About Us

Mission Statement

Treasure State Studios is committed to building a sustainable film industry in Montana, one that is truly led by local talent. Our ultimate goal is to see Montanans not just on set, but in powerful above-the-line positions—directing, writing, producing, showrunning, and leading major projects.

In short, we want Montanans to earn a good living working on projects they can be proud of while sleeping in their own beds at night.

Meet the Team

  • John D. Nilles. Co-Owner & Founder. A man with a beard in a suit sits on a director's chair in a photography studio, looking up and smiling slightly. Studio lights and equipment are visible.

    John D. Nilles

    CO-OWNER & FOUNDER
    Producer, Director, & D.P.

    John is a 6th generation Montanan, filmmaker, & film educator. He has directed & produced countless short films, commercials, documentaries, music videos, & feature films. John’s 20 year dream of owning a film studio in Western Montana came true when Treasure State Studios opened in 2020.

  • Richard Davenport. Co-owner. Close-up black and white portrait of a man with a full beard, glasses, short hair, wearing a checked shirt and light sweater, adjusting his glasses and looking directly at the camera.

    Richard Davenport

    CO-OWNER
    Producer & Production Designer

    Richard is a creative professional with 20 years of industry experience. He has produced a variety projects over the years and has also led the art department as production designer for multiple productions including feature films, short films, commercials, and the long running large scale Missoula Haunted House.

Two men smiling and holding drinks, standing outdoors in front of large white barns with black roofs and mountains in the background during dusk.
Two men having a conversation on a film set, one in a Christmas sweater and the other wearing a Santa hat and Christmas sweater, with crew members and equipment in the background.
Two men take a selfie outdoors next to a black vehicle with an open trunk. Both are wearing gray caps with a logo, and one man is wearing a blue t-shirt with a logo that says "ARTEMIS." The sky is clear and blue, and there are trees in the background