A film permit(s) is required to film any theatrical motion picture, television program, television commercial, or music video or commercial still photography on streets or property under the jurisdiction of the Corporation of The City of Calgary, or when off-street film-making affects the normal use of the adjacent street. Please note changes, corrections or additions to an original permit will require a new permit application
This permit requirement does not apply to television stations preparing stories for news or current affairs programs. Similarly, it does not apply to businesses or individuals retained by City of Calgary business units to prepare training or promotional materials for City purposes.
The following documentation must be received at least 5 business days before any permits will be issued. Please allow at least 10 business days for permits to be processed. Please note for an optimal online experience, we recommend you complete these forms on a desktop in the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla FireFox for PCs or Macs.
1
Submit the film production information form
This form provides basic information about the production and the production company; a brief outline of all planned activities; the initial shooting schedule; and approximate number of cast and crew members. Please complete this online form and submit. If you are having any issues completing or submitting the form, please contact [email protected] for assistance.
2
Submit the acceptance of terms and conditions form
This form is a location agreement with the City of Calgary that must be signed for productions of 10 days or less. This form must be downloaded and can be emailed to [email protected].
3
Provide proof of commercial general liability insurance
in the amount of not less than $2,000,000 inclusive limit for any occurrence must be provided. The City of Calgary and Calgary Economic Development are to be named as an additional insured.
Proof of commercial general liability insurance in the amount of not less than $2,000,000 (two million dollars) inclusive limit for any occurrence must be provided. Liability Insurance must be provided by an insurance company registered to do business in the Province of Alberta;
Automobile third-party liability insurance in the amount of not less than $1,000,000 (one million dollars) inclusive limit covering all vehicles used in connection with the film-making activities;
The City of Calgary (PO Box 2100, Station M, Calgary, AB T2P 2M5) and Calgary Economic Development (500 Centre St S 32nd Floor, Calgary, AB T2G 1A6) are to be named as an additional insured;
That any and all claims or legal suits or actions involved must be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and under the jurisdiction of the Law Courts of Alberta.
Additional insurance may be required depending on the filming activities in which case the amount will be decided by The City's Risk Manager.
Will you be using city parking, streets, parks or transit? Do you need Emergency Medical Services, City of Calgary Fire Department or Police Services on location? A permit is required.
Applications must be sent to our Film, TV & Creative Industries office a minimum of ten (10) days in advance for ALL services below, unless otherwise stated. Fees may be applicable. Learn how to apply.
Permit requests are still being accepted however City of Calgary locations will be limited at this time.
For more information:
Street use permit and temporary no parking permit are for access to parking or filming on Calgary streets, including ParkPlus, and includes all production equipment and vehicles. The City of Calgary Roads will set the conditions on Street Use Permits for street, alley, and sidewalk use and closures. Failure to adhere to or to exceed the permit conditions, will result in the permit being revoked and all work suspended for the remaining portion of that project.
NOTE: A copy of the permit must be on location at all times. All film production vehicles must display a valid parking permit in the windshield of each parked vehicle. Vehicles not displaying a valid permit may receive parking tickets. Film crews are not allowed to park vehicles in front of fire hydrants, driveways, within five meters of other areas as deemed by The City of Calgary, Traffic Engineering. Vehicles may be ticketed and towed in these cases. If it is necessary to tow a vehicle that is parked in a signed area, the Location Manager must call the Calgary Parking Authority Enforcement Section at (403) 537-7100. It is illegal for the production company to request a towing company to move a vehicle; this is the responsibility of the Calgary Parking Authority.
Streets in the downtown core (Bow River to 12 Ave. South and 6 St. East to 11 St. West) will not be closed during the normal business day unless:
Major streets will not be closed during the high-volume traffic periods. Lane closures will be considered if the impact to the public is within reason and congestion can be mitigated by issuing a public service announcement regarding the affected area prior to the event.
Calgary Police Service officers may be required to undertake traffic control duties for any on-street filming that will affect or interfere with traffic. Traffic Engineering will determine if police assistance is required prior to issuing permits. All costs associated with the hiring of pay duty officers will be paid for by the applicant.
The City of Calgary owns many facilities that are generally available to the film industry. These include parks, pathways, recreation facilities, landfill sites, warehouses, the Municipal Building (excluding Council Chambers), and City Hall complex.
Production companies must remember that The City requires these facilities to serve Calgarians on an ongoing basis therefore filming may be limited and will not be permitted if it severely impacts The City's ability to function. Filming in certain locations may not be allowed and facilities may have specific conditions for filming. Previously booked events will take precedence.
