Increasing the buzz in Alberta’s entertainment biz
Alberta’s government is investing in job-creating cultural industries that entertain, inform and share Alberta’s stories with audiences at home and abroad.
November 28, 2024 – Cultural industries play a significant role in Alberta’s economy and the most recent data from Statistics Canada shows that in 2022 they contributed $2.5 billion to Alberta’s economy and sustained 19,233 jobs in the province.
With almost 190 grants to projects and organizations so far this year through the Alberta Media Fund, Alberta’s government is supporting locally produced film and television shows, books, magazines and music with more than $4.2 million.
“We are seeing the benefits of growing our film and television industries and the value it brings to Albertans, both economically and socially. Investments like these create jobs, attract production work to the province, and tell Alberta’s stories to the world. We are also always looking for more ways to grow our cultural industries, including music and publishing.” -Tanya Fir, Minister Arts, Culture and Status of Women
Budget 2024 includes $8 million for the Alberta Media Fund to support book publishers, magazine publishers, film and television companies, production crews and music organizations. So far this year, more than $1.6 million in grants have been distributed to foster the music, book and magazine publishing sectors, which are vital to Alberta’s cultural identity and economic growth.
“Alberta’s magazine industry is owned by small-business cultural entrepreneurs. The magazines they create are an economic driver for the province and an essential part of the lives of Albertans and Canadians – reaching nearly five-million readers in print and online every year. Alberta’s magazine publishing sector values its partnership with the Government of Alberta. The ongoing commitment to investment ensures this essential cultural industry reflects our society, publishes diverse voices and resonates in communities of all sizes at national, regional and local levels.” –Suzanne Trudel, executive director, Alberta Magazine Publishers Association
Every dollar of government support towards film and television production generates four dollars of investment back into the province. So far this year, close to $1.4 million through the Alberta Made Production Grant is supporting 16 film and television projects, 10 of which are receiving training and mentorship support.
In addition, the Alberta Made Screen Industries Program granted $1 million to support project and script development for 62 projects, and almost $200,000 has been invested to support post-production jobs in Alberta. These investments are supporting Alberta crews and filmmakers and promoting Alberta internationally as a go-to destination for film and television production.
“At Northern Gateway Films, we’re proud to contribute to a thriving ecosystem that champions immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technologies. The Alberta Media Fund plays a vital role in nurturing locally developed talent, stories and intellectual property. Alberta-owned films drive our economy and create jobs across diverse skill sets and trades – from carpentry and electrical work to computer graphics and design. These projects not only celebrate Alberta’s unique stories but also offer exciting opportunities that keep talented professionals here, building a stronger creative and technical industry for the future.” –Andrew Scholotiuk, producer and co-founder, Northern Gateway Films
Visit alberta.ca to learn more
Photograph: Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir with AMPA director and Info Edmonton publisher Greg Davis, Nov. 28, 2024
