First Avenue

Stunning Locations

Minnesota has distinctive and diverse urban, suburban, small town and rural locations with a wide range of architectural styles. We offer farmland, prairies, lakes, rivers, forests, the Lake Superior shoreline, and the majestic Mississippi River.

film crew on western set

Experienced Crew & Professional Talent

The Midwestern work ethic is a real thing. Minnesota’s hard-working crew is comprised of seasoned professionals, both union and non-union; with feature, commercial, corporate, and television experience.

Minnesota is home to a large and diverse pool of experienced union and non-union actors who make their living on the stage and in front of the camera. With one of the largest professional theater communities in the U.S. our talent pool is deep, diverse, and dedicated.

film crew shooting scene with two actors

Incentives

We offer two options for state incentives: a transferable tax credit or a cash-back rebate. Plus we have regional incentives that you can stack on the state programs to make your budget go further.

Couple in vintage clothes on green screen set

Services & Support

Our equipment vendors have deep inventories of digital cinema, film, and lighting rental gear. We have recording studios and sound stages, set and prop builders, and multiple post-production, animation, and effects facilities, experienced in everything from editing and scoring to animation and motion graphics.

road with fall foliage

Four Distinct Seasons

Minnesota does not always look like Fargo. Our state offers the sizzling heat of summer, the soft light and budding foliage of spring, the crisp colors of fall, and of course, winter’s snow and ice. 

A plane flying over the Minneapolis city skyline on a sunny day

Easy Access

Minnesota is halfway between LA and NYC, offering daily non-stops from MSP International Airport to just about every major city in the world. MSP is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the country. It's also a base for hometown carrier Sun Country Airlines and Delta Air Lines' second largest hub. Minnesota has two additional international airports (Duluth and Rochester) and six regional airports.

bed with orange pillows

Accommodations

Our numerous lodging options include extended stay properties, hotels, motels, condos, and apartments in all price ranges.

Guthrie Theater

Amenities & Quality of Life

As with any industry, a key factor in attracting business to Minnesota is what we offer when you’re not working. World-class restaurants, dynamic arts and nightlife, professional sports, and the best outdoor recreation in the country make it a pleasure to do business in Minnesota.

Woman and child on the Lake Superior shoreline

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