As Canada’s fourth-largest production jurisdiction, Calgary has award-winning talent and crews, globally competitive incentives, infrastructure and world-renowned locations. It’s no wonder Calgary is a location of choice for local, national and international filmmakers who are inspired to bring their stories to the world – and the podium.
A film friendly city
Calgary is a film-friendly jurisdiction sought after by local, national and international film and TV productions including The Last of Us, Prey, My Life with the Walter Boys, The Abandons, Fargo, Fraggle Rock, Under the Banner of Heaven, Guilty Party, Joe Pickett, Tribal, Skulls, The Thicket, Billy the Kid, Heartland and Jann.
Financial incentives
Film and Television Tax Credit
The Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers a refundable Alberta tax credit certificate on eligible Alberta goods, services and labour costs to corporations that produce films, television series and other eligible screen-based productions in the province. Non-Alberta Applicants may apply for a 22% tax credit rate.
Alberta Media Fund
The Alberta Media Fund (AMF) supports the growth and sustainability of Alberta’s cultural industries through a variety of grants. Local filmmakers and organizations involved in the creation and development of screen-based productions can apply to the Alberta Media Fund for support under $500K.
Canadian Film/Video Tax Credit
The Canadian Film/Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) provides eligible productions (out-of-province talent and crews who are Canadian citizens) with a fully refundable tax credit, available at a rate of 25% of the qualified labour expenditure.
PRODUCTION SERVICES
Calgary Economic Development and Calgary Film Commission support all film and TV production needs in the Calgary region.
As a full-service agency, our team specializes in attracting and supporting screen productions, offering scouting services, location packages and assistance navigating necessary permits.
Our services extend beyond production support. We provide strategic guidance, financial incentives and connections to vendors and services, ensuring your project's success.
Let us be your partner in bringing your creative project to life.
Connect with the Calgary Film CommissionScouting in the Calgary region?
Welcome, filmmakers! If you are scouting locations in the Calgary region, we're here to support you. Please download the location scouting notice below.
Important: Please ensure that the Calgary Film Commission is aware of your scouting activities. Notify and send completed letter to our team here.
Download LetterFilming in the Calgary region?
The Calgary Film Commission collaborates with The City of Calgary’s Film Friendly team to provide access to permits for municipally owned locations and services. Permits are needed to film any motion picture, TV program, commercial, music video or commercial still photography on City of Calgary property.
Productions filming in Calgary should follow the required steps:
Please note: For an optimal online experience, we recommend you complete the below form on a desktop in the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla FireFox for PCs or Macs.
Step 1
The Calgary Film Commission works to simplify and expedite the success of your production in Calgary. Productions interested in filming in Calgary should first submit the Film Production Information Sheet.
Submit Film Production Information Sheet
Submitting this form helps the Calgary Film Commission gather sector data to enhance ecosystem development, better position Calgary to support production growth, and capture the positive impact that the screen industries have on our region’s economy.
Please note: We do not report on info gathered from individual projects; we share aggregate numbers annually to highlight sector activities in the province.
If you experience any issues completing or submitting the form, please contact [email protected] for assistance.
Step 2
The Calgary Film Commission can help your production navigate access to information about filming in Calgary, scouting needs, and necessary permits. To access filming permits:
- If it’s private property, connect directly with the owner.
- Ensure that you inform the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) of your filming and safety plans. Please contact their team at [email protected].
- If it’s a City-owned asset, head to the City website. Did you know? Through the City intake, a City of Calgary Film Permits & Services Coordinator will be assigned.
- Unsure? No worries! Let our Calgary Film Commission team help you navigate the process. Please contact us at [email protected].
NOTE FOR PRODUCTIONS - If you need to secure a City permit, complete The City’s Film Services Intake form and communicate with the Film Permits & Services Coordinator assigned to you. Please do not bypass the intake process, even if you have a preferred or regular contact within The City of Calgary. This ensures the permitting process is as efficient and seamless as possible for you and your production. If you have questions about the intake process, you can contact The City of Calgary’s Film Friendly team at [email protected].
Production support
The following is a list of Calgary region based companies that cater to the Film & TV industry.
These companies are available to filmmakers and producers looking to work in the Calgary region.
Accommodations
Aloft Calgary University
403.289.1973
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Alt Hotel Calgary East Village
587.441.6635
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Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal
403.717.0522
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Calgary Marriott Hotel
403.266.7331
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CanaDream RV Rentals and Sales
1.800.347.7126
[email protected]
Visit website
Corporate Suites Calgary
403.244.2666
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Courtyard by Marriott Calgary South
587.349.7599
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Deerfoot Inn & Casino
403.236.7529
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Delta Calgary Downtown
403.266.1980
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Delta Hotels Calgary Airport In-Terminal
403.291.2600
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels
403.291.4666
[email protected]
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ExecSuite Inc.
