While there has been a decline in the economy, a group in Drumheller is hoping the motion picture industry can be an economic boom for the province and the valley.
Matthew Paproski of Starland Studios hosted a film panel last Thursday night at the Drumheller Legion. He invited Jolayne Motiuk of Calgary Economic Development, Tina Alford of ACTRA Alberta, Damian Petti, president of IATSE Calgary local and locations manager Terry Marsh. All have extensive experience in the film industry. About 70 residents came out to learn more about the industry.
“I think we can call it a success,” said Paproski.
The theme of the talk was “Make Drumheller Film Friendly”. Paproski said it was a useful dialogue.
“I really liked the fact that the speakers had a good time and got to know us a little bit, it wasn’t just listening to them,” he said.
The speakers were happy to help promote the industry.
“It has always been a mandate unofficially of the industry to go out into the small communities. Alberta is a location-based hub. People come here because they can get all of the different looks, so on and off for the last 20 years we are always promoting and trying to get smaller towns film friendly,” said Alford.
Drumheller has had much success hosting different projects over the years and according to Petti, Drumheller is an important piece of the puzzle.
“Historically it has been used for a lot of different looks. Currently, there is a project scheduled to come into Drumheller next month called “Hold the Dark.” It is a feature film that will ultimately be distributed through Netflix,” said Petti.
He adds that the industry is optimistic. “What has changed is that we have the sound stages in Calgary so it is more of a year-round production,” he said. ”There is also optimism with the current government, they have been working on a Cultural Industry Action Plan, the details are to be announced within the next month.”
“There is kind of a bullish feeling about production and a willingness on the part of me and others to educate the community as to the opportunities. Obviously, Alberta has had some economic hardships in the last few years and this is a chance to diversify.”
Marsh said film friendly means being ready for productions and being efficient.
“Film friendly means smoothing out the paperwork, getting permission and everybody giving the thumbs up, and it starts right at the government level,” said Marsh. “Drumheller has always been great to work here, but it has been small enough at this point to talk to the mayor and one or two other people, and away we go. We want to remind them that’s important because this business works fast,” said Marsh.
Alford said in the past they have worked well with the town, with former economic development offices.
“When anyone had a question, they could call that one person, they could do the work behind the scenes and the film scouts and crews can move along without the red tape,” said Alford.
Marsh adds that local established industry can play their part.
“The film industry hires everybody at some point. I have hired welders, drivers, vehicles, water trucks, everything you could imagine,” said Marsh.
Alford suggests that an online directory could be a simple tool for a community to develop.
She adds that tourism related to the industry could become another spinoff.
“Movie tourism is huge. So having something on the town’s website, promoting all the things that have been shot here, Fort Macleod has had tremendous success, with Brokeback Mountain being the pinnacle.”
