News
Behind the Scenes with CED:
How Calgary Economic Development is fostering global filmmaking within the city limits
August 24, 2010. Filmmakers from around the world have long known of the advantages of using Calgary as a backdrop for their productions – the Oscar-winning Brokeback Mountain and Emmy-nominated Into the West but two recent films that have raised Calgary's profile in moviemaking circles and beyond.
Helping to further this positive profile, Behind the Scenes is a unique 'film friendly' initiative from Calgary Economic Development. It aims to provide the community with a better understanding of how the local film industry operates and why it is not only an essential component of our economy, but also a strong contributor to the cultural fabric of our city.
CED-led community outreach between engaged citizens, industry partners and the City of Calgary ensures that Calgary continues to be seen as a choice location for international filmmakers in this highly competitive, global market, while encouraging individuals, communities and local businesses to be receptive to current and future film and television production taking place on their doorstep.
The Behind the Scenes program connects both local and international film and television industries with the Calgary community, bringing the most compelling stories to life from behind the lens.
The big picture:
* An average Calgary-based production spends approximately $90,000 per day
* 85% of Alberta's film industry is based in the Calgary Region
* 95% of the people employed by a production live in the Calgary Region
* More than 3,000 Calgarians are employed in the film and television industry, as actors, camera operators, sound and lighting technicians, caterers, make-up artists, graphic artists, set designers, photographers, painters, plumbers, carpenters, animal trainers, truck drivers and more
* Production spending positively impacts a broad range of sectors including accommodations, restaurants, retail, grocery stores, office supplies, furniture stores, dry cleaning, travel agents, building material suppliers and businesses and homes used as locations
* Film and television production is a green industry, with a minimal environmental footprint both on-set and off
* Film set locations are proven to boost tourism and investment
* In recent years, the Calgary region has been transformed into Afghanistan, Mexico, Las Vegas, Vietnam and New York City
Behind the Scenes is a collaborative effort between CED, industry, government and community stakeholders. By working together these groups help the local film and television industry establish trust and open communication with the communities they are working in.