1.800.667.4980
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Heritage Inn
1.888.888.4374
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Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown
587.352.2020
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Homewood Suites Downtown Calgary
587.352.5500
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Hotel Arts
403.266.4611
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Hotel Blackfoot
403.252.2253
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Hotel Le Germain Calgary
1.877.362.8990
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Hyatt Place Calgary Airport
587.747.1234
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Hyatt Regency Calgary
403.717.1234
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Holiday Inn & Suites South Conference Centre
403.930.8602
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Imperial Suites
403.543.8733
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International Hotel of Calgary
403.265.9600
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Kensington Riverside Inn
403.228.4442
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Premier Suites - Western Ltd.
403.313.0210
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River Valley Luxury Havens
403.420.5881
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Regency Suites Hotel
403.231.1000
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Rentvault
587.897.6797
Email
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Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary South
587.349.8633
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Sheraton by Four Points Calgary West
403.288.4441
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Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
403.266.7200
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Staybridge Suites Calgary Airport
403.204.7829
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The Fairmont Palliser
403.262.1234
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Urban Suites
403-229-9155
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Westley Hotel
403.764.6262
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Westin Hotel
403.266.1611
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Alberta Film Commission
Alberta Film Commissioner
780.422.8581
Visit website
[email protected]
Location and Production Services Support
403.297.6241
Visit website
[email protected]
Alberta Film Incentives
Film Development Office, Alberta Film Funding
780.422.8584
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Animal Talent
Jarret Productions Ltd.
403.813.8992
John Scott Motion Picture Animals
403.816.0001
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Instinct for Film
1.877.455.5866
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Stunts Canada
604.299.7050
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True Grit Productions
403.783.0246
Jordan Dodds
TWN Investments Inc
403.819.7754
Todd Nobles
Animations & VFX
Cadmark Technologies
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Creative Fields
403.561.7403
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Jump Studios
403.277.5867
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META Productions
403.589.6932
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New Machine Studios
403.262.2668
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Solid Green Design
403.228.3141
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Studio Dialog
403.668.9130
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Tribal Imaging
403.240.0444
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Quickdraw Animation Society
403.261.5767
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3D Epix
403.464.8271
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Archives & Research
Glenbow Museum
403.268.4100
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Museum of the Regiments
403.410.2340
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Provincial Archives of Alberta
780.427.1750
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Associations, Unions, Guilds
ACTRA Alberta
403.228.3123
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Alberta Music Industry Association
587.955.9551
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Alberta Post Production Association
[email protected]
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AMPIA
780.944.0707
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Calgary Musicians Association
403.264.6610
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CSIF - Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers
587.324.0417
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Director’s Guild of Canada – Alberta
403.217.8672
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ELEVATE™ Graphic Design Inc.
604.880.4114
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EMMedia
403.263.2833
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IATSE Local 212
403.250.2199
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IATSE Local 669
778.330.1669
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Quickdraw Animation Society
403.261.5767
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Teamsters Local 362
403.259.4608
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WIFT-A - Women in Film & Television - Alberta
403.685.5236
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Audio Production & Post-Production
NVNT Studios
587.585.4513
Email
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Propeller Studios Inc.
403.258.0207
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Six Degrees Studios Inc.
403.216.9911
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Stardust Event Group
403.288.2728
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Sync Spot - Digital Audio Post
403.228.2199
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The Beach Advanced Audio Production Inc.
403.237.6267
Audio Supplies
Freeman Audio Visual Canada
403.235.1563
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Camera Rentals, Sales & Services
Matrix Video Communications Corp.
403.640.4490
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Panavision Canada Corp.
403.246.7267
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Revered Cinema
1.888.309-.873
[email protected]
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The Camera Store
403.234.9935
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William F. White International Inc.
403.279.2693
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Costumes & Supplies
Alberta Boot Company Inc.
403.263.4623
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Amy Brewster
403.869.3181
Contact
Lillian Messer, Theatre Calgary Head of Props
403.294.7440, ext. 1305
Contact
911 Supply
403.287.1911
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Educational Programs - Film
Alberta College of Art + Design
403.284.7600
The Banff Centre
403.762.6100
Mount Royal University
403.440.6111
Red Deer College
403.342.3400
Reel Canada
416.642.5796
Toll-free: 1.855.733.5709
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
403.284.8543
The Screen Acting Academy of Canada Inc.
