On Friday, the province announced some changes to Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC). According to the province, these updates will help attract even more world-class productions.

"Generating a four-to-one return on investment for the government and creating thousands of jobs and major economic impacts for communities throughout the province. The tax credit has put Alberta on the radar for production companies and the province on screens around the world," stated the province in a press release.

The legislative and regulatory changes aim to encourage filming in rural and remote areas of the province, streamline administrative processes for greater flexibility, simplify navigation of the program, and allow productions to access their tax credits earlier. Furthermore, the range of eligible production genres has been expanded to include game shows and reality television.

These improvements will expand Alberta’s film and television industry by providing transparent rules, consistent oversight and reducing hurdles for stakeholders to access the program," stated the province.

“Alberta's growing film and television industry is vital to our province's economic and cultural landscape. The changes to the FTTC program demonstrate our commitment to supporting industry growth, reducing red tape and making the program more effective for film and television production companies and other industry stakeholders,” stated Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade.

Launched in 2020, the FTTC program provides a refundable tax credit of 22 or 30 percent on eligible production and labour costs for Alberta projects with budgets of at least $500,000. More than 175 productions have participated in the program so far. Every $1 in film and television tax credit is expected to generate about $4.3 in associated Alberta expenditure.

Damian Petti, the president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 212 (which represents Airdronians) is excited to see these changes.

"Overall, they're very positive for our industry and attracting location shoots in Alberta. The Alberta government currently has quite a good competitive incentive and the changes they made recently made, make it even more competitive."

With the possibility of more productions coming to Airdrie, Petti stated even more jobs would be available for Albertans and Airdronians.

"We are about to open a $9 million training facility, and as we have consistent work, we will do well and grow."

Some of the popular shows that have been filmed in the Airdrie area include The Last of Us, Under The Banner of Heaven and My Life With the Walter Boys.

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