The Film and Television Tax Credit, in combination with Alberta’s competitive tax environment, affordable labour costs and breathtaking scenery, has made the province a prime choice for medium and big-budget television and film projects that will have a positive impact on Alberta’s economy.

To build on the success of the program, Alberta’s government is removing the $10-million per project cap to make the province an even more desirable location for larger film productions. This change also creates more flexibility for the province to respond to future growth in this sector and encourages the development of production studios here in Alberta.

The tax credit has a significant return on investment, with every $1 in tax credits distributed creating roughly $4 that is reinvested into Alberta’s economy.

It is expected that successful Film and Television Tax Credit applicants will create thousands of good-paying jobs for Albertans, as removing the per project cap will embolden more longer-term television series to come to the province.

“These changes to the Film and Television Tax Credit are going to attract hundreds of millions of dollars in productions which leads to the development of film studios and creates hundreds of jobs ranging from carpenters to lighting technicians. Productions will fill hotels, drive diversification and provide customers to small businesses across Alberta.”

Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation

“Supporting Alberta’s emerging film and television talent is essential to a strong and thriving screen-based sector. This industry is resilient and has stepped up to the challenge of working safely. It was an honour to work with JEI and stakeholders on the tax credit enhancements, and I am thrilled to see made-in-Alberta productions filming again and creating jobs for artists.”

Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women

Since the Film and Television Tax Credit launched in January 2020, it has approved 31 medium and large-scale productions with an anticipated spend of $177.6 million and 3,300 jobs for Albertans.

Applications approved by the program so far represent a variety of production types and genres, including:

  • one digital media production
  • 10 feature films, including one comedy, three documentaries, five dramas and one science fiction production
  • 20 television series, 13 of which are returning

Through Budget 2021, Alberta’s government increased its supports for this industry by adding an additional $19.5 million for a total budget of $50 million in 2021-22.

Application intake for the Film and Television Tax Credit opened on Jan. 29, 2020, and remains open.

“Today’s announcement is monumental in its significance to Alberta’s motion picture industry. In terms of jobs, this announcement will mean new careers for thousands of highly skilled Albertans. Many hundreds of businesses will also benefit from the massive infusion of cash this industry brings into our economy. Our industry has worked together for decades to encourage this outcome. I congratulate the Government of Alberta and all those industry members who worked tirelessly to bring about this announcement today. We are now a much more competitive jurisdiction with interest and major investment from the world’s largest studios and streaming companies. Albertans can be proud of this industry and should be prepared to hear additional announcements about new projects in the near future.”

Damian Petti, president, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 212

“The Alberta Media Production Industries Association welcomes the decision to enhance the Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit. These changes will bring significant growth in investment and jobs in our industry and beyond. We look forward to working with the government to ensure there continues to be a place for Alberta’s stories and storytellers as our sector grows.”

David Benson, chair, Alberta Media Production Industries Association

“This is a significant step toward making Alberta’s film and television industry the strong economic driver it can and should be. Investment in the Film and Television Tax Credit will attract large- scale productions and build new infrastructure, diversifying Alberta’s economy through the creation of thousands of new, skilled jobs.”

Tom Cox, managing partner, SEVEN24 Films

“Alberta has become a location of choice globally for film and television production. Our vistas, talent, crews and safe film-friendly environment are world-class. With the support of Minister Schweitzer and our provincial government, we now have the ability to compete internationally for large-budget projects that will have a significant impact on our provincial economy and job creation in this exciting, growing sector.”

Luke Azevedo, commissioner of Film, Television & Creative Industries, Calgary Economic Development

“When we filmed Togo in the town of Cochrane and surrounding area, our production was brought to life by the expertise of local crews and stunning landscapes. The experience was truly second to none. This announcement is great news for Alberta’s film and TV sector, and for production teams with their eye on Canada.”

Mary Ann Hughes, vice-president, Production and Investment Planning for Disney

“HBO welcomes the Alberta government’s announcement and the efforts to bring more film and television production to Alberta. Alberta offers incredible locations, local talent, and has much to offer the global production community.”

Janet Graham Borba, executive vice-president of Production for HBO

“Alberta is poised to become the next major production centre in Canada and with the changes to their production incentive they have made themselves competitive with many jurisdictions both inside and outside the country. We appreciate the steps the government, and especially Minister Schweitzer, have made to make Alberta more attractive for film and television production.”

Barry Ziehl, senior vice- president, Public Affairs, Warner Bros.

“An enhanced film and television production incentive will support growth and opportunity for local cast and crew, and engage workers in a wide range of sectors from construction, transportation, accommodation and hospitality. This is a welcomed announcement for global production teams looking for more choice, breathtaking locations, and new talent. We look forward to continuing to work together with Minister Schweitzer to build the creative economy in Alberta.”

Wendy Noss, president, Motion Picture Association-Canada

Quick facts

  • 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.
    • Through the January and July 2020 intakes of the Alberta Made Production Grant, the Alberta government is funding 26 small productions that will spend approximately $6 million in Alberta with the potential to support nearly 80 Alberta jobs.
  • In 2019, combined consumer spend globally for theatrical and home entertainment reached $101 billion, a 34 per cent increase since 2015.
  • The film and television industry is experiencing significant growth nationally and globally.
    • Global spending in the 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.
  • Last year, the Canadian Film and Television Industry was valued at $3 billion and employed more than 54,000 workers.