Email: [email protected]
University of Calgary
402.220.6207
Equipment - LX & Grip
Ant Rentals
403.371.8898
B&E Electronic Supply
403.243.7211
MTM Equipment Rentals Ltd.
403.276.1505
New West Equipment
403.803.6254
[email protected]
Revered Cinema
1.888.309-.873
[email protected]
Wildrose Lighting Ltd.
403.289.2121
William F. White International Inc.
403.279.2693
Health and Safety
Dr. Susan’s Integrative Family Practice
587.333.3580
Email
Feature Health & Safety
780.201.7189
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Mahikan Medical Services
587.323.4290
Email
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Mayfair Diagnostics
1.866.611.2665
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Northwest Fire Rescue & Training
780.777.4688
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Realign Massage Therapy
403.708.8232
Facebook @RealignMT
Resolve Medical Clinics
855.578.9906 ext. 388
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Insurance
AMA
1.800.615.5897
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Broker Link
403.209.6300
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Dejong's Insurance Services Ltd.
403.245.1192
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Easy Cover
1.844.439.2683
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Front Row Insurance
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Intact Insurance
403.269.7961
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Leibel Insurance
403.910.2393
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Marsh Canada Limited
403.290.7900
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Rogers Insurance
1.800.565.8132
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Zensurance
1.888.654.6030
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Legal
Doug Lord - Lawyer
403.938.4878
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
403.232.9500
Mobile Film Catering
Alpine Catering
403.279.9808
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Cal-B-Ques Catering
403.650.4595
Keith Church
Devour Catering
403.242.0046
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Distinctive Catering
403.256.4380
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Filmworks Catering
403.255.1558
Great Events Catering
403.256.7150
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Wolfs Catering Ltd
250.265.1806
Simon Hellyer
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Photography & Aerial Photography
Alpine Helicopters Inc.
403.678.4802
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Caswell Aviation Ltd
403.703.1136
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Clear Blue Photo
403.909.9309
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DroneBuzz Inc.
780.934.9062
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PhilippePhotography
403.606.1462
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Prairie Rotors Inc.
403.370.9551
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Revered Cinema
1.888.309-.873
[email protected]
Visit website
Rockies Heli Canada
403.721.2100
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Yellowhouse Aerial
403.671.6407
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Post-Production & Filming
3Play Media Canada
403.286.9696 / 587.230.6241
Email
DataHive
403.313.1106 / 1.877.328.2448
Film Logic Custom Brokers Inc.
403.452.2244
Jump Studios
403.277.5867
Propeller Studios
403.258.0207
The Post Office Post Production
403.808.2007
Production Companies - Film & TV
Alberta Aerial Video Photography & Photography Productions Inc
403.301.3733
Angle Media Group
800.974.7073
Bamboo Shoots
403.451.4484
C-1 Film Productions Corp.
403.243.0155
Calgary Video Production
403.774.7373
Chaos A Film Company
403.283.2090
Feature Productions (Lethbridge)
403.942.6655
Focus On Why Media
403.629.8389
Fresh Cut Studios
403.453.0586
Glean Productions
403.680.5155
HDTV Productions Inc.
587.215.5511 or 403.860.4184
ICOM Productions
403.543.5151
Joe Media Group
403.264.5400
Kelly Brothers Production
403.261.3808
Knightshoot Media
[email protected]
Leader Production Inc.
403.660.8364
L&C Style Productions
[email protected]
L&L Production Group
403.615.1839
Media One Communications
403.264.9111
MEDIAPOP Films
403.650.2366
MinMeg Productions Inc.
403.408.6483
Nomadic Pictures
403.240.0444
Peterson Polaris Corp
403.922.4855
Polyscope Productions
[email protected]
Pyramid Productions
403.234.8566
Regan Productions Ltd.
[email protected]
Rob Ing Productions
403.605.0029
Scorched Ice Digital
403.510.8606
Seven24 Films
403.777.9900
Sherana Productions Ltd.
403.703.5570
Starland Studios
403.334.2530
Tangerine Productions Ltd.
587.897.2134
Targetxx Production INC
403-922-0359
[email protected]
Thalheimer Film
403.630.0858
The Edge Communications Inc
403.277.3893
Tomali Pictures
403.262.8422
Voice Pictures
403.283.9993
V Strategies Inc.
403.229.2511
Production Services
Amarok Scaffolding Ltd
780.545.9322
Email
Big Rock Water Hauling Service Ltd.
