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4th
best place to live and work as a filmmaker in North America
MovieMaker, 2026
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#1
Calgary was named filming location of the year by Global Production Awards, 2023
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333
days of sunshine, annually.
Why film in Calgary
Calgary’s track record includes everything from independent films to major Hollywood features—plus a long list of productions that return again and again. As the fourth-best city for filmmakers to live and work in North America, the Blue Sky City offers:
- Film-friendly concierge support through the Calgary Film Commission
- Competitive, stackable financial incentives
- Experienced local crews
- Diverse locations in compact radius
- Global connectivity with over 100 direct international flights
- Big-city capabilities at lower costs
Proven production expertise
SEVEN24 Films
For more than two decades, SEVEN24 has been producing acclaimed films and TV series. Credits include Heartland, Wynonna Earp, Billy the Kid, Fortunate Son and more.
Polyscope Productions
Polyscope is skilled at pre-production, production and post-production. It can help with everything from tax credit applications to running crews, editing and sound mixing.
Meta Productions
The Emmy-winning Meta is a full-service production and post-production house that handles commercial campaigns and TV series. It works throughout North America on behalf of WestJet, Nike, HBO, Apple and Netflix.
Nomadic Pictures
Over the course of its 30 years, Nomadic Pictures has won three Emmys and amassed an impressive list of credits, including Fargo, My Life With The Walter Boys, The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie and House of David.
One region. Endless backdrops.
The Calgary region delivers unmatched location diversity. We provide easy access to:
- Canadian Rockies
- Drumheller Badlands
- Prairies
- Calgary skyline
- Standing sets
Plus, with over 750,000 square feet of stages and production space, we can easily host multiple productions simultaneously.
Accessible financial incentives
Alberta-filmed productions can access Alberta's uncapped 22% to 30% refundable Film and Television Tax Credit, stackable with federal Canadian film and video production tax credits. Combined with targeted provincial funding programs, these incentives support studio features, series, unscripted formats and international co-productions.
Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit
Designed for mid-to-large productions, Alberta's Film and Television Tax Credit provides a refundable 22% to 30% return on eligible production costs for films, series and unscripted content with no per-project cap and a $500,000 minimum spend.
Alberta Media Fund
Local filmmakers and organizations creating and developing screen-based projects can apply to the fund for support under $500,000.
Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit
Supports Canadian-owned content by offering a refundable federal tax credit of up to 25% of eligible Canadian labour costs for certified Canadian film and television productions.
Federal Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit
The PSTC provides foreign productions a federal tax credit of up to 16% on eligible Canadian labour expenditures.
Crews and creative talent
Calgary is home to a deep pool of experienced talent— actors, directors, writers, location managers, producers and crew—supported by established guilds and labour organizations that productions know and trust.
ACTRA Alberta
Professional union representing film, television and digital media performers in Calgary and across Alberta.
Directors Guild of Canada—Alberta District Council
Represents directors, assistant directors, and key creative and production roles on film and television projects.
IATSE Local 212
Union representing film and television crew in Calgary, including camera, lighting, grip, sound, art department, wardrobe and technical roles.
Writers’ Guild of Alberta
Represents professional screenwriters working in film, television and digital media.
Concierge support for film and TV productions
Operating within Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary Film Commission works directly with productions as a complimentary, full service agency offering strategic guidance and concierge support across all aspects of productions.
Connect with our teamPermits
We help producers understand and secure the permits required—to film on private property or City-owned land, work with firearms and special effects, build sets and more.
Scouting and location packages
Every story needs a strong backdrop. Our team can create a list of possible locations based on the needs of your project. We can also show you around town on one of our familiarization tours.
Connections to unions, guilds and vendors
It’s all who you know in this business. And we know everyone. We can connect you to everything from local sound stages and talent agencies to set construction and post-production companies. You name it—we've got you.
Funding incentive wayfinding
Alberta offers one of North America’s most competitive and flexible film and television incentive environments. Our team can help you identify which incentives your production is eligible for and how to apply for them.
Resources for Albertans
Alberta Producer Accelerator Program
The Alberta Producer Accelerator (APA) Program gives emerging local producers and filmmakers the tools and connections needed to get their projects rolling.
Screen Access Alberta
Screen Access Alberta is a one-stop digital resource for creative talent to learn more about building a career in the province’s screen sector.
Resources
Reports
An Action Plan for Alberta’s Screen Production Workforce
The Workforce Action Plan outlines the key needs, gaps and challenges facing the sector and the steps being taken to address them.
Alberta Film and TV Labour Market Survey
Get an overview of the current and projected labour market needs required to support the continued growth of Alberta’s film and TV production industry.
