What's Happening in Calgary, AB…

Construction of new film studio is nearly complete and, if everything goes as planned, could provide a welcome boost to the city’s economy.

The building, to

be known as the Calgary Film Centre, is located at 5750 76 Ave S.E. It will have three sound stages for filming that range in size from 12,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet. The price tag for the project, set to open sometime in April, has come in at $28.2 million. If all goes well, it could provide many spin off benefits to local enterprises that provide support and services, and printing companies who support them.

This new facility, combined with the country’s current low dollar, could prove very attractive to the film and television industry. According to Calgary Development’s Film Commissioner Luke Azevedo, the low exchange rate makes it cheaper for American based production companies to film in Canada. He noted that there has already been an increase in the number of companies filming across the country.

Mr. Azevedo further went on to say that the studio will help to diversify the area’s economy, and draw innovation to the area. Data from Calgary Economic Development shows that the television, film and digital media sector provides employment for more than 3,000 people throughout the city and generates many millions of dollars in economic activity each year.