Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 53 And, best of all, there aren't many people around to get in the way of the shot: Saunders points out how "filming in Montana is special" because "low population allows the filmmaker flexibility in choosing locations," while "public lands in the state are extensive, accessible, and combined with the conservation work of our private landowners, Montana has viewsheds that add visual depth and interest to projects." She says, "We hear from filmmakers that the variety of locations in the state makes the decision for them," and it's the "stark contrasts" be- tween locales that makes Montana a one-stop shop for the cinematic sublime. So next time you watch TOURIST TRAIN LEAVING THE STATION in Livingston, Mont., or A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT, or THE REVENANT, or THE SHINING, THUNDERBOLT & LIGHTFOOT, or last year's remark- able indie western BALLAD OF LEFTY BROWN, take a moment and think about how these films would not be what they are without our beautiful vistas, without the local economies that support the productions, without the University students thankful for their first paying gigs, and definitely not without the continued efforts of the Montana Film Commission to make sure that our beautiful state stays represented on the screen. A scene from Broken Ghost Wildlife, starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal COMING SOON BROKEN GHOST is a coming-of- age ghost story set in Paradise Valley, Montana. Teenager Imogen Day and her parents Samantha and Will move to Montana to escape the past. Desperate to make a new life for herself, Imogen must overcome new tormentors, old secrets, and a strange presence in the house. Final edits are underway, and worldwide distribution begins later this year. ROBERT THE BRUCE was filmed outside Livingston, and in Scot- land last winter, and is currently in post production. ROBERT THE BRUCE is the epic story of the widow and her orphan children who saved this King of Scotland, and is joined in history with William Wallace, Braveheart. Angus Macfadyen reprises his role as Robert the Bruce from the film, BRAVEHEART. Major sets including a Farm, Church, Tavern, and Village were constructed outside of Livingston for the production, and will be utilized for years to come. Both films were directed by RICHARD GRAY who has spent most of the last two years in Montana, a place where he adores filming. He was introduced to the locations and local business and crew by Livingston resident CARTER BOEHM, who is executive producer of both films, and has worked diligently to reinvigorate Montana's film industry. A 19th century, classic western town is now under construction in Livingston by Boehm and Gray for a third film. Boehm and Gray hope it will be utilized by future film-makers.

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