How Missoula Realtor Katie Ward Helped "Yellowstone" Find Its Footing For Season 4

Promotional Photo from Yellowstone
Source: Paramount Press

Hold on to your hat, Montana is about to see some serious economic impact from the film industry!

Taylor Sheridan, the series’ co-creator, executive producer and writer, confirmed that the filming of Season 4 of the hit Paramount Network series will take place entirely in Montana. Between 70-75% of the first three seasons was filmed in and around Park City, with production based at the Utah Film Studios.

“We’re going to shoot exclusively [in Montana] this year,” Sheridan said in an interview with Deadline.

Utah and Summit County will miss out on the money “Yellowstone” pumped into the Utah economy, which Marshall Moore Utah Film Studios vice president of operations estimated at between $20 million and $30 million a year according to The Salt Lake City Tribune. 

Promotional Still from Yellowstone
Courtesy of Paramount

Katie Ward, Commercial Real Estate Broker with PureWest Christies Real Estate in Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley received an email from the production’s Senior Site Selection Manager outlining the type of space required for such a move to the area. He listed over 100,000 sq. ft. of space including warehouses, offices, transportation sites and more. 

“Finding large warehouse space with appropriate ceiling height, construction quality, ample power and the right location was not easy.”  Said Ward.

After calls to the airport, county commissioners, bank presidents, and local building owners who might lease versus sell their buildings, Ward was able to find locations that worked well.  

“Buildings that had been vacant for years or under-used are now occupied by a great tenant.  With the current outdoor shoots taking place in Darby and throughout the valley relocating the production offices, accounting, costume department, indoor sets and much more to the area made total sense,” Ward commented. “What really made it happen was House Bill 293, the “Media Act” which became effective July 1, 2019 and extends through 2029.” 

Yellowstone Promotional Still
Source: Paramount

“It was an honor to be of assistance to this production team. The economic impact to the communities like Missoula, Lolo, Stevensville, Hamilton and Darby will be amazing. We will see new revenue from housing upwards of 300 people, to their meals, gas, and the huge impact of investment into the buildings and local purchases, “ stated Katie Ward.  “It’s in full swing now!”

According to the Economic impact study completed by EConsult Solutions, productions that have filmed in Montana the first year January 2019- June 2020 totaled 117 productions with local spending at $23.9 Million,  total impact $47.6 Million, total FTE Jobs , and employee compensation $17.6 Million…and this was before Yellowstone moved its Park City operations to Montana. The complete report is available here

Katie Ward, Broker, specializes in site selection, commercial investment property, development land as well as the Ranch and Land market. Katie has been a real estate broker since 1996.  Visit Katie’s website here.  Her phone number is 406-596-4000 and her email is [email protected]

Yellowstone Promotional Still
Source: Paramount

Leave a Comment Here

Bonnie (not verified) , Tue, 09/15/2020 - 17:51
Can’t wait for it to begin.
Billie (not verified) , Wed, 09/16/2020 - 04:33
This is such a exciting show,Can't hardley wait for the 4th season.
Joyce Goodman (not verified) , Wed, 09/16/2020 - 20:28
I thought it might be a good show till the 1st foul word was used; then the dirty deeds. Not a show I would recommend. I'm sure the Lord is sad when we enjoy this type of trashy entertainment . J havent seen anything uplifting about it
Barbara (not verified) , Thu, 09/17/2020 - 17:47
I felt like you do but it is just such a compelling story of how the wealthy deal in their business ventures I can't stop watching. And the story of the Dutton family and the things they do or have to do to keep the promise made to patriarch and to try to get approval from their father is totally stunning. Sad story! But evil, violent, depraved, loving, demanding and appalling. And appeal!ing too!
Pauline Wierenga (not verified) , Thu, 09/17/2020 - 12:48
Can’t wait for season 4 love Yellowstone
JoAnn Edmondson (not verified) , Thu, 09/17/2020 - 16:16
Love this show wherever it is filmed. Montana will be just as beautiful. Will be hard waiting that long but hopefully everyone will be back and the rest will be history. Can't wait.
Jennifer McNul… (not verified) , Sat, 09/19/2020 - 15:10
they should come up to Two Dot and film here!!!
Small town family owned business we could use the screen time!!
Sheila Zeiler (not verified) , Sun, 10/25/2020 - 12:25
I love this show. Love the people. Everything. Would love to go to where they are filming with the hopes of seeing some of the stars. Montana is beautiful. I’ve lived her for 65 years. It has everything.
Julie (not verified) , Sun, 10/25/2020 - 12:43
Love the show and actors. However, the foul language is completely unnecessary. You would have even more viewers if you quit that.
It is certainly not helping the story.
SmellieKat (not verified) , Thu, 11/05/2020 - 18:48
I'm sure they will not be hurting for viewers. I have lived in Montana from birth, have had friends and family in all areas of the state and they have worked from ranch hands to the state capitol. The "language" you speak of is true to almost all of the ranchers, cowboys/girls, farmers, loggers, miners, etc... If you watch the show you will notice when the "language" is used way less and is usually in a more "formal setting" such as the state capitol for example. Truth is, this show is a raw and real example of a life most don't see.
Debby Province (not verified) , Mon, 12/14/2020 - 16:06
I agree. I love the cowboy life style and the horses, but really don't understand why its so necessary for all the F bombs...
Tammara Kline (not verified) , Sun, 10/25/2020 - 13:26
My whole family watches and enjoys Yellowstone. Its meant to be entertaining and it is..... its also bringing revenue to Montana, which is needed. Cant wait for the next season!
Geoff B (not verified) , Sun, 12/27/2020 - 11:51
I got to visit the "Yellowstone" set and I was impressed by what a class act it was. Everyone knew their job and did it. They had a COVID safety officer on-site and everyone followed the rules. This is a big coup for Montana and the fact that Katie Ward had something to do with it does not surprise me one bit.
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