(1) A postproduction company begins the state certification process by submitting the following information on an application form provided by the Montana Film Office:

(a) Postproduction company's name, primary business address, telephone and fax numbers, incorporation information, federal tax identification number, and the name of at least one principal company officer or manager; and

(b) Estimate of the credit postproduction company will claim.

(2) An application must be submitted in the year in which the postproduction company plans to claim the credit.

(a) A postproduction company claiming the credit multiple years shall submit an application each year the postproduction company claims the credit.

(b) The $500 application fee is only required the initial year a postproduction company submits an application.

(3) A postproduction application is complete when all of the information requested on the application form has been provided to the Montana Film Office by the postproduction company, all follow-up information requested by the Montana Film Office has been provided by the postproduction company, the application form has been signed by the manager, agent, president, vice president, or other person authorized to represent the postproduction company, and a $500 application fee has been received by the Montana Film Office.