Calgary’s New Film Commissioner Aims to Revitalize Local Industry

Calgary’s new film commissioner, Adnaan Wasey, has embarked on a mission to invigorate the local film and television sector during a challenging year. Wasey, who took on the role in August, believes that by highlighting the city’s exceptional crews, stunning landscapes, and attractive industry tax incentives, Calgary can become a preferred destination for film productions.

Wasey expressed his enthusiasm for the creative potential in Calgary, stating, “I’m really excited about the creative energy, and I want to take the momentum we have built over the last couple of decades and turn it into a movement for Calgary.” Originally from Toronto, Wasey has a diverse background in the film industry, having previously served as the executive director of Rooftop Films in New York City and launching the Kingston Canadian Film Festival. His extensive experience includes work with prominent organizations such as PBS and The New York Times.

Wasey has yet to leverage his connections with U.S. producers but is optimistic about the interest he has received since starting his role. “We’re seeing a lot of interest,” he noted. “Even in my first month, we have had interest from not just local producers and national producers; we’re also getting connections from Hollywood.” This growing interest signals a potential shift for the local film landscape.

Challenges in the Local Film Landscape

Despite the optimism, the local film and television industry is experiencing a downturn. According to Damian Petti, president of IATSE Local 212, employment in the sector is currently at approximately 65 percent. Petti described the situation as “not booming” but steady. Andrew Long, executive director of the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF), noted that Calgary typically hosts only a handful of productions at any given time, in contrast to other major centres with around 100 productions.

Long highlighted the tendency for local talent to seek opportunities in cities like Vancouver or Toronto when Calgary’s production schedule slows down. “It’s really wonderful when you see more things happening locally so that people don’t have to move away every time it gets a little quiet here,” he said.

While large-scale productions, such as HBO’s The Last of Us, have made a significant economic impact, smaller projects also play a crucial role in the industry. For instance, the long-running Canadian series Heartland recently completed its 19th season in Calgary. Long emphasized the importance of fostering local production. “It’s not that all of it has to be big stuff. Much like the economy, the media sector benefits from a mix of large and small projects.”

Opportunities for Growth and Collaboration

Wasey believes that Alberta’s tax credit program can be a strong selling point for filmmakers considering Calgary. “There are already really competitive incentives in Calgary to make it competitive provincially, nationally, and internationally,” he stated. However, Petti suggested that Alberta should enhance its incentives to maintain competitiveness with other regions, such as the United Kingdom, which has seen increased production volumes due to attractive tax benefits.

The impact of international policies is also a concern. In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced potential tariffs on productions shot outside the United States. This announcement led to uncertainty in the industry, although many insiders believe the tariffs are unlikely to be implemented. Petti remarked, “When the tariffs were announced, they sort of slowed decision-making down because people really didn’t know what was going to happen… but as time goes on, they see that it’s very difficult to impose a tariff on a service.”

Despite the slow start to 2025, several projects are currently scouting Calgary for filming. Notable productions include the third season of the Netflix series My Life With the Walter Boys, the final season of Billy the Kid, and new Canadian series Anna Pigeon. Calgary’s diverse landscape, featuring western sets and natural scenery, has traditionally attracted seasonal work, but the recent development of sound stages provides opportunities for year-round production.

Long expressed hope for the future, emphasizing the need for steady work to cultivate talent and growth within the industry. “Looking forward to maybe getting a little bit busier; those are important opportunities not just for the people who work day-to-day but for those trying to find a career,” he said.

As the new film commissioner, Wasey is committed to nurturing the existing momentum in Calgary’s film sector. “There’s been tremendous work over the decades, so my goal is not to interrupt the momentum,” he concluded. “This is an opportunity for collaboration between the massive creative industry in Calgary and to take that to the next level.”