television station, the story and following investigation drew national attention.
Expedition Grizzly Airs on National Geographic Channel
"Expedition Grizzly", shot in Montana and starring a native Montanan, airs on the National Geographic channel this May. Naturalist Casey Anderson and Brutus the Bear star in this story of Yellowstone National Park's grizzly bear population — its past, present and future. The show details the unique pressures faced by Yellowstone's grizzlies — an island population under pressure from the encroachment of man and the threat of climate change.
The hour-long television show premiered on the National Geographic Channel Sunday, May 3rd. It is scheduled to air again Saturday, May 9th. For details, visit the National Geographic Channel website.
To read the full National Geographic press release on this story click here.
April 2009
National Geographic Channel Presents the Remarkable Journey of a Man and His 800-Pound Grizzly Best Friend
Naturalist Casey Anderson and Brutus the Bear Shed Light on the Fate of Yellowstone’s
Vulnerable “Island” Population of Grizzlies in Expedition Grizzly featuring Casey Anderson
(WASHINGTON, D.C. — APRIL 6, 2009) He towers 6 inches taller than Shaquille O’Neal. He has a bite force strong enough to crush a bowling ball. He could kill a human with a single paw. He is an 800-pound grizzly bear named Brutus and the curious best friend to renowned naturalist Casey Anderson, who has raised him since birth. Together, they’ve set out on a yearlong mission to chronicle the lives of Yellowstone’s vulnerable grizzly bears — mysterious beasts that have elicited fear and respect among humans through the ages.
On Sunday, May 3, 2009, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, National Geographic Channel’s Expedition Grizzly featuring Casey Anderson presents the unique story of one man who has dedicated himself to wildlife preservation and a daring approach to understanding grizzlies’ every move — living among them in extreme conditions, observing their behaviors and even tasting some of their favorite foods. Driven by compassion, Casey and Brutus take a yearlong odyssey to shed light on Yellowstone’s “island” population of about 600 grizzlies, hemmed in on all sides by roads and human settlement. Casey is concerned about the health of this grizzly population and whether climate change could be threatening their food supply. Throughout the seasons, Casey observes survival strategies of these grizzlies from a distance, while Brutus demonstrates up-close grizzly anatomy, strength and behavior.
Told in the first person, Expedition Grizzly featuring Casey Anderson gives viewers an awe-inspiring glimpse deep inside the grizzlies’ wilderness with stunning HD footage filmed in some of Yellowstone’s most treacherous, beautiful and remote terrain. There, Casey hopes to help protect and preserve the grizzlies’ precious environment and provide the human world and the natural world a rare chance to see eye to eye.
To read the full National Geographic press release on this story click here.
April 2009
Film Office Lands TV Series
The Montana Film Office has landed a new television series tentatively titled "American Cowboy". This documentary reality series focuses on the lives of Montana ranchers and will be filming in multiple locations over the next seven months. Eight episodes are planned and the series will air on network television next year.
The producers first contacted the Montana Film Office in September of 2007 and the film office team worked diligently over the last year and a half to find the producers the ranches and locations that will make Montana shine on national television.
This is Montana's first full series on national television and will bring hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic impact to multiple locations in the state. The production was certified for the Big Sky on the Big Screen act in February and cameras began rolling in March 2009.
March 2009
MFO Markets at SXSW Film Conference & Festival
The Montana Film Office (MFO) returns to the prestigious South By Southwest Film Conference and Festival in Austin, TX on March 13-16, 2009. The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival and Conference is in its 16th year. The conference boasts the latest filmmaking trends and new technology, featuring distinguished speakers and mentors. The festival segment attracts internationally acclaimed independent filmmakers, with a special focus on emerging talents.
As this event attracted more and more filmmakers, the Montana Film Office targeted this event as a key market three years ago. The MFO has had a presence at the trade show for three years and for the last two years has hosted filmmaker receptions. This year, the MFO has agreed to co-sponsor the annual SXSW Filmmaker BBQ, where all of the invited filmmakers and film industry panelists converge to enjoy a barbeque and a presentation about what Montana can offer to the film industry.
January 2009
"Playing for the World" Debut
The long-awaited television documentary about the 1904 Fort Shaw Indian Boarding School's girls basketball team will premiere at a special event in Great Falls on Febuary 12 and at a screening in Missoula on Febuary 13th. The program airs on Montana PBS on Febuary 15th at 7:00 p.m.
The Great Falls event:
Reception and Premiere Feb. 12 at 6:00 p.m.
History Museum 422 Second Street South (Old Northern School Supply building)
Limited seating - please RSVP at 406-452-3462 by Feb. 4th.
Missoula event:
Screening Feb. 13 at 7:00 p.m.
University Center Theatre
January 2009
"Taking Chance" Featured at Sundance
The Montana Film Office (MFO) will once again be promoting Montana at the annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT this January. The Sundance Film Festival is the premier independent film festival in the United States and screens over 220 films over ten days. All of the selected filmmakers, as well as thousands of other industry personnel, attend the festival which makes this marketing trip an outstanding promotional and networking opportunity.
A highlight for Montana during this year's Sundance is that the HBO film, TAKING CHANCE, which was filmed in Bozeman and Ennis in the summer of 2007, is an official selection of this year's Film Festival. Based on the first-person account of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl (USMC), who is portrayed by actor Kevin Bacon, the film chronicles his poignant journey as the volunteer military escort officer who is assigned to accompany the body of 19-year-old Lance Corporal Chance Phelps (USMC), who was killed in action in Iraq, across America back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming in spring 2004.
At the time Montana was chosen as a location for this movie, Governor Brian Schweitzer said "I am proud HBO Films has selected Montana to be the backdrop for this compelling story about a fallen hero's final journey home from Iraq. This is an American tale that speaks deeply to many Montana families and it is an honor to participate."
The film will be premiering on HBO on February 21, 2009. Click here for a trailer of the movie.
January 2009
World Premiere of "Butte, America"
"'Butte, America' captures the gravity and history of the most interesting city in the American West. A memorable film about an unforgettable place." -Tom McGuane, Nothing but Blue Skies, Gallatin Canyon
Emmy-nominated director-producer Pamela Roberts and associated producer and co-writer Edwin Dobb will premiere their film "Butte, America" on January 17th at the Mother Lode Theater in Butte. The premiere will be followed with screenings across Montana (see below for scheduled screenings).
"Butte, America" tells the saga of the legendary, hard rock mining town of Butte, Montana in the early 1900s. The film is narrated by Dublin-born actor Gabriel Byrne and includes interviews with scholars, miners and their families as well as recreations of historical events. According to an article in the "Montana Standard", Roberts states, "What drew me to Butte's story most powerfully are the people of Butte and the town's unique and indomitable character as a community."
Pam has been working on the film with co-writer and co-producer Edwin Dobb since its inception in 2000. Along with the following screenings, the film will also be shown nationally on PBS and on Montana public television in the fall of 2009. To view links to the "Butte, America" press kit or to catch a sneak peak of the film click here.
"Butte, America" Screening Schedule:
Mother Lode Theater (Butte) - January 17th @ 8:00 pm
For more information call 406.723.3602
Emerson Theater (Bozeman) - February 6th @ 7:30 pm
Q&A with filmmaker and Butte historian
For more information call 406.587.9797
Myrna Loy Center (Helena) - February 21st @ 6:00 and 8:00 pm
Q&A with filmmaker and Butte historian
For more information call 406.443.0287
