Could Calgary become a major player in Canada’s film industry?

CALGARY (CityNews) — The Calgary movie scene is buzzing.

A new major film studio opening in Calgary has the local film and entertainment scene excited about what’s to come for the industry in the city, and what it could mean for the rest of the province.

“The fact that they’re willing to open a new studio space, because they haven’t had one before, is a really good sign,” said filmmaker Matt Watterworth. “We’re looking like we’re going to have our best year ever.

“There’s a vibe right now, like there’s some really exciting news.”

With major production companies like CBS and Disney, industry players like Watterworth think this could help bring Calgary and Alberta into the spotlight, and possibly part of Hollywood North.

Before the pandemic, Alberta couldn’t compare with Vancouver or Toronto, where the film industry is thriving.

“But when COVID hit, and now that we have some procedures to shoot during COVID, it seems like that’s a factor as to why some American productions are coming to Canada because it’s maybe easier to shoot here than in the U.S.,” said Watterworth.

Prospects are looking interesting for some actors as well.

Josh Garcia has been working in Calgary as an actor for four years. He was seriously considered leaving the city to find work elsewhere.

“Before COVID, I actually was looking to going to Vancouver,” said Garcia. “I had everything planned out. The only thing I had left was to move, and then COVID hit.”

With the news of this new facility, and more opportunity as things reopen, he’s undergoing a major re-think of his plans.

“I think I am leaning more towards staying because the reality is, Calgary is home,” said Garcia. “I didn’t want to leave because of the people, but the opportunities weren’t here. So if the opportunities are here, just like any other actor, we’re going to stay.”

The Hollywood Reporter released an article on the new 100,000 square foot facility called ‘Fortress,’ which is located in the city’s southeast.

The company that owns it, William F. White International, owns nine other studios in Vancouver and Toronto, where Hollywood filming right now is bursting at the seams.

It also comes as the province introduces tax breaks as further incentive.

That could mean many new jobs on the horizon for Alberta’s growing film industry.

“We might be in trouble for people, we just don’t have the crew base to accommodate a Vancouver size production volume, so if people are interested in getting involved in the film industry, now might be a good time to learn a new skill,” said Watterworth.

The studio is currently fielding offers for Hollywood studios and streaming companies and is set to open on May 15.