MISSOULA – The popular “Yellowstone” series starring Kevin Costner announced Friday that it plans to relocate its production to the Missoula Valley and surrounding locations later this month.
The series was once made in Utah and will only be filmed in Montana for the first time in its history, according to Friday’s announcement.
The production secured a space of 40,000 square feet on more than 100 acres in Missoula, although the exact location was not disclosed. The lease for production facilities for “Yellowstone” was created by Sterling CRE Advisors of Missoula.
“Montana is committed to productions of this size and caliber,” said Matt Mellott of Sterling. “While not every building is a turn-key sound stage, it only takes a visionary investor to see the potential in their own backyard. This owner does not run in a typical lease. “
“Yellowstone” series to move filming, production to Missoula and western Montana
Mellott said the unique needs of the project include additional insulation for sound insulation so that filming is not disturbed. It also required more toilets to accommodate changing crew sizes, along with more parking and air conditioning.
“There are more variables than normal in playing with this project, but I think that’s what makes this exciting,” Mellott said. “It’s exciting from an economic development perspective, especially with production during Montana’s fall season.”
Mellott said the production also required specific requirements for space and height.
“Not only do you need a lot of square images, you need to be able to have the headroom for cranes,” he said. “There are very few buildings in the area that can meet both criteria.”
HyperBlock Inc., a cryptocurrency mining company, shut down production at Bonner’s mill site in May. But those behind the “Yellowstone” action could not confirm or deny the new location of the production, other than to say it was in Missoula.
Sterling said the location will remain active through the fall and will host about 40 full-time staff members. Up to 150 employees will be on site for filming.
“With filming active in that period between summer and skiing, this will be a fun boost in activity for the community,” Mellott said. “With 150 people on site, that’s a great opportunity for local restaurants, bars, breweries and hotels to catch more business.”
