What We Do

Our mission is to advance the regional economy by promoting increased media production across Northern MN. We are the only nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing jobs and economic impact to the region through a thriving media creation industry.

We assist production companies by providing incentive administration, connecting with local vendors, creators, and crew, and assisting to overcome production challenges, developing workforce, and promoting the region to industry decision makers.

Discover everything you need for your next project, from regional incentives and production support to pre-location scouting and logistics. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s all right here!

Incentive Administration

Northern MN boasts some of the best incentives in the nation. We'll help you navigate the process from application to rebate.

INCENTIVES

Workforce Development

As part of our mission to build a skilled and inclusive film workforce, we offer hands-on workshops that introduce participants to the key roles and responsibilities on a film set.

WORKFORCE

Crew Connections

We'll help you find local crew at all experience levels! No matter the scope or budget of your film, we will work with you to find the perfect cast and crew above and below the line.

CREW

Locations

From beaches to wooded areas, small deserted spaces to cityscapes, UMFO will introduce you to the region, provide concierge services and connect you to experienced Location Scouts.

LOCATIONS

Marketing the Northland

World class incentives, locations and a talented crew base help the region sell itself! UMFOs work attracts projects of all sizes to the region.

MARKETING

Community Connections

It helps to know who's who in the community. We joke that we're two degrees from just about everyone in the region, if we don't know the person, we know someone that does!

CONNECTIONS

Business Connections

We’re committed to forging meaningful partnerships with businesses across the Northland to strengthen our creative economy and ensure our region’s growth is rooted in community.

SERVICES

Permitting

We are here to help connect you with the appropriate government agency and to facilitate the proper permitting and permissions.

PERMITTING

A BIT ABOUT OUR HISTORY

History

The Upper Minnesota Film Office began in 1995. Since then we’ve been connecting filmmakers to the community.

North Country — the 2005 drama film starring Charlize Theron — was filmed in Eveleth, Virginia, Chisholm, Hibbing and Minneapolis, and continues to leave its mark on Minnesota’s northern communities. Other big studio favorites include Grumpy Old Men, Iron Will, A Prairie Home Companion, The Mighty Ducks and Fargo. Award-winning indie films have included Dear White People, A Serious Man, Factotum and Sweet Land.

On the television side, Minnesota is the backdrop for top-rated shows on ABC, Amazon, HGTV, The Travel Channel, National Geographic, The Food Network, Lifetime and Netflix, including Bizarre Foods and 20/20: In An Instant.