Office: 403.257.0270
Blue Sky Tours & Executive Transportation
403.609.4984
Budget Car Rental
1.800.268.8900 / 403.226.1550
CanaDream RV Rentals and Sales
1.800.347.7126
[email protected]
CMP - Classic Rentals & Leasing
403.207.1000
Enterprise Rent-A-Car/Truck - Film and Entertainment Division
403.807.5673
Email
Film Logic Custom Brokers Inc.
403.452.2244
Highwood Rod & Custom (Vintage Autos)
403.478.2886
Email
Hyatt Rentals and Leasing
403.252.8833
National Car and Truck Rentals
1.833.619.3655
Little Traveller
403.990.8950 / 1.877.242.4067
Pioneer Offroad Rentals
780.893.6954
Email
Pioneer Sanitary Solutions
780.893.6954
Email
Pit Stop Portables
403.273.6521
Travis Burke - Freelance Videographer
403.878.5425
YYCFILMWORX
403.837.4132
Email
Racialized Communities Production Support
Organizations:
National Databases:
Security
Set Construction
Carvel Creative
403.273.9550
Dinosaur Valley Studios (Drumheller, AB)
403.822.3782
F&D Scene Changes Ltd.
403.233.7633
Heavy Industries
403.252.6603
Louise Middleton Design
403.606.7925
Studio Y Creations
403.253-5447
Special Effects Supplies
Bleeding Art Industries Inc.
403.236.0025
Sound Stages
Sustainable Production
Talent Agencies/ Casting Directors
AAB Talent Agency
403.800.0988
Dagaz Talent
403.230.3220
Mike Migliara Casting & Associates
Email: [email protected]
Transportation & Picture Vehicle Rentals
Big Dog Production Services Ltd
403.340.6776
Bill Janssen
Brumby Ventures Ltd
403.819.5888
Max Radford
DAR Rentals Co. Ltd
403.660.4193
Cody Klepper
G2 Production Rentals Ltd
403.804.8237
Grant McPhee
John Scott Productions
403.816.0001
John Scott
Visit website
Ropin’ the Wind Ventures Inc
403.651.8731
Gord Renger
Rum Runner Picture Cars
403.862.3626
Grady Galvin
Visit website
Star Trailers
403.890.5239
Visit website
Zacs Tracs Film Rentals
403.860.9944
Randy Zacaruk
Travel Agencies
Vision 2000 Travel Alberta
403.777.0777
Additional Resources
Information for property owners, extras and production staff.
Information for property owners
If you are the owner of a property being used in a film production, here are some things to consider:
- Initial contact is generally made by a Location Scout or Location Manager, who is hired locally by the film company. This person will be your contact during the duration of the "shoot". Call the Calgary Film Commission at (403) 221-7886 or the Directors Guild of Canada at (403) 217-8672 to check the credentials of the scout and/or the project.
- Agree upon the exact number of days required for the shoot plus preparation and wrap time. (A shooting day is approximately 14 hours long.)
- Arrange for a walk-through with the Location Manager to determine exact interiors and exteriors desired for filming; where equipment and vehicles will need to be positioned or parked; any "off-limits" areas specified by the owner; and any areas such as roof, trees, fences, windows, which may need to be used or altered during filming.
- Decide what of your (the owners’) personal property may be used for filming; how and where to store items not used; and who will be responsible for packing and moving.
- Determine who will be allowed on "set" during period of use.
- Set rules regarding: smoking; use of washrooms; laundry; water; electricity; kitchen; protective floor coverings; trash, etc.
- Establish guidelines for production company's use of owner's phone and how payment will be made to the owner.
- Determine with the Location Manager where cast and crew will be eating their meals.
- Decide how the owner will be accommodated during filming and any living expenses that may be required.
- Set vehicle parking for cast and crew.
- Find out the nature of the project and how your location will be used. Will there be special effects like smoke, fire or gunshots?
- Establish clean-up requirements, who is responsible and when it is to be completed (within 24-48 hours), and arrange with the Location Manager for a final "walk-through" for the owners’ approval.
- Recognize that location fees are negotiable. The owner should feel comfortable with the amount agreed upon, and a payment schedule should be established prior to any filming.
- Create a written agreement detailing specifics – the owner may wish to add the following: "The applicant (film company) agrees to indemnify owner and to be solely and absolutely liable upon any and all claims, suits and judgments against the owner and/or applicant for personal injuries and property damages arising out of or occurring during the activities of the applicant, his (its) employees or otherwise. This agreement may be revoked at any time." A principal or agent of the production company should sign this contract.
- Owner must get a certificate of insurance including a hold harmless clause for protection in case of any injuries on the property. All production companies should carry insurance policies that cover third-party rentals for property damage and liability. A photocopy of the insurance certificate should be given to the owner before any crew comes on the property.
