CALGARY – Southern Alberta will soon have a new film studio and its first permanent sound stage after the provincial government officially green-lit the $22.8 million project on Tuesday.
The studio will be developed by Calgary Economic Development which was selected through an open competition process to receive $5 million in one-time funding from the Government of Alberta towards the development of a film studio for the Calgary region.
The projected opening date is scheduled for summer 2015 and confirmation of the location for the studio will be forthcoming. The studio will feature two purpose-built sound stages (20,000 sq ft and 30,000 sq ft) with the ability to subdivide the larger studio. It will also include 18,000 sq ft of warehouse space with an additional 10,000 – 15,000 sq ft for workshop /production, props, sets, wardrobes, etc.
According to the announcement, Calgary and Southern Alberta account for 80% of all production dollars spent in the province, and studio space is deemed critical to ensuring the continued success, viability and business attraction of Alberta's screen-based production sector.
“We’re confident in the new business model developed by Calgary Economic Development and believe it has what it needs to be successful in attracting and retaining film productions”, said Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Culture, in the announcement. “This move forward is good for the industry and good for Alberta – Alberta’s film, television and digital media industry was responsible for over $400 million in economic activity over the last five years.”
