‘Brokeback’ country on tourists’ list

CHEYENNE, Wyo. —  Fans of “Brokeback Mountain” don’t seem to care that the movie was filmed in Canada.

They want the Wyoming experience.

The Wyoming Business Council’s travel and tourism department has received hundreds of calls asking about scenery in the movie, which is about two gay Wyoming cowboys.

“When we tell them it was shot in Canada, they’re still interested in Wyoming,” said Michell Howard, manager of the council’s film, arts and entertainment office. “They don’t hang up and call Alberta. They’re intrigued in the story.”

Wyoming Business Council spokesman Chuck Coon said he hasn’t seen a movie generate this much interest in the state during his 15 years at the travel and tourism department.

“In terms of phone calls and Internet requests, it’s usually slow this time of the year,” he said. “This movie has changed that.”

He said the film’s subject matter “has something to do with it, but most of the calls we get are asking about scenery.”