Montana just planted a flag in the middle of the production map.

In a bold move that blends Broadway pedigree with small-town grit, a group of entertainment investors has announced The Studios @ Story House Montana, a $100M+ purpose-built production campus set on a 47-acre site in Missoula. The project marks a turning point for the state—ushering in its first large-scale soundstage facility and signaling that Big Sky Country isn’t just location-friendly anymore… it’s infrastructure-ready.

“Missoula has given us the opportunity to show what the next era of entertainment infrastructure can look like — green, local, and value-driven,” said Story House CEO Sean Patrick Higgins, a producer with deep roots in Broadway and indie film.

What’s Coming: A Scalable Studio with Local Roots

Once home to a Roseburg particleboard plant, the site is being transformed into a 400,000-square-foot production ecosystem, complete with:

• Five premium soundstages

• Post-production suites

• Commercial workshops

• An Americana-style backlot

• Creative offices

• Flexible support and event spaces

But this isn’t just about new stages—it’s about building a regional production economy from the ground up. The Story House team is prioritizing Montana-based hiring and outreach to underserved communities, including veterans, Native Americans, and former timber and mining workers. More than 435 new jobs are expected to follow.

“We’re not just building studios,” Higgins said. “We’re telling stories from this land, by the people who know it best.”

From Mill Town to Media Hub

The project has already won support from city and county officials, who are fast-tracking zoning adjustments and annexation processes to support the build. With no major legislative hurdles on the horizon, the development is on track to move forward quickly.

Sustainability is at the center of the design. From adaptive reuse of industrial space to carbon-conscious construction and onsite workforce housing, The Studios @ Story House Montana is aiming to be as green as its surroundings.

Productions Rolling and a Pipeline in Progress

Two original productions—St. George (a political thriller) and Lowering the Bar (a dark comedy)—are set to begin filming on-site this year, jumpstarting the lot with real work and real wages.

To ensure a steady talent pipeline, the company is also launching a bi-state film institute in partnership with universities in Montana and Wyoming, starting with a curriculum-in-development at the University of Montana. The institute will offer direct training-to-hire pathways into on-set roles, helping transform Montana from a flyover location to a fully integrated creative workforce zone.

“We’re building a place where Montana’s storytellers can launch careers, not just dream about them,” said James Brown III, president and chief creative officer of Story House.

A Greenlight Moment for Missoula

The announcement lands at a time when traditional production centers like California and New York are racing to modernize outdated incentive programs—and studios are actively searching for scalable, cost-effective, and visually stunning alternatives.

Montana hasn’t yet passed major production incentive legislation, but Story House isn’t waiting on policy. They’re betting on Missoula’s untapped mix of natural backdrops, cultural momentum, and hunger for a new chapter.

And with looming trade tariffs threatening international content pipelines, domestic production capacity matters more than ever.

From Broadway to Big Sky, Montana is ready for action. The Studios @ Story House is more than a soundstage—it’s a statement: Hollywood, there’s a new player in town.