Calgarians see their city as a film hub. And now the world recognizes it, too
Brokeback Mountain, The Revenant and The Bourne Legacy.
These award-winning films have something in common: they were filmed in and around Calgary.
This city has long been associated with blockbuster films. Now, it's been internationally recognized for that.
At the Global Production Awards in Cannes on Monday, three local standing sets — John Scott Ranch, CI Ranch and Albertina Farms — received Location of the Year awards, which are given to a location for its work across one or more productions.
The Global Production Awards honour excellence in film production around the world and celebrate the best locations, stand-out studios, outstanding creative crews, ideas and executions.
Held at the same time as the film festival carrying the French city's name, the awards are judged by leading industry experts and professionals.
"On one of the largest stages of any awards show in the world, having the opportunity to talk about Calgary and Alberta … really does give us a platform that you don't normally see happen with jurisdictions of our size and scope," said Luke Azevedo, the film commissioner and vice-president of creative industries with Calgary Economic Development.
"It's more than just, you know, the shooting location or just more than the studios. It's more than the incentive. It's the people that they're in this industry and the commitment that they give to film and television."
The screen industries are an important part of Calgary's diversifying economy, helping to build Calgary's brand as an iconic city and a global creative hub, the city said.
The Calgary Film Commission, the City of Calgary and industry partners have been working to make Calgary an attractive place for film, television and digital media production.
"Film-friendly municipal policies, along with economic development initiatives and an incredible talent pool, will continue to cement Calgary as the location of choice for productions," said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
"Calgarians have come to know that our city is one of the top up-and-coming cities in the film and television sector. With this award and nomination, now the whole world knows it, too."
