Collaborative efforts in Lethbridge seek to amplify the film industry in the southern region of Alberta.
Lethbridge, a city in Alberta, Canada, is taking strides to establish itself as a hub for the movie and video game industry. The city, known as a logistics hub for the agri-food corridor in southern Alberta, has recently launched a collaborative initiative with Economic Development Lethbridge to amplify its presence in the entertainment sector.
The new project, named Screen Lethbridge, aims to make it easy for production companies to rent properties across the city. This initiative is expected to attract multiple film and video game productions in the coming years, although the exact number of productions planned has not been publicly specified.
The entertainment industry is a significant contributor to the local economy, with the movie and video game industry in Alberta being a multi-billion-dollar industry. Approximately one-third of this industry is located in the city of Edmonton, suggesting it's responsible for up to 50,000 jobs. The economic impacts of the entertainment industry are broad, affecting various sectors in the region, including hotels, restaurants, and local trades.
Ismail Okasha, a film services support employee with the City of Lethbridge, stated that Lethbridge is amplifying the desired genre in the province. Recent productions like Billy the Kid and The Abandons have filmed in Lethbridge, and The Last of Us is another production that has taken advantage of the city's unique landscapes.
Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge, believes the investment in the movie and video game industry is worthwhile. He explains that the initiative is designed to help smaller filmmakers in the region, potentially leading to accreditation, workshops, and infrastructure development for filmmakers.
Lethbridge's opportunity in the movie and video game industry is worth a billion dollars, making it a lucrative prospect for the city. The city's hopes are high, with a goal to attract three or four new productions in the next few years. This collaborative initiative between the City of Lethbridge and Economic Development Lethbridge aims to ensure Lethbridge gets its fair share of the provincial industry pie.
