New Calgary film studio sets opening date

William F White International, Canada’s largest supplier of film and TV equipment, will be an anchor tenant at the centre.

“The primary role of the film centre is to support the growth of the creative industries in southern Alberta and, more specifically, the Calgary region,” said Erin O’Connor, general manager of the Calgary Film Centre.

“We plan to support a critical mass of national, international and local productions allowing for an increase in the quantity of creative projects in this region.

“Alberta’s vistas and scenery are the main reasons why directors choose to come to Alberta. This is supported by award-winning crews and now a film centre that elongates the season and provides scheduling flexibility against uncertainties due to weather. We have a nice niche in the market and can now fully service the industry.”

The new studio could help boost Alberta’s regional production profile. Two seasons of the critically-acclaimed TV drama Fargo have filmed in Calgary and built sets in adapted warehouses.

Leonardo DiCaprio and filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu spent nine months on location near Calgary for rugged survival drama The Revenant (pictured).

The Alberta Production Grant offers up to 30% of eligible local spending as a filming incentive, although the programme is limited to a per-project cap of CA$5m.

For more on filming in Alberta see our production guide.

Image: Twentieth Century Fox