Alberta's film industry is experiencing its biggest boom in history, with major Hollywood productions committing over $500 million for Alberta shooting schedules in 2025. The province's remarkable growth as a filming destination has attracted numerous A-list productions, setting new records for both project volume and budget allocation. This surge marks Alberta as North America's fastest-growing film production hub.
The upcoming slate features several high-profile projects, including "The Abandons" starring Gillian Anderson and "Howl" produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. These productions will utilize Alberta's diverse locations, from the Rocky Mountains to urban centers, while creating thousands of jobs for local crew members and background actors. The province's competitive tax incentives and world-class production facilities have made it an increasingly attractive choice for major studios.
Alberta's Diverse Landscapes: A Filmmaker's Paradise
In the heart of Western Canada lies a filmmaker's dream canvas, where diverse landscapes converge to create an unparalleled shooting paradise. From snow-capped peaks to otherworldly badlands, Alberta's varied terrain offers directors an entire world of possibilities within a single province.
Majestic Rocky Mountains
The towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies serve as nature's most dramatic backdrop. Fortress Mountain in Kananaskis Country has become particularly legendary among filmmakers, hosting productions like The Revenant and several other acclaimed features. The area's pristine snowscapes and rugged terrain provide the perfect setting for everything from intense survival dramas to epic adventure films.
Rugged Badlands
The otherworldly terrain of Drumheller Valley and its surrounding badlands has captured Hollywood's imagination for decades. This unique landscape has starred in over 75 major productions, offering:
·       Dramatic rock formations and hoodoos
·       Mars-like terrain perfect for sci-fi productions
·       Historic locations ideal for Western films
·       Stunning sunrise and sunset shooting conditions
Bustling Urban Centers
Edmonton and Calgary provide versatile urban shooting locations that can transform to match any director's vision. Edmonton's river valley, North America's largest urban green space, offers a unique blend of city and nature settings. The cities feature everything from historic neighborhoods to ultra-modern architecture, providing locations that can double for virtually any urban setting worldwide.
Pristine Lakes and Forests
Alberta's natural beauty extends to its pristine wilderness areas, with locations like Abraham Lake and the Bow Valley offering filmmakers extraordinary shooting opportunities. These areas showcase crystal-clear waters, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. The changing seasons provide four distinct looks throughout the year, from snow-covered winter wonderlands to vibrant autumn colors.
What sets Alberta's landscapes apart is their accessibility and proximity to one another. Within a single day's shoot, productions can capture scenes in rugged mountain terrain, pristine forests, and urban settings. This versatility, combined with the province's experienced location managers and well-maintained infrastructure, makes Alberta an efficient and cost-effective choice for productions of any scale.
Major Productions Choosing Alberta in 2025
Hollywood's biggest names are flocking to Alberta's film scene, with an unprecedented lineup of major productions scheduled for 2025. The province's film commission has secured several high-profile projects that promise to showcase Alberta's versatile locations while bringing significant investment to the region.
The Abandons with Gillian Anderson
Netflix's ambitious western series "The Abandons" marks one of the most significant productions heading to Alberta. Created by Kurt Sutter of "Sons of Anarchy" fame, this period drama features Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey in leading roles. The series, set in 1850s Oregon, follows diverse renegade families fighting for survival. Filming is scheduled from May through October 2025, with production primarily centered in Calgary and surrounding areas. The series particularly showcases Alberta's rugged terrain, with casting calls specifically seeking authentic frontier faces and period-appropriate background actors.
Die, My Love starring Jennifer Lawrence
Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence leads an impressive cast including Robert Pattinson in this psychological thriller. The film, which combines elements of comedy, drama, and horror, tells the story of a mother battling psychosis in a remote rural setting. Production has already commenced in Calgary and nearby locations, including the scenic areas near Airdrie and Souto Farms in Rocky View County. Director Lynne Ramsay, known for "We Need to Talk About Kevin," brings her distinctive vision to this compelling narrative.
Howl produced by Leonardo DiCaprio
In an intriguing collaboration, Leonardo DiCaprio has partnered with renowned zoologist Jane Goodall to produce "Howl," a unique survival story. The film, shooting from October 2024 through February 2025, follows the journey of a family dog named Harry who forms an unlikely bond with a wolf during a harsh winter. This production specifically chose Alberta for its winter landscapes and natural settings, reinforcing the province's reputation for diverse filming locations.
Other High-Profile Projects
The province's production slate continues to expand with several other noteworthy projects:
·       The UCC: JBR Project, a series focusing on one of history's most perplexing unsolved crimes
·       Night of the Reaper, scheduled for fall shooting in Calgary
·       A significant investment of CAD 124,920 in the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) for 2024-2025, supporting Industry Week programming and fostering local talent
This impressive lineup of productions represents a significant vote of confidence in Alberta's film industry capabilities, with each project bringing its own unique requirements and creative vision to the province's diverse locations.
Economic Impact of Film Industry on Alberta
The economic footprint of Alberta's film industry extends far beyond the glitz and glamor of Hollywood productions, creating a ripple effect that touches virtually every sector of the provincial economy. Recent data reveals unprecedented growth, with Calgary alone generating CAD 4.03 billion in creative industry revenue.
Job Creation
The film sector has emerged as a powerful employment engine for Alberta. A single production like "Joe Pickett" generated 400 full-time equivalent jobs, with 270 direct positions and 130 indirect roles across the province. For every 100 people directly employed by productions, an additional 49 jobs are created in supporting industries. These positions span a diverse range of skills, from specialized film crews to hospitality workers, creating opportunities for both experienced professionals and newcomers to the industry.
