Alberta’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women, Tanya Fir, has announced new support for the province’s rapidly growing film and television industry, aiming to strengthen its international presence.
Fir highlighted Alberta’s increasing global recognition for its unique landscapes and skilled workforce, which have attracted major productions such as The Last of Us and season five of Fargo. The province has quickly become a destination for blockbuster film and television projects, bringing both international attention and significant economic benefits.
“Alberta has a growing reputation in the film and television industry,” Fir said. “We know how to put on a good show on and off the screen. Our government is committed to ensuring that the momentum continues by investing in local talent and supporting new productions.”
The Alberta government’s support comes through the Alberta Made Screen Industries Program, which Fir described as central to fostering local talent and increasing production capacity in the province. The program consists of three grant streams that target filmmakers, studios, and small-budget productions. These initiatives are designed to nurture emerging talent and provide a training ground for future industry leaders.
Since the start of 2024, nearly $1 million has been invested in 11 productions under the Alberta Made Production Grant, which provides funding for various projects across the province. Fir emphasized that seven of these productions also received additional support for training and mentorship, creating an educational pipeline for the next generation of filmmakers.
“For every dollar of government support through the production grant stream, the industry generates $4 in investment back into the province,” Fir said. “That’s a solid return on investment for Alberta.”
Additionally, half of the productions funded under this program were filmed or planned to film in small cities, towns, and rural areas outside of the province’s major hubs in Calgary and Edmonton, extending the economic benefits of the film industry to communities across Alberta.
The government is also providing financial support to the province’s writers, directors, and producers through the Project Script Development Grant, which has distributed nearly $1 million to 62 projects in 2024 alone. This grant helps local creators develop commercial-ready projects and scripts, leading to more stories from Alberta reaching global audiences.
Fir noted that the post-production side of the industry is also getting a boost. The Post-Production, Visual Effects, and Digital Animation Grant—unique to Alberta in Canada—has helped local post-production companies retain jobs and keep more of the film production cycle within the province.
“Supporting post-production work here in Alberta ensures that we’re not just a filming location but also a place where the entire production process, from start to finish, can happen,” Fir explained.
The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF), now in its 25th year, plays a pivotal role in promoting Alberta’s film industry. The government has committed $90,000 over the next two years to support the festival and its Alberta Spotlight series. CIFF’s Industry Week also provides a platform for seasoned professionals and emerging talent to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate.
CIFF’s Executive Director, Katherine Penhale, welcomed the government’s ongoing support, describing it as vital for the festival’s continued growth. “The festival’s impact extends far beyond our festival dates,” she said. “We are a vital force within the province’s vibrant film community, and the unwavering support from the Alberta government helps ensure that we can continue to nurture and showcase Alberta’s creative talent.”
This year’s festival features notable Alberta-made films, including the opening gala, The Thicket, and the closing film, Lucky Star, both shot in Alberta by local filmmakers. The festival also highlights the importance of developing a skilled workforce, with workshops on scriptwriting, pitching, and voice acting offered during Industry Week.
The Alberta film industry’s expansion isn’t just creating jobs—it’s also helping shape the province’s cultural identity. Fir emphasized that supporting Alberta-made productions is about more than just economic gain; it’s about telling Alberta’s stories to the world. “Our productions are sharing stories that help shape Alberta’s culture and identity,” she said. “We want to help tell more of these stories as the industry continues to grow.”
Minister Fir also acknowledged the importance of attracting large productions to Alberta, noting that the province’s competitive film and television tax credit has been a game-changer in bringing major shows to the province. “These companies are businesses, and the bottom line matters. The film and television tax credit continues to make us very competitive,” Fir said.
With strong backing and a growing pool of talent, Alberta’s film and television industry appears poised for continued success in the years ahead.