Bozeman Film Resources
While Cairns Film strives to meet every video production service need, we admit that we don’t have unlimited resources. We do, however, know where to find whatever we are missing, so we wanted to share some of the resources we like to use and/or know of. Film is a collaborative industry, where we lean on the resources and talents of others, also offering ours. Cairns Film makes it happen, so even if you are looking for something specific that we can’t provide, we can help you find the resources you need to make it happen.
To start, we’d like to introduce FilmLites Montana. They are the largest and most experienced motion picture grip, lighting, generator, camera support, and production supply company in the Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho region. Not only do they provide services to light any production you may need, they do lighting for events as well. Their lighting equipment comes with crew to set up and tear down for you. They have more than just lights though, they rent out cameras, dollys, cranes, grip equipment, wind and fog machines, and more. We can meet most of your video production and photography services, but we don’t have rental services available for our equipment. If you have a unique piece of equipment you need, FilmLites can probably help. Though based out of Bozeman, the company is willing to travel to meet your needs.
Something a bit newer and in Missoula, but still worth noting, is Treasure State Studios. This studio has recently opened up and has amazing resources for anyone needing a big studio space to rent. Their website describes, “studio amenities include a flexible insert sound stage, a white cyclorama wall with DMX controlled RGB lighting on an overhead grid, ‘grandma’s parlor chic’ green room, ‘A River Runs Through It’ themed hair, make-up and wardrobe suite, set & prop building area, backlot, five editing bays, 5.1 mixing stage, recording studio, foley pit, isolation booth for ADR, music and score recording capabilities, and an outdoor veranda.” They also plan on adding another sound stage, and more production and post production offices in 2022. While we haven’t used this service or space, it looks like a good option if you need a large studio space to build a set in. It is located in Missoula, and you can rent the space through shootmontana.com. This facility is made for bigger productions with a lot of moving pieces, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use their resources for smaller projects as well.
We do not get any sponsorships for mentioning these names, and we are not responsible for your experiences with them, but if you don’t know where to start, these resources should help! We want to help your production succeed.
Speaking of rentals, there is another option for smaller needs- Bozeman Camera & Repair Inc. This is our go to for camera and lens rentals and repairs. Being a small business video production company, we sometimes don’t have the specialty lenses we need for every shoot. Bozeman Camera has been able to provide what we need so that we can better provide our video production services to you. They have a friendly and knowledgeable staff that can answer your questions and lead you in the right direction to meet your needs. Their main inventory is cameras and lenses, but they also provide basic grip kits, tripods, lighting, and audio equipment for rental. They also take equipment if you have something to sell, trade, or consign, and they sell equipment both used and new if you are looking for something more permanent! Based in Bozeman, we highly recommend checking them out, the great staff and service is worth it.
Lastly I’d like to mention the Montana Film Office, probably the biggest resource of all. It might be a little more geared toward big productions using Montana State for filming, but anyone can use their resources. Not only do they help with scouting, liaison, and production, but their database has lists of every resource you think you could need- they have separate lists for talent, services, and crew with links to actual people who live and work in Montana for you to contact. They have lists for everything from accommodations and catering to animal handlers and accountants. They also have extensive knowledge on getting permits for certain locations in Montana and how that process works if you need help with that. Their goal is for more people to come and film in beautiful Montana, and they will do whatever you need to help make that happen. Check out their website!
