An action scene in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, filmed in Fort Macleod in 2019. (Photo: Sony Pictures Entertainment)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta increasing film and TV tax credit

May 18, 2022 | 10:39 AM

EDMONTON – The Government of Alberta hopes to attract more film and television productions.

The 2022-23 provincial budget includes a 40 per cent increase in the Film and Television Tax Credit compared to 2021. A total of $70 million has been budgeted for the tax credit in 2022-23, which will further increase to $225 million through 2024-25.

Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation, Doug Schweitzer, says Alberta is currently seeing unprecedented demand for production. He believes this will continue to grow with the larger tax credit.

“Alberta’s film industry has doubled in production value and is becoming one of the fastest-growing industries in our province,” says Schweitzer. “From “Ghostbusters [Afterlife]” to “Fraggle Rock,” and from “The Last of Us” to “Fargo,” Alberta is proving that we are a destination of choice for production companies. Our increased investment in the Film and Television Tax Credit means more action for our province in the years to come.”

Since the launch of the Film and Television Tax Credit in January 2020, 62 productions have taken advantage of it, for a total of nearly $144 million.

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As a result, these productions are expected to spend $621 million in Alberta and generate more than 12,500 direct and indirect jobs.

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Head of advocacy for Keep Alberta Rolling, Brock Skretting, says the tax credit helps to further diversify the provincial economy.

“Thanks to our world-class crews, our diverse locations, competitive incentives, and unmatched quality of life, Alberta is on track to becoming a global hub. This continued support sends a clear message – this is Alberta’s decade,” says Skretting.

Canadian film and TV productions account for more than $5 billion in revenue and employ more than 117,000 people on a full-time basis.

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