Permanent film studio being built in Paradise Valley

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Many movies are set in Montana, few are filmed here. Often Utah and Canada are used as backdrops for the treasure state, but that is about to change.

The Yellowstone Film Ranch is being built in Paradise Valley. Investors are planning on this permanent film studio to give Hollywood a run for its money.

Producer and movie director Richard Gray is one of three investors creating the ranch, a group of 28 buildings under construction near Chico Hot Springs.

While the film ranch is building permanent sets for westerns, Gray says they can be used for many genres.

Gray has filmed two movies in Montana and sees this permanent studio as a big boom for the state’s economy.

“We employed almost 100 people in Livingston. We kept hotels open during the winter, we kept the bars running during the winter and we’re seeing the same thing again here. And, these are lasting structures that will create jobs forever," says Gray.

Livingston-based Soundcolor Studios has over 20 full-time workers helping build the film ranch.

Project coordinator Abram Boice sees this as a great opportunity not only for businesses, but individuals.

Boice mentors Park County high school students interested in the industry. “There are good, technical, high paying jobs that will be available for projects like this for decades to come.

Livingston native Carter Bohem, another partner in the ranch, says the lure of a permanent studio is already creating buzz in Hollywood.

“We’re getting a lot of inquiries right now. We’ve met with Warner Bros., we’ve met with some high-profile producers who are coming here to visit and saying we love it,” said Bohem.

Along with filming movies, the owners plan to offer it as a wedding and events venue. It is set to open sometime in November.