The Last of Us the Largest Series Ever Filmed in Canada with Over $141 Million Spent Across Alberta
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TORONTO, ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 – New data released today demonstrates the economic impact of HBO’s The Last of Us in Alberta, with over $141 million spent across the province – making it the largest series ever filmed in Canada.
The analysis by Oxford Economics found that $71 million of production spending supported wages and salaries for local cast, crew and production personnel, with the remaining $70 million spent at local businesses. From lumber and construction supplies to hotels, local catering and more, the series supported over 1,000 Alberta businesses in communities across the province.
The show has been nominated for 24 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series. Canadian creatives working in front of and behind the camera have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the critically acclaimed global series, including Emmy nominations for:
- Paul Healy for Outstanding Production Design;
- Chris Glimsdale and Penny Thompson for Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling;
- Connie Parker and Joanna Mireau for Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic);
- Cynthia Ann Summers, Kelsey Chobotar, Rebecca Toon and Michelle Carr for Outstanding Contemporary Costumes;
- Michael Playfair for Outstanding Sound Mixing in a Comedy or Drama; and
- Lamar Jackson for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
The success of the show has also brought attention to Alberta’s breathtaking locales with filming taking place in Canmore, Fort Macleod, Waterton and more. As well-known TV series attract tourists to visit popular filming locations, tourism-led spending at restaurants, hotels, and with other local businesses can provide an additional boost to regional economies.
Overall, the show generated more than $182 million for Alberta’s GDP and stimulated a total of 1,490 jobs across the province.
The show has already been renewed for a second season by HBO. As the series’ post-apocalyptic timeline moves on and Joel and Ellie continue west, Canada will continue to benefit from the significant economic and cultural benefits of The Last of Us with production of season two slated to film in British Columbia.
*All figures calculated in Canadian dollars*
QUOTES
“The Last of Us is a reminder that filming in Canada is not only a stunning place to film, but also the best place to find all the talent needed to help produce world-class content,” said Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge. “We welcome investment in Canada as a growing leader in the global film and tv market.”
“The Last of Us, the largest series ever filmed in Canada, has left an indelible mark on Alberta’s economic landscape,” highlighted Matt Jones, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Trade. “Supported by Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit, this monumental production not only showcased the breathtaking facets of our province but also emphasized why Alberta, with over 180 diverse filming locations, is a world-class destination for large-scale film and television productions.”
“Alberta is a world-class destination for big-budget productions such as The Last of Us,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. “Alberta’s government is working hard to create an ecosystem that will solidify Alberta’s status as a top destination for film and television productions through competitive tax credits, grants, and industry training. We have so many stories to tell, and we’re the best place for anyone to tell their story.”
“Award-winning Canadian crew members, many of whom are IATSE Local 212 Members, have showcased a wealth of creative talent through their remarkable work on The Last of Us. It is truly gratifying to see how The Last of Us is helping to grow highly skilled and very creative, Canadian careers. This acclaimed series is boosting the financial and creative health of the Canadian film motion picture industry,” said Damian Petti, President of Calgary-based Entertainment Technician’s Union, I.A.T.S.E. Local 212. “Members of this talented production team are very deserving of all the accolades The Last of Us is receiving.”
“With more than 180 locations spread out over 1,000 km of terrain, the film commissions in Alberta met the enormous challenge of helping to create the largest series ever shot in Canada,” added Mark Ham, Alberta Film Commissioner. “Thanks to the success of The Last of Us, the global film industry is now talking about Alberta as a fantastic place to bring their stories to life on the screen, no matter the size of the project. We have great incentives, crew and locations — a combination that is hard to find anywhere else.”
“Alberta provided The Last of Us with skilled creative talent and visually stunning backdrops as the story moved from east to west,” said Janet Graham Borba, Executive Vice President, Production, HBO. “Experiencing Alberta’s unique locations was a highlight for our production team. From big cities to small towns, the Rocky Mountains, prairies and forests, the province has it all.”
“The Last of Us is an incredible example of how global studios and streamers combine the talents of Canadian creatives and technical artists, stunning Canadian locations, world-class crew to make content enjoyed by audiences everywhere,” said Wendy Noss, President of the Motion Picture Association – Canada. “The data released today also demonstrates the significant impact just one production can have on the local economy, with more than $141 million spent across Alberta.”
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The Motion Picture Association – Canada (MPA-Canada) is the voice and advocate of the major international producers and distributors of movies, television and streaming programming in Canada and is an affiliate of the Motion Picture Association, Inc. (MPA). Through the production of long-running television series, feature films, and post-production, visual effects, and animation projects, the global studios we serve – including Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. Discovery (HBO) – make substantial investments in Canada.
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