Make Your Bid Now in Auction to Support Filmmaking in Montana and Help Save 1,300 Jobs
You can own a bit of Yellowstone memorabilia or a custom-built Ren Ferguson Co Guitar or lend your support to Montana filmmakers in other ways
By Denise Rivette with photos provided by The Montana Media Coalition
The Montana Media Coalition put out a press release today announcing the launch its Online Auction & Fundraiser that started this morning, February 3, 2025, at 9:00 am MST. The auction will close on March 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm MST. Their goal is to raise $15,000 to support the coalition’s efforts.
The Montana Media Coalition is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Media Manufacturing in the state of Montana. It is comprised of Montana filmmakers, businesses, and supporters who value growing the state's economy through the media industry. The coalition accomplishes its mission through advocacy, education, and networking.
The Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement (MEDIA) Act is a state law providing tax credits for film, television, and other media productions in Montana. It incentivizes using local talent, equipment and resources. The act was passed by the Montana Legislature and went into effect on July 1, 2019. It has been very successful and created thousands of jobs, but the $12 million cap on funds that was expected to provide incentives through 2028 has been reached. Below is the Montana Department of Commerce analysis of the economic impact of the MEDIA Act from just July 2022 through mid-May 2024 :
Lynn-Wood Fields, Board President of the Montana Media Coalition, explains, “There are over 1,300 Montana-based filmmakers working in the industry who are at risk of being displaced. With 1,300 filmmakers making an average of $50,000 we could have a loss of $65 million in wages! We are doing this fundraiser to support our work at legislation to expand the current MEDIA Act with 60% of the incentive moving forward being reserved for Montanans.”
Auction Items include:
Leather Yellowstone TV show Director Chair – for Yellowstone TV enthusiasts, these original Director chairs were used on the Yellowstone TV Series set. Two chairs are available in the auction. Authentication documents available.
Custom-built Ren Ferguson Co Guitar – for guitar enthusiasts, this original, hand- crafted guitar was designed with the songwriter and performer in mind. Certification of authenticity provided.
Click to place your bid HERE!
By supporting this fundraiser, contributions will directly foster Montana’s local economy, empower Montanans to tell their own stories, and further diversity and inclusion within the industry. Additionally, proceeds will benefit the Montana Youth Education Program which is dedicated to introducing Production Assistant courses in high schools statewide, and will support First Nations filmmakers in showcasing Montana’s rich cultural storytelling heritage. Bids on auction items can be placed at: https://mtmc.eventgroovefundraising.com/778ca1
For more information on the film industry’s impact on Montana economics, visit the Montana Department of Commerce website.
For more information about the online auction, visit the Montana Media Coalition’s website: https://montanamediacoalition.org.
The Montana Media Coalition is 175 members strong, with a goal of 300 members. Join them in supporting their work at: https://montanamediacoalition.wildapricot.org/join-us.