Filming of HBO series The Last of Us, the largest-ever production in Canada, underway in Calgary
Filming of the HBO television series The Last of Us — the largest-ever production in Canada — has begun in the Calgary area, which is one of 50 productions attracted here by the Film and Television Tax Credit, Premier Jason Kenney said Tuesday.
Crews are still building a large set for the HBO series near Stampede Park. A small street lined with faux-brick buildings is being created to shoot part of The Last of Us, which is an adaptation of a popular post-apocalyptic video game.
Dozens of TV and movie productions are set to start shooting or have wrapped up in Alberta since January 2020, leading to in $955 million in spending that created 9,000 jobs, the premier added.
"This is a true Alberta success story, a billion-dollar industry springing up around us right in front of our eyes," he said.
"These productions are filling hotel rooms all over Alberta with workers who are patronizing restaurants and other services, they're hiring carpenters and caterers, they're creating jobs for lighting and tech crews, they're driving both economic diversification and growth at a time when we desperately need it."
The City of Calgary has announced its intention to sell the Calgary Film Centre. (file)
The Last of Us production is estimated to bring in upwards of $200 million in revenue to Alberta and is being called the largest TV production in Canadian history.
"Not only does this bring one of the largest shows to our region, it also shows the rest of the world the quality of work that can be done in Alberta," said Luke Azevedo with Calgary Economic Development.
He points out that other productions have recently chosen Alberta for a backdrop, including Fraggle Rock, Under the Banner of Heaven and Wynnona Earp.
"What really brings Hollywood to us, beyond our crew base and quality of crew and talent, is the quality of our vistas and backdrops."
"So they're going to all these smaller regions -- the prairies, the mountains, the badlands -- and they're investing big dollars there," Azevedo said.
Though The Last of Us is the largest TV production in Canada, other large movies are being developed here.
The trailer for the newest Ghostbusters film was released last week, which was filmed in southern Alberta, and in June, work began on MGM's new series, Billy The Kid.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.