Alberta’s government announced the Film and Television Tax Credit in January 2020 as part of the Alberta’s Recovery Plan, making Alberta more competitive with other Canadian provinces, and drawing major film and television productions.
Premier Jason Kenney, joined by Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer, Associate Minister of Rural Economic Development Nate Horner, along with representatives from Alberta’s film industry provided an update on the state of Alberta’s film industry from the Rocky Mountain Film Studio on Tuesday, August 3.
“The rapid expansion of the film industry in Alberta is directly impacting rural communities throughout the province,” Minister Horner said during the press conference.
Since the implementation of the tax credit, some 50 productions have been drawn to the province, creating some 9,000 jobs-both direct and indirect-with total production costs of $955 million.
Minister Horner says removing the $10 million per production cap was a big proponent to drawing a large production, like HBO’s The Last of Us, to the province.
He boasted the Film and Television Tax Credit, combined with Albertans welcoming attitudes, and “unmatched work ethic” make the province a “hot spot” for major film and television productions.
“One of the best things about projects like these is they’re hiring Albertans and supporting local businesses in the trades, services, and hospitality industries,” Horner stated, hailing rural Alberta’s “get ‘er done” attitude have prepared these communities to meet the growing demand of the film industry.
Minister Horner adds many people being hired on by these productions have been unemployed or under-employed for some time.
The Last of Us is slated for filming in and around the Calgary area, and Horner adds the growing film industry in Alberta is complimenting both the province’s recovery plan-which will impact every part of the province-and the tourism industry.
With the industry growing, Horner says there could be potential for the development of smaller studios outside of major centres such as Calgary, which could bring new opportunities to the area.
Drumheller and the surrounding areas will be seen on the big screen in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and on television screens in the Epix and Amblin Television’s upcoming series, Billy the Kid.
