Hoping to attract billions of dollars in economic benefits, the UCP government will spend $70 million in this year's Film and TV Tax Credit program, aimed at supporting the development of the creative industry. .“Alberta’s film industry has doubled in production value and is becoming one of the fastest growing industries in our province. From Ghostbusters to Fraggle Rock and from The Last of Us to Fargo, Alberta is proving that we are a destination of choice for production companies," said Doug Schweitzer, minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, in a statement.."Our increased investment in the Film and Television Tax Credit means more action for our province in the years to come.”.The arts have always played a major role in human development, be it social, skills, and financial. We have always looked at this very important creative element of our lives to keep us sane. .Now, with the isolation and threat that COVID-19 brought to us in 2020, one would have thought this was the end of everything entertaining, and with no television or films to remind us of how awesome or cruel humans are. The arts sector was under attack..In Canada, particularly Alberta, the lockdowns, restrictions and mandates meant creatives in the sector were under a more stressful and panicked life ahead with the loss of income..The film industry started counting its loses and even with the ‘thinking outside the box’ initiatives by many to continue production over online platforms, it lacked the human touch that has been for years, the standard in telling a story. .Theater stages went empty, live music became silent and the future seemed more of an apocalypse movie scene in reality..But with the current outlook and help from the Alberta government, the sector has realized a significant boost in the number of productions choosing Alberta as a preferred production location. The government’s target is to grow the sector by $1.5 billion over the next decade. .“The Government of Alberta’s investment into the film and television industry has been a total game-changer, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic growth in the sector," said Damian Petti, president, IATSE Local 212.."Graduates of institutions like Bow Valley College can pursue their careers right here in Alberta rather than moving to other previously more competitive provinces.” .The Alberta Film and TV Tax Credit was launched in January 2020 and has since inspired more than 60 productions to the province with an estimated budget of more than $600 million and generating 12,000-plus jobs. .If you drive around downtown Calgary and other parts in beautiful Alberta, you might have come across productions that include, HBO’s The Last of Us, Prey, a Disney production, Joe Pickett, Fraggle Rock, and Billy the Kid among others. .More production studios are being built in the province and this is going to see more skill opportunities in sub-sectors like VFX, digital animation and post-production, according to Petti. .Institutions like Bow Valley College have a Centre for Entertainment Arts that is investing in the future talent in the post-production field. .The economic growth of the province is evident by its diverse opportunities, and this will not only attract more to Alberta, but reduce the skill drain to other booming provinces in the sector by creating a bigger creative pool for many..The future looks good.
