HBO's The Last of Us, filmed across Alberta has been ranked as the largest series ever filmed in the country, according to an analysis by Oxford Economics.
Oxford Economics calculated that, 'expenditure by the production of Season One of The Last of Us stimulated over $182 million of contribution to Alberta’s GDP from 2021-2022.'
"Every $1 million that the production’s own activities contributed to the economy. Expenditure undertaken by the show’s production stimulated a total of 1,490 full-time equivalent jobs across Alberta from 2021-2022. For every 100 people the production directly employed, its expenditure stimulated another 78 jobs across the province."
A press release from the Motion Picture Association – Canada (MPA-Canada) added that the $71 million of production spending supported wages and salaries for local cast, crew and production personnel, with the remaining $70 million spent at local businesses.
"From lumber and construction supplies to hotels, local catering and more, the series supported over 1,000 Alberta businesses in communities across the province."
Damian Petti, President of Calgary-based Entertainment Technician’s Union for International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.) Local 212 underlined that award-winning Canadian crew members, many of whom are IATSE Local 212 Members, showcased a wealth of creative talent through their work.
"It is truly gratifying to see how The Last of Us is helping to grow highly skilled and very creative, Canadian careers. Members of this talented production team are very deserving of all the accolades The Last of Us is receiving.”
While the economic impact has been monumental across the province, with the series becoming a catalyst for other major production houses flocking to the province to film, it also has a very location connection. Airdrie mom, Lindsey Ricioppo's infant twins were cast in the series to make an appearance in the first season.
More than 180 Alberta locations were utilized in the filming of the first season. Janet Graham Borba, Executive Vice President of production, HBO said that experiencing Alberta’s unique locations was a highlight for our production team.
"Alberta provided The Last of Us with skilled creative talent and visually stunning backdrops as the story moved from east to west. From big cities to small towns, the Rocky Mountains, prairies and forests, the province has it all.”
The show has been nominated for 24 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series.
While the show has been renewed for a second season and will continue to be filmed in Canada, filming will take place in neighbouring British Columbia.
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