Fees and security deposits will be negotiated in conjunction with The City department responsible for the facility along with the Creative Industries office and the Location Manager. If access to buildings or grounds is granted, all associated costs including service staff and City security will be charged to the production company.
The City Clerk's Office must provide approval for any film inquiries involving the Municipal Building Atrium, Municipal Plaza and Historic City Hall. A walk-through inspection facilitated by a representative of the Creative Industries office in conjunction with the Location Manager for the production and a Corporate Properties & Buildings representative will take place before filming to facilitate the request.
For dedicated medical stand by, Here are a few options:
The initial request to utilize Calgary Fire personnel, vehicles, equipment and uniforms must be made via email to [email protected] and must include all pertinent details of the script involving the Fire Department, as well as a brief outline/general overview of the film. The final permission to pursue filming using Calgary Fire assets and personnel is given by the Fire Chief.
The Calgary Fire Department is recognized as an industry leader and has established an impeccable reputation. Any film content that has the potential to tarnish the Fire service or the reputation of The City of Calgary Fire Department will not be supported and the use of Fire personnel, vehicles, equipment and uniforms will not be allowed.
A pre-production Fire and Safety meeting must be set up with production personnel by emailing [email protected] and any requests for permits must be received at least three weeks in advance.
If your production is going to involve any of the following:
A pre-production Fire and Safety meeting must be set up with production personnel by emailing [email protected] and any requests for permits must be received at least three weeks inadvance.
The following information must be provided ten (10) business days prior to any explosive, pyrotechnic effect or burning permit being issued:
If the use of a fire hydrant is required, please contact the Creative Industries office. If a Fire emergency occurs, the Fire Department's use of the fire hydrant shall supersede any other use of the hydrant. The Fire Department must be provided with unobstructed access to the fire hydrant for the duration of the emergency.
Water Services will inspect the fire hydrant and the film production company's staff will be trained on its use. After completion of filming, Water Services will re-inspect the hydrant. If the hydrant is damaged, Water Services will repair the hydrant and bill the film company for costs incurred.
Police presence is required for public safety:
To apply for Calgary Police Services Assistance for your production, please email your request to [email protected]
Storage, Display, Handling and Transportation of Firearms
If firearms are be used and seen by the public and/or discharged, the Calgary Police Services Firearms Support Unit and the Film, TV & Creative Industries office must be notified at least one week (five business days) in advance. Include in the notification the time and location the filming will take place, the nature of the firearms used and the name and permanent address, phone number and date of birth of the gun wrangler.
All film Armourers/Gun Wranglers must be in possession of and be able to produce a Possession & Acquisition License (PAL) as required by the Federal Government on demand. They must be familiar with Canadian Laws with respect to storage/transportation/regulation of permitted/restricted/prohibited firearms (Storage, Display, Handling and Transportation of Certain Firearms Regulations).
All restricted and/or prohibited weapons must have an "Authorization to Transport" permit issued by the Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC). The CFC can be contacted at 1-800-731-4000.
Various fees are charged for use of City of Calgary streets, parks, equipment and personnel.
Effective as of February 2020 Generic Permit to Film |
No Charge |
Traffic Control Set-up |
$22.50+ for use of street / sidewalk Work order coordination - $110.00 Small NPAT (Signage) setup - $270.00 Medium NPATs, Lane closures - $345.00 Large detours - $585.00 Major detours - $720.00+ |
Parking Authority (ParkPlus System) |
Varies by area regular parking rates apply |
Use of Parks |
$56.62+ / day – greenspace $56.62 - $82.56+ / day – pathways $26.25 admin fee per application (non-refundable, due upon processing of application) $69.57+ / picnic sites (based on # of people) $1.20 - $22.54+ / hr - playfields $26.39 - $141.47+ / hr – athletic parks $65.09 - $282.51 / hr – ice & non-ice rates $25.00/hr - $4780.65 arena room rates |
Use of City Owned Property |
Negotiable |
Transit 1 CTrain / LRT Car 1 Transit Bus Transit Staff (Electrician, Safety, Signals, Security) Transit Police Officers |
$250+ permit fee $451 / hr (3 hr min) $175 / hr (2 hr min) $155 / hr (3 hr min) $142 / hr (3 hr min) |
Police (pay duty):
Constable Sergeant Staff Sergeant Marked vehicle |
Min. 3 hr charge per officer / vehicle (all charges subject to GST, minimum of 2 week’s notice for requests, 3 hr. charge for less than 24 hr cancellation) $142.25 / hr $170.30 / hr $179.80 / hr $30.00 / hr (max. $360/vehicle/day) |
Fire Department Pyrotechnic & Open Flame permit fees Open Flame Pyrotechnics Special Effects/High Level Five (5) or more locations Safety codes fee Safety codes Officer |
1 hr min charges apply $1325 / hr $139 / location $335 / location $335 / location $1454 $12 $104 / hr |
Hours for filming, move-ins, move-outs and related activities are:
If loud noises are expected during filming between the hours of 10 p.m. - 7 a.m, a noise exemption request must be submitted via email to [email protected] and will be submitted and approved by Bylaw Services for filming in both residential and non-residential areas. The assigned Bylaw officer will advise the applicant on what type of notification to the public is necessary.
