Local film and television sector thriving with help of Alberta Media Fund grants

The province is maintaining support for Alberta film and TV at a time when the Canada-U.S. relationship is rocky.

Despite the current rocky relationship with the United States, Alberta’s film and television industry is continuing to thrive.

A major Korean drama series produced by Netflix was recently shot here, as the creative industry outside of Hollywood carries on.

Six Degrees Music and Sound handles post-production for numerous Alberta projects.

The company’s voice director and music supervisor says grants from the Alberta Media Fund help local budding filmmakers.

“If there’s a young director who has a limited budget, we can now do their first film, and if their film gets sold, they can do another film,” said Dan McManus.

The “Alberta Made Screen Industries Program” is divided into three streams: script development, Alberta-made production and post-production such as visual effects or animation.

The provincial government provided 92 grants in 2025 alone, all under its $8-million investment for Alberta’s film and television sector.

“It’s so important with film and television industries and all cultural industries to bring that business and keep that business in Alberta,” said Tanya Fir, Alberta’s minister of arts, culture and status of women.

The province says every $1 it invests in the sector creates $4 of economic benefit.

International productions see the benefit, too, and continue to shoot in Alberta, even if the Canada-U.S. relationship remains rocky.

The K-drama Can This Love Be Translated? is produced by Netflix and filmed at several Calgary locations, including the historic Lougheed House.

“I think it’s about building a sense of identity and pride in our city. It’s so exciting when you can identify a place. Maybe this was your wedding venue,” said Steven Kellier with Lougheed House.

Film producers say there’s a strong Alberta advantage for screen industries.

“That’s because (of the) world-class cast and crew here. We have great facilities. We have great infrastructure. We have a good tax credit,” said Tom Cox, executive producer and managing partner with Seven24 Films.

The province says the film and television sector generated $1.2 billion for Alberta’s economy in 2023.