Calgary is continuing to build its reputation as a top-tier destination for filmmakers, rising through the ranks of a list which names the best places to live and work as a filmmaker in North America.
MovieMaker Magazine’s 2025 Best Places to Live and Work as a Filmmaker in North America places Calgary at fifth place, up from eighth in 2024.
This is the fifth-straight recognition for the city, which Calgary Economic Development says is a testament to its growing creative economy and film-friendly practices.
“Calgary’s continued rise on this prestigious list is a result of our commitment to fostering a creative economy that supports filmmakers and productions of every scale,” said Luke Azevedo, Calgary Film Commissioner and Vice President, Creative Industries and Operations at Calgary Economic Development. “From our unparalleled landscapes to our globally competitive incentives, we’ve cultivated an ecosystem that empowers local and international productions alike. This recognition is a nod to the collaboration between industry partners, government and Calgary’s vibrant creative community.”
Rankings are determined by a variety of criteria, including financial incentives, cost of living, feedback from filmmakers, overall happiness, and personal visits from their editorial team.
MovieMaker says Calgary’s place on the list can be attributed to its friendly business environment, diverse filming locations, award-winning crews, and world-class infrastructure.
“Calgary is very welcoming toward filmmakers — even those looking to move there permanently,” reads the ranking in MovieMaker Magazine’s Winter 2025 edition. “And its many attractions include a lovely and modern downtown that gives way to stunning natural beauty nearby, from prairies to badlands to the Rockies.”
Incentives offered by the provincial government are also credited with attracting productions of all sizes and budgets. Alberta offers a cap-free 22 per cent credit for all productions and a 30 per cent credit for Alberta-based owners and producers.
The parametres for these incentives were expanded to include unscripted television, game shows and regional incentives.
Last year was a big one for the Calgary film industry, with locally-filmed The Last of Us and Fraggle Rock earning 31 Emmy nominations and nine awards.
Calgary also got praise in the 2024 Location Managers Guild Awards, with The Last of Us winning the award for Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary TV Series.
According to Calgary Economic Development, Calgary is Canada’s fourth-largest film and TV jurisdiction. Across Alberta, the film and television sector contributed $450 million to the provincial GDP and employed more than 3,200 professionals as of 2023, with the majority of that work happening in and around Calgary.
Creative programs at local post-secondary institutions see 3,000 students graduating annually, growing the local film and TV workforce.