Although a noise exemption request must be made for filming activities in commercial, industrial and the non-residential areas of the downtown core, Bylaw Services will have increased flexibility in their approvals for these areas. All requests are subject to the conditions outlined in the Use of Special Effects, Weapons, Explosives, Stunts, Loud Noises or Helicopters.
An information letter must be delivered to those residents and businesses directly impacted by the closure of a street, alley or sidewalk, including road detours, or being subjected to the lights and/or noise of the film crew on set. Prior to distribution, please send a draft of the information letter to Creative Industries, Calgary Economic Development for review and approval to [email protected]
The information letter must be printed on the ‘Behind The Scenes’ template: Word Template
And the following content should be included along with your company letterhead:
A copy of the written notification will be distributed by Creative Industries to the City's Operations Centre (311), 911 Dispatch, the Aldermanic office for the applicable wards, Bylaw Services, and where applicable Community Associations and Business Revitalization Zones.
On-location Signage
The production company should place a sign(s) on the sidewalk in the area advising public that filming is taking place. Filming involving loud special effects, gunfire, etc. requires a larger notification area within the general vicinity.
The production company should ensure its staff acts in a safe and professional manner. This includes refraining from trespassing, littering, lewd or improper language or dress. Care should be taken that vehicle and generator exhausts and spillover lighting do not negatively affect residents and businesses. The safety of the public and enjoyment of their property should not be jeopardized.
Please review the Safe Use of Unmanncd Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or Drones website prior to applying for a permit to use a drone for filming in the City of Calgary.
Please note approvals may take a minimum of 10 business days for processing once all paperwork is submitted.
The following documentation must be on file with Creative Industries before any permits will be issued:
1. Film Production Information Sheet
2. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions for Filming in Calgary
3. Proof of Insurance must be provided at time of permit application and must include:
4. A copy of the operator’s Drone Pilot Certificate from Transport Canada must be provided for each request as stated above and it must be valid for Class ‘C’ airspace in the province of Alberta.
5. Full equipment specs including make, model and weight.
6. A flight plan including take-off, landing, and intended flight path.
City of Calgary permits are required:
Provincial permission is required:
The Community Standards Bylaw promotes good neighbour relationships and addresses community concerns through the regulation of noise, fire pit use, untidy properties, weeds and grass, graffiti and nuisances.
The Creative Industries office must be notified at least five working days in advance of any scenes requiring special effects, stunts, loud noises, and weapons (whether being fired or not). Verbal and written notification to residents and businesses must also make reference to these activities. Please review the Notifying residents and businesses guidelines. The City of Calgary reserves the right to have production companies notify affected residents before permits are issued in these cases.
The presence of the Calgary Police Service and/or Fire Department staff may be required during this type of filming and will be coordinated by the Creative Industries office. Please review the Fire and Police Assistance guidelines.
Storage, Display, Handling and Transportation of Firearms
If firearms are to be used and seen by the public and/or discharged, the Calgary Police Services Firearms Support Unit and the Creative Industries office must be notified at least one week (five business days) in advance via email to [email protected] . Include in the notification the time and location the filming will take place, the nature of the firearms used and the name and permanent address, phone number and date of birth of the gun wrangler.
All film Armorers/Gun Wranglers must be in possession of and be able to produce a Possession & Acquisition License (PAL) as required by the Federal Government on demand. They must be familiar with Canadian Laws with respect to storage/transportation/regulation of permitted/restricted/prohibited firearms (Storing, transporting and displaying firearms)
All restricted and/or prohibited weapons must have an "Authorization to Transport" permit issued by the Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC). The CFC can be contacted at 1-800-731-4000.
Helicopters that use the downtown heliport in Calgary require prior permission from the City of Calgary. For requests or inquiries regarding the heliport, please email the Roadway Operations Group directly at [email protected] and include details of the flight (arrival, departure and full contact information).
