Episode
Why Film In Minnesota? Deputy Director Of Explore Minnesota Film, Nell Lawrenz-Wareham
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- Jun 26, 2026
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- 1332
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Summary
I love Minnesota; in fact, on June 29th, there I'll be, beside one of its 10,000 lakes, ready for America's 250th birthday. (It's the best place to spend the Fourth.) It's also a great place for filmmaking so I talk about that with deputy director of Explore Minnesota Film, Nell Lawrenz-Wareham. This was recorded at the beginning of the month so apologies about any confusion about application deadlines. I am quite certain if we support filmmaking in Minnesota, they'll be back around this time next year. In this episode, Nell and I talk about: how she got involved in film and became deputy director of Explore Minnesota Film; why Explore Minnesota Film transferred from a nonprofit to its current incarnation and what that means for other state film organizations; the pitch for filming in Minnesota; what might surprise you about filming in Minnesota; the 30 year anniversary of FARGO (1996) , which was filmed in Minnesota; the biggest challenges facing Minnesota's fim commission right now; what festivals and project markets stand out for her; the wide range of incentives available to you in Minnesota; the 10,000 Stories Fund ; what she hopes she can talk about regarding Explore Minnesota Film in the future. Nell's Indie Film/Filmmaker Highlight: ISH MEETS A MERMAID (2025), dir. by Jonathan Thunder ; Abby Harri Memorable Quotes: " Most of our permits are free. We can get back to you on an application in under 30 days. We have $92 million in a tax credit pool waiting for you." " And this is also a place where artists can afford to live and stay." Links: Follow Explore Minnesota On Instagram Explore Minnesota Film Website The 10,000 Stories Fund