CALGARY, Feb. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Southern Alberta will soon have a new film studio and its first permanent sound stage. The studio will be developed by Calgary Economic Development.
"We're delivering on our promise to see a film studio built for southern Alberta here in Calgary. Our competition process ensured the public, private and industry support needed for a new studio was at the table. We're confident in the new business model developed by Calgary Economic Development and believe it has what it needs to be successful in attracting and retaining film productions. This move forward is good for the industry and good for Alberta - Alberta's film, television and digital media industry was responsible for over $400 million in economic activity over the last five years."
Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Culture
Calgary Economic Development (CED) was selected through an open competition process to receive $5 million in one-time funding from the Government of Alberta towards the development of a film studio for the Calgary region. Its proposal demonstrated strong community engagement and support from the private and nonprofit sectors, post-secondary institutions and Alberta's screen-based production industry.
"We're pleased to have been selected as the proponent for the Calgary Film Studio. By working with industry and post-secondary partners to develop purpose-built facilities, we envision the studio will allow the Creative Industries sector to realize significant growth potential, increase the retention of local talent and support the diversification of our economy."
Bruce Graham, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development
Facts
Studio space is critical in ensuring the continued success, viability and business attraction of Alberta's screen-based production sector. Southern Alberta currently does not have a purpose-built studio, resulting in an ongoing lack of capacity that limits opportunity for this region.
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.
Related information
Alberta Film
Alberta Culture
Alberta Media Fund
Multimedia
Photo gallery
Soundcloud audio clips
(Photos and audio will be available following the event)
Image with caption: "Calgary film studio gets green-light for production (CNW Group/Alberta Culture - Communications Branch)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140204_C7379_PHOTO_EN_36214.jpg
SOURCE: Alberta Culture - Communications Branch
Media inquiries
Trish Filevich
[email protected]
780-719-4639
Press Secretary
Minister of Culture
Katie Findlay
[email protected]
403-880-7040
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Calgary Economic Development
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