Adnaan Wasey has been appointed Calgary’s new Film Commissioner, a strategic move that signals the city’s focus to scale its screen sector and solidify its position as a global production destination.
Born in Toronto and currently residing in New York City, Wasey is returning to Canada eager to cultivate the possibilities for Calgary’s creative economy. Wasey brings over two decades of leadership in media and nonprofit sectors, including roles at PBS, Disney, The New York Times and The Gotham.
“Calgary is at a creative inflection point,” said Wasey. “The city offers everything today’s content creators and production houses need, with skilled local talent and crews, tools, landscapes, incentives, educational programs and an enviable quality of life. Beyond the practical, Calgary has something special – an entrepreneurial spirit and film-friendly approach that turns productions into partnerships. I see an opportunity to help scale Calgary’s trajectory — building a sustainable, inclusive ecosystem that makes Calgary synonymous with creative excellence.”
Building on Calgary's momentum
His appointment comes as Calgary’s film industry gains international momentum, with notable infrastructure, competitive incentives and a growing reputation for production excellence. The city recently ranked the fifth-best city in North America to live and work as a filmmaker by MovieMaker Magazine — its fifth consecutive year on the list — and was recognized as Location of the Year by the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.
Wasey’s background in strategic transformation and ecosystem-building aligns with Calgary’s ambitions to attract more local, national and international productions across all formats.
“Adnaan’s leadership and industry connections will continue to elevate Calgary on the international stage, scale our creative economy and position the city as a powerhouse for content creation, production and storytelling,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development.
Wasey’s career includes launching the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, advising the MacArthur Foundation’s Journalism and Media Program, and earning accolades including an Emmy Award and multiple Webby nominations. His leadership is expected to deepen Calgary’s creative capacity and expand its global reach.
Wasey’s official start date is Aug. 1, but he will be attending the Calgary Stampede to begin engaging with the community as he transitions into the new role.
As Calgary continues to attract high-profile productions and global talent, our creative industries remain integral to the city's economic action plan, Uplook, positioning Calgary as a hub for innovation and creativity.
For more information on Calgary’s film and television sector, visit our Creative Industries webpage.