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Ranked as the 5th best place to live and work as a filmmaker in North America, It’s no wonder Calgary is a location of choice for local, national and international filmmakers who are inspired to bring their stories to the world – and the podium.

As Canada’s fourth-largest production jurisdiction, Calgary has award-winning talent and crews, globally competitive incentives, infrastructure and world-renowned locations.

 

A film friendly city

Calgary is a film-friendly jurisdiction sought after by local, national and international film and TV productions including The Last of Us, Prey, My Life with the Walter Boys, The Abandons, Fargo, Fraggle Rock, Under the Banner of Heaven, Guilty Party, Joe Pickett, Tribal, Skulls, The Thicket, Billy the Kid, Heartland and Jann. 

Financial incentives

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Film and Television Tax Credit

The Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers a refundable Alberta tax credit certificate on eligible Alberta goods, services and labour costs to corporations that produce films, television series and other eligible screen-based productions in the province. Non-Alberta Applicants may apply for a 22% tax credit rate or a 30% tax credit rate for rural and remote filming.

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Alberta Media Fund


The Alberta Media Fund (AMF) supports the growth and sustainability of Alberta’s cultural industries through a variety of grants. Local filmmakers and organizations involved in the creation and development of screen-based productions can apply to the Alberta Media Fund for support under $500K.

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Canadian Film/Video Tax Credit

The Canadian Film/Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) provides eligible productions (out-of-province talent and crews who are Canadian citizens) with a fully refundable tax credit, available at a rate of 25% of the qualified labour expenditure.

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PRODUCTION SERVICES

Calgary Economic Development and Calgary Film Commission support all film and TV production needs in the Calgary region.

As a full-service agency, our team specializes in attracting and supporting screen productions, offering scouting services, location packages and assistance navigating necessary permits. 

Our services extend beyond production support. We provide strategic guidance, industry knowledge and connections to vendors and services, ensuring your project's success. 

Let us be your partner in bringing your creative project to life. 

Connect with the Calgary Film Commission

Scouting in the Calgary region?

Welcome, filmmakers! If you are scouting locations in the Calgary region, we're here to support you. Please download the location scouting notice below.

Important: Please ensure that the Calgary Film Commission is aware of your scouting activities. Notify and send completed letter to our team here.

Download Letter

Filming in the Calgary region?

The Calgary Film Commission collaborates with The City of Calgary’s Film Friendly team to provide access to permits for municipally owned locations and services. Permits are needed to film any motion picture, TV program, commercial, music video or commercial still photography on City of Calgary property.  
 

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Productions filming in Calgary should follow the required steps:

Please note: For an optimal online experience, we recommend you complete the below form on a desktop in the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla FireFox for PCs or Macs. 
 

Step 1

The Calgary Film Commission works to simplify and expedite the success of your production in Calgary. Productions interested in filming in Calgary should first submit the Film Production Information Sheet.

Submit Film Production Information Sheet

Submitting this form helps the Calgary Film Commission gather sector data to enhance ecosystem development, better position Calgary to support production growth, and capture the positive impact that the screen industries have on our region’s economy.  

Please note: We do not report on info gathered from individual projects; we share aggregate numbers annually to highlight sector activities in the province.    

If you experience any issues completing or submitting the form, please contact [email protected] for assistance. 

 

Step 2

The Calgary Film Commission can help your production navigate access to information about filming in Calgary, scouting needs, and necessary permits. To access filming permits:  

  • If it’s private property, connect directly with the owner.
    • Ensure that you inform the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) of your filming and safety plans including set construction, special effects and potential fire/life safety hazards. Please contact their team at [email protected].
  • If it’s a City-owned asset, head to the City website. Did you know? Through the City intake, a City of Calgary Film Permits & Services Coordinator will be assigned. 
  • Unsure? No worries! Let our Calgary Film Commission team help you navigate the process. Please contact us at [email protected].

NOTE FOR PRODUCTIONS - If you need to secure a City permit, complete The City’s Film Services Intake form and communicate with the Film Permits & Services Coordinator assigned to you. Please do not bypass the intake process, even if you have a preferred or regular contact within The City of Calgary. This ensures the permitting process is as efficient and seamless as possible for you and your production. If you have questions about the intake process, you can contact The City of Calgary’s Film Friendly team at [email protected].

Production support

The following is a list of Calgary region based companies that cater to the Film & TV industry.
These companies are available to filmmakers and producers looking to work in the Calgary region.

Additional Resources

Information for property owners, extras and production staff.

Making sustainability an easy choice for Alberta productions.

The Alberta Sustainable Production Guide provides easy access to vendors and service providers vetted for ability to provide eco-friendly service from food rescue to biodegradability, from recycling and composting services to garbage waste reports, from Tier 2 generators to battery powered options. 

Visit the guide

Workforce Development

With over 4000 Albertans employed in the film and television sector, Calgary is contributing world-class talent to productions of all sizes. Several programs are offered to build skill capacity, foster growth, and support the development of talent. 

Alberta Producer Accelerator (APA) Program

The Calgary Film Commission and Edmonton Screen in partnership with Access Canada are proud to announce the launch of six new cohorts of the Alberta Producer Accelerator (APA) Program, taking place over the next three years to help deliver the projects of Alberta television and film producers to the global stage. The APA delivers intensive expert-led trainings and mentorship facilitating industry connections to navigate market opportunities.
 

Applications are open now until April 3, 2025.

Apply now

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging (EDIAB) and Indigenous Engagement Protocols

Conducting training programs and developing equity protocols for those that work in film and television environments in Alberta to create more inclusive environments.  

Screen Access Alberta

Screen Access Alberta is a digital resource focused to enhance career pathways in Alberta’s thriving film and television industry for both newcomers and existing workers. Screen Access Alberta serves as a roadmap for creative professionals seeking guidance on entering the industry, advancing their careers, and fostering workforce development.

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