The FTTC has been a box office smash for Alberta, generating a four to one return on investment for the government and creating thousands of jobs and major economic impacts for communities throughout the province. The tax credit has put Alberta on the radar for production companies and the province on screens around the world.
Alberta’s government is now making the program even better, while renewing its commitment to growing the film and television industry. Changes to the Film and Television Tax Credit Act and supporting regulation are aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the FTTC program.
“Alberta's growing film and television industry is vital to our province's economic and cultural landscape. The changes to the FTTC program demonstrate our commitment to supporting industry growth, reducing red tape and making the program more effective for film and television production companies and other industry stakeholders.”
The legislative and regulatory changes will promote filming in rural and remote regions of the province and streamline administrative processes to increase flexibility for film and television industry stakeholders, make the program easier to navigate and enable productions to access their tax credits earlier. Additionally, eligible production genres have been expanded to include game shows and reality television.
These improvements will expand Alberta’s film and television industry by providing transparent rules, consistent oversight and reducing hurdles for stakeholders to access the program.
"I am excited to see how these enhancements to the Film and Television Tax Credit program will affect Alberta’s filmmaking industry. We know that Alberta's stunning landscapes and skilled workforce make our province a prime location for productions, and these changes will increase our province's reputation as a destination for all sizes and types of productions.”
The FTTC program was launched in 2020 and offers a refundable tax credit of 22 or 30 per cent on eligible Alberta production and labour costs for projects with a budget of at least $500,000. The program has already led to increased film activity in our province, authorizing more than 175 productions to participate in the program to date, including HBO’s hit series The Last of Us and Fargo season five.
"The updates to the Film and Television Tax Credit program will put a brighter spotlight on Calgary’s film and television industry and increase our competitiveness. Calgary has long been a hub for creative talent and award-winning productions, and these changes will enhance our ability to attract globally significant projects. This is a step forward for our industry and for Alberta’s vibrant filmmaking community.”
The FTTC program provides significant return on the government’s investment. Every $1 in film and television tax credit is expected to generate about $4.3 in associated Alberta expenditure. Productions participating in the FTTC program are expected to spend more than $1.28 billion in the province across a range of industries, generating an estimated gross domestic product of $741 million and supporting more than 12,700 jobs in Alberta.
Alberta remains a Canadian destination of choice for the film and television industry and looks forward to welcoming even more made-in-Alberta productions to our province.
Quick facts
- To date, 177 productions have been authorized to participate in the FTTC program.
- These productions are expected to spend more than $1.28 billion in the province across a range of industries, generating an estimated gross domestic product of $741 million and supporting more than 12,700 jobs in Alberta.
- 56 of the 177 approved productions (32 per cent) have included filming in rural locations. These productions collectively represent up to 40 per cent ($517.7 million out of $1.28 billion) of the estimated Alberta spend.
- Legislative changes were implemented through Bill 10, which was introduced to the legislature on March 12. The bill passed third reading on April 11, and received royal assent on May 16. The act and regulation amendments come into effect as of June 7.