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Calgary is consistently reinforcing its image as a leading location for filmmakers, advancing to fifth position on MovieMaker Magazine’s 2025 compilation of the Best Places to Live and Work as a Filmmaker in North America. Ascending from eighth position in 2024, this signifies the fifth year in a row Calgary has received this acknowledgment—a validation of its expanding creative economy and film-supportive initiatives.
“Calgary’s ongoing progression on this esteemed list is the outcome of our dedication to nurturing a creative economy that benefits filmmakers and productions of all sizes,” remarked Luke Azevedo, Calgary Film Commissioner and Vice President, Creative Industries and Operations at Calgary Economic Development.
“With our unmatched landscapes and globally attractive incentives, we’ve developed an environment that supports both local and international productions. This commendation highlights the partnership among industry associates, government entities, and Calgary’s dynamic creative community.”
What contributes to Calgary’s top position?
MovieMaker determines its yearly rankings based on factors such as financial incentives, living costs, filmmakers’ experiences, overall satisfaction, and personal visits from their editorial staff. Calgary’s exceptional showing is credited to its conducive business atmosphere, varied filming sites, award-winning personnel, and top-notch infrastructure.
Calgary outperformed all other Canadian cities on the list except for Toronto, which secured second place. Ottawa and Vancouver were ranked 25th and ninth, respectively.
“Calgary is incredibly hospitable toward filmmakers — even those intending to relocate permanently,” states the ranking in MovieMaker Magazine’s Winter 2025 issue.
“Its numerous attractions feature a beautiful and contemporary downtown that transitions to breathtaking natural landscapes nearby, ranging from prairies to badlands to the Rockies.”
Incentives provided by the Government of Alberta strategically enhance the province’s appeal to attract productions of various scales and optimize their budgets—with a 22 percent credit without a cap available to all productions and a 30 percent credit for Alberta-based owners or producers. In 2024, the eligibility conditions for this benefit expanded to encompass unscripted television, game shows, and regional incentives, captivating a wider array of creatives.
2024’s stellar year for Calgary
Calgary’s creative workforce shone in 2024, with The Last of Us, Prey, and Fraggle Rock receiving 31 Emmy nominations and nine awards. Moreover, the city’s scenery won accolades at the 2024 Location Managers Guild Awards, with The Last of Us recognized for Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary TV Series.
Further showcasing its international allure, Calgary was classified as the fifth most livable city worldwide and the top place in North America by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2024. The city is attracting attention as a location that provides not only professional prospects but also an exceptional quality of life.
Currently, Calgary ranks as Canada’s fourth-largest film and television jurisdiction. Throughout Alberta, the film and television industry contributed $450 million to the provincial GDP and employed over 3,200 professionals as of 2023, with the bulk of this activity occurring in and around Calgary.
The local film and television workforce continues to expand, with 3,000 graduates annually from creative programs at Mount Royal University, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, The University of Calgary, and Bow Valley College. These institutions have also developed specific programs to address skills shortages in Calgary’s creative economy in fields like animation, visual effects, esports, and more.
Calgary Film Commission delivers exceptional support for productions
The Calgary Film Commission and its collaborators offer services such as location scouting, photographic packages, and sustainable vendor suggestions, ensuring a smooth experience for productions.
With provincial incentives, the support rendered by the film commission, and the City of Calgary’s Film Friendly team, the Blue Sky City emerges as one of the most economically viable locations for filmmaking in North America.
The city’s upward momentum shows no indications of waning. As Calgary continues to attract prominent productions and global talent, its creative sectors remain fundamental to the city’s economic strategy, Uplook, establishing Calgary as a center for innovation and creativity.
For further details on Calgary’s film and television sector, visit our Creative Industries webpage.
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