You will be contacted within one business day.
Requests for low-level flights for any type of aircraft within Calgary city limits require a Letter of No Objection from The City. After receiving the letter, the applicant must then provide it to Transport Canada.
Please refer to The City of Calgary’s Heliport and Low Level Flights website for more information and fees.
Information for property owners, extras and production staff.
If you are the owner of a property being used in a film production, here are some things to consider:
People choose to do Background work for many reasons; it’s a way to gain experience on a film set or to earn additional money or an opportunity to meet friends and other members of the community. Regardless of your reasons, you should take your participation in the production seriously and you should always conduct yourself in a professional manner. Please read the following section carefully if you are interested in doing background work.
The best way to get started is to contact each of the Casting Directors who handle Background on our list and inquire about getting into their database of performers. Chances are, they will require a photo and resume including details such as birth date, height, weight, current hair colour, etc. Remember, not all Background Casting Directors are the same and they may not all be looking for new people.
For more information please visit ACTRA Alberta.
For information regarding production staff opportunities please contact:
New to working in the industry? Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you get started:
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.
403.289.1973
587.441.6635
403.266.7331
403.244.2666
587.349.7599
403.236.7529
403.266.1980
1.800.667.4980
1.888.888.4374
587.352.2020
587.352.5500
403.266.4611
403.252.2253
1.877.362.8990
587.747.1234
403.717.1234
403.228.4442
403.265.9600
403.313.0210
403.231.1000
587.349.8633
403.288.4441
403.266.7200
403.262.1234
403-229-9155
403.266.1611
Jarret Productions Ltd.
403.813.8992
John Scott Motion Picture Animals
403.816.0001
1.877.455.5866
604.299.7050
403.561.7403
403.277.5867
403.589.6932
403.262.2668
403.228.3141
403.668.9130
403.240.0444
403.464.8271
403.228.3123
587.955.9551
780.944.0707
403.264.6610
403.205.4747
403.217.8672
403.263.2833
403.250.2199
778.330.1669
403.261.5767
403.259.4608
403.685.5236
403.258.0207
403.216.9911
403.288.2728
Sync Spot - Digital Audio Post
403.228.2199
The Beach Advanced Audio Production Inc.
403.237.6267
Matrix Video Communications Corp.
403.640.4490
403.246.7267
403.234.9935
403.263.4623
403.869.3181
Lillian Messer, Theatre Calgary Head of Props
403.294.7440, ext. 1305
Alberta College of Art + Design
403.284.7600
403.762.6100
403.440.6111
403.342.3400
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
403.284.8543
402.220.6207
403.243.7211
403.276.1505
Wildrose Lighting Ltd.
403.289.2121
403.279.2693
1.800.615.5897
403.209.6300
403.245.1192
403.269.7961
403.923.8684
Alberta Aerial Video Photography & Photography Productions Inc
403.301.3733
800.974.7073
403.451.4484
403.243.0155
403.774.7373
403.283.2090
403.264.5400 ext.122
Feature Productions (Lethbridge)
403.942.6655
403.629.8389
403.453.0586
587.215.5511 or 403.860.4184
403.543.5151
403.616.0000
403.264.5400
403.261.3808
403-660-8364
403.615.1839
403.264.9111
MEDIAPOP Creative + Production
403.650.2366
403.240.0444
403.234.8566
403.542.0750
403.605.0029
403.510.8606
403.777.9900
403.703.5570
403.334.2530
403.630.0858
403.277.3893
403.262.8422
403.283.9993
403.229.2511
Big Rock Water Hauling Service Ltd.
Office: 403.257.0270
Blue Sky Tours & Executive Transportation
403.609.4984
1.800.268.8900 / 403.226.1550
CMP - Classic Rentals & Leasing
403.207.1000
403.212.5232
403.252.8833
National Car and Truck Rentals
403.221.1690
403.242.4067 / 1.877.242.4067
Pioneer Offroad Rentals (Edmonton)
780.454.1010
403.273.6521
Travis Burke - Freelance Videographer
403.878.5425
CSIF - Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers
403.205.4747
403.288.9562
403.263.2833
Northwest Fire Rescue & Training
780.777.4688
403.261.5767
WIFT-A - Women in Film & Television - Alberta
403.685.5236
Jase Security
403.763.7825
403.273.9550
403.233.7633
403.252.6603
403.606.7925
PALCOPREP Inc. (Drumheller, AB)
403.822.3782
403.253-5447
Bleeding Art Industries Inc.
403.236.0025