Information for extras
People choose to do Background work for many reasons; it’s a way to gain experience on a film set or to earn additional money or an opportunity to meet friends and other members of the community. Regardless of your reasons, you should take your participation in the production seriously and you should always conduct yourself in a professional manner. Please read the following section carefully if you are interested in doing background work.
The best way to get started is to contact each of the Casting Directors who handle Background on our list and inquire about getting into their database of performers. Chances are, they will require a photo and resume including details such as birth date, height, weight, current hair colour, etc. Remember, not all Background Casting Directors are the same and they may not all be looking for new people.
For more information please visit ACTRA Alberta.
Information for production staff
For information regarding production staff opportunities please contact:
On-set etiquette
New to working in the industry? Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you get started:
- You are a professional performer. You can help guide other performers through the production day. Someone once helped you. Always set the example of how professionals should behave.
- Remember - your word is your bond. If you accept a booking, you are committed to that production. Do not cancel!
- A professional always arrives 10 minutes before the call time, prepared to work.
- Be organized to show your wardrobe to wardrobe assistants quickly.
- Be clear on call time, location and wardrobe before you say goodbye to the casting person who telephoned you, no matter how hurried he/she may be. If you are not sure, ask questions.
- If you are still not sure, get the name of the production company and call their office.
- Be clear to whom you are talking to. Know the wardrobe assistant's name and hair person's name. Ask.
- Know the name of the A.D., P.A., or Casting person who is signing you in and out. Direct questions to the relevant person. You will save your time and theirs.
- Follow instructions. When you are moved from place to place, go quickly and quietly.
- Keep your holding area clean. Craft service people appreciate your help. Don't argue with them. Keep clean whatever area is set up for a craft service. You will get more by helping in this area than fighting. If something is needed, ask. For example, if you need an aspirin, ask the craft service person, not an A.D. Better still, bring your own. Bring the following items: a pen, spare change (for the pay phone), something to read.
- Do not bring valuables to a production.
- Don't bring food, drinks or anything that is not part of the set onto the set.
- Respect the set and don't rearrange things to suit yourself.
- Don't rearrange your hair, make-up or wardrobe for personal comfort after a master has been shot. That hat, scarf or coat (buttoned or unbuttoned) may well be in continuity.
- Do your job and remember your action. Give the same action each time.
- Listen attentively. Don't make the A.D.'s repeat instructions.
- Be aware of equipment and what the camera is doing. Learn to know when you are in frame and when you are not.
- Time your washroom visits for slack periods.
- If you do go to the washroom, or for a cigarette, tell the A.D., P.A., or Casting person responsible for extras where you are going. Don't wander off. Do return immediately.
- If you have a commitment to other work that could limit your ability to do overtime, tell the person responsible for extras as soon as you arrive at work. Be sure he/she understands and that you don't get caught in a continuity situation.
- Keep a good attitude through the day (it could be a long one). A positive outlook can make the day go faster and more pleasant for everyone.
- Return your wardrobe at the end of the day as nicely as you received it.
Careers in Film & TV
Looking for employment opportunities in the film and television industry? Here are some places to start:
- ACTRA — 403-228-3123 / actraalberta.com
- Directors Guild of Canada — 403-217-8672 / dgc.ca/en/alberta
- IATSE 212 — 403-250-2199 / iatse212.com
- ICG Local 669 — 1-800-531-3855 (Toll Free) / cg669.com
- Teamsters — 403-259-4608 / teamsters362.com
Safety & Protocols
- The screen-based production sector-specific guidance has been archived on the Government of Alberta Biz Connect website for your reference. The information and suggestions outlined in the guidance document are optional, and it is up to the individual productions to determine what measures, if any, to implement.
- Safety Guidelines for Filming in the City of Calgary
- Ensure that you inform the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) of your filming and safety plans. Please contact their team at cfdfilmunit@calgary.ca.
City of Calgary Locations and Services for Film Permitting
The City of Calgary has created a Film Friendly team to provide an elevated level of support to industry, and is now solely responsible for facilitating film permits for City assets. This includes municipally owned locations and services including transit, streets and sidewalks, buildings, emergency services, parks, athletic fields and more.
Alberta Producer Accelerator (APA) Program
The Calgary Film Commission and the Edmonton Screen Industries Office in partnership with Access Canada are proud to announce the launch of six new cohorts of the Alberta Producer Accelerator (APA) Program, taking place over the next three years to help deliver the projects of Alberta television and film producers to the global stage.
Applications are open now until March 24, 2024.
Apply now