Calgary continues its ascent on the North American film map, rising from fifth to fourth place on MovieMaker Magazine’s 2026 list of the Best Places to Live and Work as a Filmmaker.
“This recognition from MovieMaker reflects what productions are experiencing on the ground in Calgary,” said Adnaan Wasey, Calgary Film Commissioner.
“The Blue Sky City offers an unmatched combination of diverse locations, experienced crews and a business environment that makes creative ambition achievable. Moving into fourth place reinforces that Calgary isn’t just competitive — it’s a top destination for filmmakers looking to create content efficiently and at scale whether they’re mounting a global series or making their first feature close to home.”
The newly released ranking marks the sixth consecutive year Calgary has been recognized on the list. The city’s consistent rise in the ranks is a reflection of its growth into a leading destination for film and television production and its growing reputation as a place where independent filmmakers can build sustainable careers.
“Calgary’s thriving film scene has helped drive growth up north for years, and recently enjoyed a major upswing in location-scouting requests,” noted MovieMaker Magazine.
“The city has plenty to offer: Its varied, affordable locations range from downtown cityscapes to stunning prairies, badlands and the Rockies.”
A city built for the camera
Calgary’s appeal lies in that versatility, supporting productions such as Netflix’s My Life with the Walter Boys, MGM’s Billy the Kid, the long-running Canadian series Heartland, and more in 2025 alone.
At the same time, that same infrastructure, crew depth and affordability make it possible for local creators and indie filmmakers to develop, shoot and scale projects without leaving the city.
The city’s natural advantages are matched by a compelling business case. Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit offers a rolling 22 per cent to 30 per cent refundable credit on eligible production expenses. When stacked with federal tax credits, productions can achieve an even more substantial refund. Alberta also has no provincial sales tax, helping productions maximize on-screen value.
The city’s film strengths were also reflected on the big screen last year, with Die My Love marking one of Calgary’s highest-profile theatrical releases of 2025. Filmed in and around the Calgary region and starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, the feature premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and earned major international award nominations. These marquee successes continue to create opportunities that ripple through the local film community.
Alberta’s film industry that keeps building
Alberta’s strength on MovieMaker’s list extended beyond Calgary this year, with Edmonton ranking 22nd — the city’s first ever appearance on the list. The debut underscores the province’s growing depth in screen production, supported by competitive incentives and targeted programs that help emerging and independent filmmakers bring projects to market. Edmonton’s inclusion reflects a broader ecosystem that attracts everything from indie productions to major international series, reinforcing Alberta’s position as one of the most film-friendly jurisdictions in North America.
Calgary is Canada’s fourth-largest film and television production centre, anchoring the majority of Alberta’s screen-sector activity. Thousands of professionals work in the industry across the region, supported by a steady pipeline of graduates from local post-secondary institutions and specialized programs in animation, visual effects and digital media — notably through Bow Valley College and SAIT.
The city is known for its deep bench of skilled, experienced crews and production professionals who can support projects of any scale. The city also boasts a strong festival ecosystem, including the Calgary International Film Festival and the Calgary Underground Film Festival, which play a vital role in spotlighting local voices and giving indie films a platform alongside global content.
Through the Calgary Film Commission, provincial incentives and a film-friendly municipal environment, the Blue Sky City continues to stand out as one of the most cost-effective and production-ready destinations in North America — a place where big productions land and local storytellers stay.
Moving into fourth place on MovieMaker’s list signals more than a ranking change. It solidifies Calgary’s reputation as a city where creative vision, experienced crews and smart economics come together, supporting filmmakers at every stage of their journey.
Discover more about Calgary’s thriving film and television industry here.