While it’s no secret that Alberta’s economy has long been fueled by its natural resources, it's far from the only source of economic growth. In today’s Twenty-four we take a look at the film and entertainment sector in Alberta, its key drivers and what it could mean for Alberta going forward. 

As international productions roll into Calgary, Canmore, and Fort Macleod, they boost Alberta’s GDP, supporting thousands of jobs, and demonstrate the potential of economic diversification.

Since launching the Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) in 2020 and expanding the eligibility criteria in 2024, Alberta has significantly ramped up its support for screen-based industries. In Budget 2025, the province committed $235 million to the FTTC. 

According to Oxford Economics, season one of HBO’s The Last of Us added over $182 million to Alberta’s nominal GDP. And it's not a one-off. According to the same study, season two of Joe Pickett brought in a $52 million contribution to Alberta’s nominal GDP, with 61% going directly toward Alberta-based wages and the remaining going to local goods and services. The list goes on with projects such as Billy the Kid, Reminders of Him, and Netflix’s My Life with the Walter Boys filming in Alberta.

The Canadian Media Producers Association’s annual economic report suggests that the industry has faced headwinds such as labour strikes in the United States which interrupted production activity in Canada and around the world in 2023. Despite this, Alberta experienced a near tripling of its foreign location and service (FLS) productions in 2023/2024 with total investment growing from $49 million to $192 million and was the only province that experienced significant FLS growth that year. Encouragingly, Calgary Economic Development (CED) received more scouting package requests in the first quarter of 2025 than any other first quarter in the last decade. 

Recent comments have been made by U.S. President Trump about plans to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, citing foreign tax incentives drawing productions away from the U.S. Industry leaders have expressed concerns about potential impacts on current and future productions in the province. But as pointed out by Calgary Economic Development, Alberta’s film industry is becoming less reliant on American productions by welcoming projects from other markets, notably South Korea.

Alberta’s growing film and television industry highlights an important diversification opportunity. As production volumes increase and international interest grows, the sector is expanding its role in the Alberta economy.

Answer to the previous trivia question: The first Tim Hortons location opened on May 17, 1964, in Hamilton, Ontario.

Today’s trivia question: Why is Fort McMurray called Fort Mac not Fort Mc?