Best Cities for Filmmakers: Calgary is #8

According to a recent list by Los Angeles Film Magazine, Calgary is among the top 10 cities in North America for filmmakers.

MovieMaker magazine named it the 25 best places to live and work as a filmmaker for 2024, with Calgary ranked eighth on the list, calling it an “affordable, thriving and growing film hub.”

The list features Calgary's film-worthy locations, including the downtown core, prairies, badlands and rocky mountains seen in shows like The Last of Us and Fargo.

Calgary is the third Canadian destination on the list, followed by Toronto, Ont., at number one and Vancouver, at number five. Montreal, Que., is the fourth and final Canadian city on the list, coming in at No. 10.

MovieMaker eliminated Los Angeles and New York City as the obvious destinations for filmmakers, recommending that those looking to get started in the industry consider other cities on the list that factor in financial incentives, cost of living, feedback from filmmakers, happiness and personal travel.

Rounding out the top ten were Albuquerque, NM (second); New Orleans, La. (third); Austin, Texas (fourth); Atlanta, Ga. (sixth); Miami, Florida (seventh); and Chicago, Ill. (ninth).

After recently gaining recognition on the international stage, stakeholders in Calgary's film industry are anticipating a year of growth in 2024.

“Calgary's inclusion on the MovieMaker list will encourage more film professionals and productions to head to Calgary, which means a bright future and a busy year for our creative industries,” said Luke Azevedo, Film Commissioner for Calgary Economic Development.

A scene from The Last of Us filmed in Alberta. (Source: HBO)

The delegation, including Mayor Jyoti Gondek, returned from Los Angeles, where they pitched nine major film studios to bring more productions to the Calgary area.

Alberta's arts and culture minister recently visited Hollywood to promote the province's film and television industry.

According to the City of Calgary, more than 750 permits have been approved in 2023 for 140 productions, ranging from independent student films, national commercials and major motion pictures and television.