As Alberta’s film and television industry continues to attract more productions, Alberta’s government is committing additional funds to position the province for further expansion in the sector. Alberta is seeing unprecedented demand in production volume and the budget increase will support the development of Alberta’s film and television industry.

“Alberta’s film industry has doubled in production value and is becoming one of the fastest growing industries in our province. From Ghostbusters to Fraggle Rock and from The Last of Us to Fargo, Alberta is proving that we are a destination of choice for production companies. Our increased investment in the Film and Television Tax Credit means more action for our province in the years to come.”

Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation

Budget 2022-23 includes an increase of 40 per cent from Budget 2021 to the Film and Television Tax Credit program for a total of $70 million in 2022-23 and $225 million through 2024-25.

This increase is part of the government’s commitment to ensure Alberta is competitive with other provinces in attracting media productions and growing the film sector by $1.5 billion over the next decade.

“The Government of Alberta’s investment into the film and television industry has been a total game-changer, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic growth in the sector. Graduates of institutions like Bow Valley College can pursue their careers right here in Alberta rather than moving to other previously more competitive provinces.”

Damian Petti, president, I.A.T.S.E Local 212

“The film industry diversifies our strong economy by spending in businesses in a wide range of communities, creating good-paying jobs and promoting Alberta for tourism. Thanks to our world-class crews, our diverse locations, competitive incentives and unmatched quality of life, Alberta is on track to becoming a global hub. This continued support sends a clear message – this is Alberta’s decade.”

Brock Skretting, head of advocacy, Keep Alberta Rolling

"Bow Valley College Centre for Entertainment Arts is developing homegrown talent in the post-production field, so we are thrilled to see this significant investment. It signals a promising future for our graduates who will grow their careers here and contribute to the local economy.”

Michael Crowe, vice-president, Academic, Bow Valley College

Since its launch in January 2020, the Film and Television Tax Credit has attracted 62 productions to Alberta that are expected to spend $621 million in the province and generate more than 12,500 direct and indirect jobs.

These productions, including HBO’s The Last of Us, have also been instrumental in showcasing Alberta as a world-class travel destination given the province’s scenic landscapes and extensive amenities.

Quick facts

  • Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit launched in January 2020 and offers a refundable Alberta tax credit certificate on eligible Alberta production and labour costs to corporations that produce films, television series and other eligible screen-based productions in the province.
  • The Film and Television Tax Credit complements the Alberta Made Production Grant and is part of the government’s commitment to grow Alberta’s cultural industries by 25 per cent over the next decade.
  • Since the program’s launch, 62 successful Film and Television Tax Credit productions have been pre-approved for a combined total of nearly $144 million in tax credit certificates.
  • These successful productions represent a variety of production types and genres, including:
    • one digital media production
    • 20 feature films, including one comedy, six documentaries, 11 dramas, one science fiction and one horror production
    • 41 television series, 22 of which are returning series
  • In 2021, global consumer spending for theatrical and home entertainment reached $99.7 billion, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
  • Global spending in the film and television industry is projected to reach about $113 billion by 2022.
    • It is expected more than $50 billion of that spending will be in North America.
  • Canadian film and TV productions account for $5 billion in revenue and employ more than 117,000 people on a full-time basis.
  • Every year, Alberta graduates more than 3,200 creative industry professionals from its post-secondary institutions.
  • According to Statistics Canada data:
    • Every $1 million of production activity in the screen-based production sector creates about 13 Alberta jobs.
    • Every $1 million of government investment under the Film and Television Tax Credit program is expected to support about 85 Alberta jobs.
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