WHY consider EDMONTON for your next film, TV or interactive digital media project or venture?

At a glance

Screen friendly

Four distinct seasons

Infrastructure and facilities

Low-cost jurisdiction

Experienced workforce

Great quality of life

Rich Indigenous culture

Screen Friendly and Diverse Locations

Edmonton’s river valley is the largest urban green space in North America. With hundreds of parks and trails, it’s easy to change looks from urban to wilderness. The downtown core features modern architecture including the new Stantec Tower, the tallest building in Canada outside of Toronto. Adjacent is Rogers Place, Edmonton’s state-of-the-art coliseum and entertainment complex. Just beyond the city outskirts are idyllic townships, ranches and farms that are still situated within the studio zone. The Edmonton Metro region has the perfect balance of urban and rural locations.

Embrace Nature

With four distinct seasons, civic arts festivals and outdoor activities abound. There is typically snow from November through April, while from July through September, Edmonton enjoys balmy temperatures and up to 17 hours of daylight. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) are not uncommon in the Edmonton sky and year-round and we have some of the clearest night skies in North America.

Modern infrastructure and facilities

• Sound stages from 3,000 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft.
• Virtual production studio at the Orange Hub
• Video and audio post-production facilities
• Camera and grip rental houses
• VFX and animation studios

Low cost jurisdiction

According to Nordicity’s analysis of the Canadian video game industry in 2017, the costs of running a company, per full-time equivalent, can be 24 per cent lower on average outside of major development centres like Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver.

  • No provincial sales tax in Alberta
  • Low office rental/leasing rates
  • Low corporate tax rate of 8%
  • Affordable residential real estate
  • Inexpensive public transit

Skilled film crews

Edmonton crews have worked on a wide range of productions, from low budget feature films to high budget television series and everything in between.

  • Competitive labour rates
  • Experienced department keys
  • Proficient with cold weather production
  • A positive, collaborative work environment
  • Award-winning creative talent

Interactive digital media hub

Edmonton IDM enterprises span the gamut from small indie studios to large AAA game studios, all of whom enjoy the following competitive advantages.

  • Skilled developers and programmers
  • Cluster of triple-A video game companies
  • VR/AR/MR and serious games expertise
  • Vibrant indie dev studio ecosystem
  • Multiple post-secondary institutions

Outstanding quality of Life

Thinking of relocating? Edmonton has a lot to offer in terms of value, lifestyle and a family-friendly environment.

  • 5th largest city in Canada with a population of 1 million
  • The average home price is CAD $508,337
  • Universal health care and free K-12 schooling
  • Year-round arts and multi-cultural festivals
  • 275 kilometres of paths and sidewalks for cyclists
  • Nearby Elk Island National Park is home to free roaming bison, moose, deer and elk

Vibrant Indigenous Culture

Are you an Indigenous creator? Locate your project or venture in Edmonton where we have a pool of Indigenous crew and talent.

  • Edmonton's traditional name is amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᕀ ᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ meaning "Beaver Hills House"
  • Edmonton currently has the largest urban Indigenous population in Canada
  • There are 45 First Nations in three treaty areas 140 spread across Alberta
  • The most commonly spoken Indigenous languages in Alberta are: Blackfoot; Cree; Chipewyan; Dene; Sarcee; and Stoney (Nakoda Sioux)
  • There are 17 First Nations located in Treaty 6 Territory, which includes Edmonton

Testimonials

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