Lethbridge Launches Screen Initiative to Boost Film Production

A new initiative called Screen Lethbridge aims to establish the city as a key player in the creative arts sector and attract future film productions. As part of the City of Lethbridge and Economic Development Lethbridge’s creative industries program, this initiative seeks to streamline the filming process, making it more accessible and filmmaker-friendly.

“Our goal is to definitely bring bigger productions here,” said Ismail Okasha, film services support with the City of Lethbridge. He emphasized that encouraging local filmmakers to create their own projects is a major focus for the initiative. By providing a list of public and private properties available for filming, along with a simplified permit application process, Screen Lethbridge aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

The film industry operates on tight schedules, where “time is money,” noted Nick Bohle, CEO and founder of Lethbridge-based HatChap Productions. He explained that on large sets, costs can escalate to between $5,000 and $10,000 per minute, making efficiency essential. The new dedicated film request form replaces the previous requirement for special event permits, which covered a wide range of activities and involved extensive paperwork.

Lethbridge has already attracted notable projects, including HBO’s The Last of Us, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and CTV’s Amazing Race Canada. These productions have brought significant economic benefits to the region. “It’s a multibillion-dollar industry in Alberta,” stated Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge. He highlighted that the City of Edmonton, which hosts one-third of the industry, is responsible for up to 50,000 jobs, indicating the potential for Lethbridge to capture its share of this market.

According to Okasha, the scenic coulees of Lethbridge are major attractions for location managers and producers. Additionally, sites such as the Lethbridge Airport, Fort Whoop-Up, and the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre provide diverse backdrops suitable for various film projects.

The idea for Screen Lethbridge originated in 2022, when the city received only a handful of film-related inquiries. “At that time, there were roughly two or three inquiries that came in to the organization,” Lewington explained. Since then, the initiative has seen an increase in interest, with 17 inquiries year-to-date. The team is targeting three to four productions within the next three to four years.

The cultural and artistic vibrancy of Lethbridge is a significant asset, according to Okasha. He noted that there is ongoing dialogue with the University of Lethbridge to inspire students and local filmmakers to begin their own projects. This foundation will create a pipeline for larger productions to consider Lethbridge as a filming location.

As Screen Lethbridge moves forward, its success will hinge on the ability to foster local talent while attracting major productions, positioning Lethbridge as a burgeoning hub for the film industry in Alberta.