Alberta aims to increase production with new film studio

In total the project is expected to cost around $22.8m, for this Calgary will get two sound stages with 20,000 and 30,000 sq ft each, plus 18,000 sq ft of warehouse space and up to 15,000 sq ft more for the creation and storage of props, sets and wardrobes.

Calgary currently already houses 82% of the productions shooting in the province.

Culture minister Heather Klimchuk said: “This move forward is good for the industry and good for Alberta — our film, television and digital media industry was responsible for over $400m in economic activity over the last five years.”

The studio is expected to open in 2015 but the exact location is yet to be confirmed.

Luke Azevedo, the commissioner of film, television and creative industries with Calgary Economic Development (CED) said that first and foremost the area will be able to attract more productions because the development will extend their shooting season with the new facilities. Previously interior scenes for productions were often filmed in abandoned warehouses.

Despite this though, and the competition from British Colombia and Ontario, Alberta has done alright for itself in terms of attracting large productions. Multiple Oscar-winner Brokeback Mountain and Inception shot in Alberta, and currently it is the home of hit series Heartland.

The studios main tenant and operator will be William F. White International – a supplier of film and television equipment.