The province has announced that it will increase its investment in the Alberta film and television industry to a total of $335 million over three years to continue attracting the attention and investment dollars of Hollywood.
"Alberta is experiencing exponential growth in our film and television sector, and we are well on our way to becoming a top Canadian jurisdiction for producers from around the world. Productions reach every part of Alberta – big cities, small towns and rural locations – and use local resources, businesses, accommodations and contractors, supporting thousands of jobs," said Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development, Brian Jean.
In 2020, Alberta’s government launched the Film and Television Tax Credit, which supports medium- and large-scale productions with costs over $499,999 through a refundable tax credit on eligible. The government stated that because of the credit, the industry grew in size and reputation. One year after the tax credit was launched, the cap was raised, resulting in a doubling of the province’s film and television sector.
"Since then, Alberta has attracted 129 productions with a total production value of $1.7 billion. This growth has resulted in approximately 9,000 direct and indirect jobs for Albertans," a provincial press release stated.
Damian Petti, President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees I.A.T.S.E. Local 212 Calgary said that the tax credit is central to the success of the industry.
"This is a competitive industry globally, and here in Alberta, we’re fortunate we had the cap removed. Now we can see productions with budgets from $100,000 to well over $100 million. Now that we have a robust production environment, there are more opportunities for people to have well-paying creative jobs," he said.
To help grow and promote local talent and productions, Alberta’s government is also doubling the funding to the Alberta Made Screen Industries Program. This funding will support local producers and attract productions from around the world to set up shops in Alberta.
The Alberta Made Production Grant supports productions with a budget of up to $499,999. Tina Alford, branch representative of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Arts (ACTRA) Alberta expressed her happiness at the continued funding.
“It will help grow the local industry, which means so much to local performers because that’s where they build their resumés. It allows them to be a working performer, and not take side jobs or a day job somewhere else, and really focus on their craft.”
According to Statistics Canada, for every $1 million of production activity in the screen-based production sector, it creates about 13 Alberta jobs, while every $1 million of government investment under the Film and Television Tax Credit program is expected to support about 85 Alberta jobs.
Recently, I.A.T.S.E. Local 212 Calgary confirmed that several Hollywood production is either filming or planning to film in the Airdrie area.
Wind River: The Next Chapter will be filmed in Beiseker, while Season five of Fargo was also being shot in Didsbury.
Didsbury's penchant for being chosen by production companies has also spurred something more than fans cheering as they spot their hometown on-screen. Earlier this month, the Towns of Didsbury, the Town of Sundre, and Mountain View County announced the opening of Alberta's first Rural Film Office and website. The Mountain View Regional Film Office (MVRFO) is meant to attract even more film productions.
The government said that every $1 investment in the Alberta Made Production Grant program generates an additional $4 in economic return.
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