Calgary’s reputation as a creative and digital innovation hub just leveled up with the grand opening of Bow Valley College’s new Production Hub, a state-of-the-art facility that forms a cornerstone of the Digital Entertainment Nexus (DEN).
“The launch of Bow Valley College’s Production Hub marks another major step forward in building out Calgary’s Digital Entertainment Nexus and cementing our position as a global player in the creative economy,” said Brad Parry, CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development.
With a $5.5 million investment from OCIF, the Production Hub helps filmmakers, animators, game developers, and digital content creators take their ideas from concept to final cut.
Outfitted with Hollywood-grade features, including a wraparound volume wall, motion capture technology, immersive audio, and post-production suites, the Hub gives local creators and companies access to cutting-edge studio technologies typically found in top-tier production facilities.
OCIF's Impact at Bow Valley College
This investment is a key piece in talent development and business acceleration for creative industries helping to drive long-term economic diversification. With this funding, Bow Valley College is expected to train 675 individuals, support 128 companies, and help create over 300 jobs by 2028—fueling growth across Calgary’s creative and innovation economies.
“Support from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, is unlocking new opportunities for creators, companies, and innovation to thrive right here in Calgary,” said Parry.
The Hub is part of a larger vision being executed by Bow Valley College through the DEN, which also includes Calgary’s first Esports Arena and accelerator programming designed to support startups and scale-ups in digital entertainment. Bow Valley College is uniquely positioned to lead this charge — training diverse talent, including students from equity-deserving groups, to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sector.
Brad Parry, President & CEO of Calgary Economic Development and CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, puts himself between the posts — and in front of the volume wall — at Bow Valley College’s new Production Hub. Photo: Calgary Economic Development.
Calgary, a creative economy leader
Calgary’s creative industries are already a major force. The sector employs more than 32,000 people and contributes significantly to the city’s economic diversification efforts.
In 2023 alone, Calgary welcomed over 140 productions and issued 755 film permits. As Canada’s fourth-largest production jurisdiction, Calgary is a premier destination for movies and TV content. In fact, MovieMaker Magazine named Calgary the fifth-best place to live and work as a filmmaker in 2025.
With demand growing globally for immersive content, animation, gaming, and esports, this infrastructure and programming is arriving at exactly the right time.
The DEN's focus on mentorship, applied learning, and business acceleration creates a full-circle ecosystem where local talent can learn, collaborate, and commercialize their creative work. For small businesses and startups, this means access not only to physical infrastructure but also to the knowledge, networks, and supports needed to thrive in a competitive global market.
This aligns seamlessly with OCIF’s mission to attract and grow high-potential sectors by making strategic, targeted investments. With the right support, we’re poised to increase that number and further establish the city as a destination where innovative ideas thrive.
“This is exactly the kind of bold, future-focused investment that fuels economic diversification and reinforces our city as a destination for digital and creative innovation,” said Parry.
Discover how Calgary is building the future of digital media and entertainment — and see how OCIF is investing in the next generation of creative innovation.