Calgary rises to Top 5 filmmaking cities in North America

Calgary is ranked in the top five places in North America for movie makers to live and work, according to Moviemaker Magazine. Kevin Green reports.

Calgary has been named one of the top five cities in North America for filmmakers to live and work, according to MovieMaker Magazine. The city also ranked as the second-best Canadian filmmaking destination, following Toronto, which placed second overall behind Albuquerque, N.M.

The publication praised Calgary’s unique mix of diverse filming locations, world-class infrastructure, and a supportive business environment. Productions like The Last of Us, Fargo, and Heartland, among others, have contributed to the city’s growing reputation as a global filmmaking hub.

“Calgary is very welcoming toward filmmakers—even those looking to move there permanently,” the magazine stated in its Winter 2025 edition. “Its many attractions include a lovely and modern downtown that gives way to stunning natural beauty nearby, from prairies to badlands to the Rockies.”

‘Calgary is believing in ideas’

Colombian visual artist Niko Flores, who moved to Calgary to study at Bow Valley College, credits the city’s filmmaking opportunities for his career growth.

“Calgary is believing in ideas,” Flores said. “It’s growing with technology—VFX, live animation, and filming. Right now, we’re in a good spot.”

Flores emphasized the accessibility of talent and resources in Calgary. He pointed to his college’s program in virtual production, which combines traditional filmmaking techniques with cutting-edge technology. “Programs like Unreal Engine allow us to create everything from video games to full movies,” he said.

Beyond landscapes

Calgary’s appeal extends beyond its scenic landscapes. Damian Petti, president of IATSE Local 212, which represents 1,600 members in the film industry, said production companies consider many factors when choosing where to film.

“We don’t have the sort of traffic grids that you see in big jurisdictions. A project can often complete two or three location moves in a single day here,” Petti said. “Calgary also has one of the most skilled and diverse crew bases in the country.”

Petti added that Calgary has maintained its momentum even as global production volumes have dipped.

“We’ve seen growth in both independent projects and high-budget streaming productions.”

Diversity

The city’s diversity also plays a critical role in attracting international productions, said Calgary Film Commissioner Luke Azevedo.

“Unbeknownst to many people, Calgary is the third most diverse city in the country,” Azevedo said. “Studios and streamers are looking for communities that match their needs, whether it’s a Mongolian community for example, or another unique demographic. Calgary offers those opportunities.”

Azevedo highlighted the economic impact of the industry, noting that production spending in Alberta grew from $250 million in 2020 to $560 million in 2022. “It’s not just about film crews and directors—it’s about accountants, carpenters, and other tradespeople contributing to a thriving creative economy,” he said.

Competitive tax credits

Alberta’s film industry is further supported by competitive tax credits, which can cover up to 30 per cent of production costs. Alberta’s Minister of Arts and Culture, Tanya Fir, said the government hopes to see Calgary rise even higher in future rankings.

“I look forward to bumping Calgary up to number three, two, or even one in the coming years,” Fir said.

In addition to large productions, Calgary boasts a flourishing independent film community. “There’s a high degree of collaboration here,” says Andrew Long. Executive Director of the Calgary Independent Filmmakers Society(CSIF) . “Filmmakers support each other, which pushes the quality of work to the next level.”

“The tax credits have enabled us to attract more of those large productions that actually, you know, keep us busy, and they are moving in the right direction to help a lot of independents be able to scale up. But it’s the independent stuff that actually really keeps those crews working in between.”

With the Calgary International Film Festival and a strong network of post-secondary programs training the next generation of industry professionals, Calgary is poised to continue its ascent in the filmmaking world.

Other Canadian cities on the MovieMaker list include Vancouver at number nine and Ottawa at number 25. In a separate ranking of small towns, Kamloops, B.C., was named 10th.