Local Business Boost
The economic multiplier effect of film productions has transformed local business landscapes. Recent productions have demonstrated remarkable impact:
·       Over 620 local Alberta businesses supported by single productions
·       61% of production budgets allocated to wages and salaries
·       Nearly CAD 2.8 million spent on rental vehicles
·       Approximately CAD 694,000 in restaurant per diems
·       CAD 6 million in hotel vendor spending
Tourism Increase
The phenomenon of "set-jetting" – tourism inspired by screen locations – has emerged as a significant economic driver. Industry reports indicate that more than half of global tourism is now influenced by screen content, with one in four travelers more likely to choose destinations featured in films or TV shows. The success of productions like "The Last of Us" prompted Travel Alberta to create specialized filming location maps and seven-day travel itineraries, attracting fans to authentic shooting locations across the province.
Infrastructure Development
The surge in production activity has catalyzed substantial infrastructure investments. Calgary, representing 80% of Alberta's film and television production spending, has positioned itself as Canada's fourth-largest film production jurisdiction. This growth has driven development in:
·       State-of-the-art production facilities
·       Post-production capabilities
·       Digital effects studios
·       Professional training programs
·       Support service infrastructure
The industry's economic impact continues to grow, with the Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) program allocating CAD 134.64 million over three years to support future productions. This investment strategy has proven effective, as demonstrated by long-running series like "Heartland," which has generated over CAD 485.80 million in direct provincial economic impact since its inception.
The screen industry's influence extends into numerous sectors, creating opportunities for professionals ranging from environmental specialists and electricians to accountants and paramedics. This diversification has strengthened Alberta's economy, providing new career paths for workers transitioning from traditional industries while fostering sustainable, long-term growth in the creative sector.
Why Filmmakers Keep Coming Back to Alberta
Behind Alberta's meteoric rise in the film industry lies a sophisticated infrastructure of talent, technology, and support systems that keeps bringing filmmakers back to the province. From seasoned professionals to cutting-edge facilities, Alberta has cultivated an ecosystem that rivals established filming destinations like Vancouver and Toronto.
Experienced Local Crew
Alberta's film industry boasts some of North America's most skilled professionals, with many crew members bringing 14-30 years of experience to each production. The province's talent pool includes award-winning cinematographers, skilled lighting technicians, and versatile production teams who have worked on everything from indie films to blockbuster productions.
The depth of local expertise is particularly evident in specialized areas:
·       Camera operators with extensive experience in extreme weather conditions
·       Stunt coordinators familiar with mountain and wilderness filming
·       Technical crews skilled in both traditional and digital production methods
·       Location managers with intimate knowledge of Alberta's diverse shooting environments
Tax Incentives and Rebates
Alberta's competitive tax structure makes it financially attractive for productions of all sizes. The Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers substantial benefits that include:
·       Base tax credit of 22% for eligible productions
·       Enhanced 30% rate for productions meeting Alberta-based ownership criteria
·       Zero provincial sales tax, providing additional cost savings
·       Program cap of CAD 13.88 million per production
·       Special considerations for rural and remote filming locations
State-of-the-Art Production Facilities
The province's production infrastructure continues to expand with world-class facilities designed to meet the demands of modern filmmaking. Notable facilities include:
Facility Name Features Size Calgary Film Center Soundstages, workshops, equipment rental 85,000 sq ft Dept. 9 Studios Soundstages, post-production suites, digital labs 26,000 sq ft Film Alberta Studios 36-ft open span stage, carpentry space 51,570 sq ft Fortress Studios Large outdoor green space, drive-through loading 95,000 sq ft These facilities offer state-of-the-art amenities including:
·       Advanced climate control systems
·       High-capacity power infrastructure
·       Connected production offices
·       Comprehensive support spaces
Supportive Film Commissions
Alberta's film commissions have established themselves as invaluable partners in production success. The province maintains three major film offices:
Alberta Film Office provides centralized support with services including:
·       Location scouting assistance
·       Permit facilitation
·       Industry networking
·       Production resource coordination
The Edmonton Film Commission and Calgary Film Commission offer specialized local support, helping productions navigate city-specific requirements and connect with regional resources. These organizations work in concert with Keep Alberta Rolling, a non-profit dedicated to showcasing the benefits of the screen industry in the province.
The Commercial Production Association of Western Canada actively works to enhance shooting conditions, supporting both productions and industry professionals while fostering community relationships. Their efforts have helped establish Alberta as the fourth most filmed province in Canada, creating a sustainable and growing industry that continues to attract major productions year after year.
Conclusion
Alberta's remarkable transformation into a premier filming destination represents a perfect alignment of natural beauty, infrastructure, and industry support. The province's diverse landscapes, from dramatic Rocky Mountain peaks to otherworldly badlands, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced local crews, have attracted over $500 million in production commitments for 2025. This unprecedented growth stems from Alberta's unique ability to offer filmmakers everything they need: competitive tax incentives, versatile locations, and comprehensive production support.
The surge in film production extends far beyond the entertainment industry, creating lasting positive effects throughout Alberta's economy. Thousands of new jobs span multiple sectors, while local businesses benefit from increased spending on services, accommodations, and supplies. As major productions like "The Abandons" and "Howl" showcase Alberta's capabilities to global audiences, the province stands ready to maintain its position as North America's fastest-growing film production hub, promising continued growth and opportunities for years to come.
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