Alberta’s newest film studio is rolling out the red carpet for the movie and TV industry, hoping to bring more productions to Didsbury. West of 22 Productions offers a large green-screen, sound booth, western-styled saloon and other spaces designed for productions. Since it’s grand opening on July 1, the business has already had a lot of interest. “Four Directional Studios, they’ve expressed interest in filming the Watcher series here, parts of it; there’s been others," said Sterling Toews, who Owns West of 22 Productions with his wife. “I’m quite sure we’ll see productions here this year.” Toews’ daughter Rebecca Berglund works as director of operations. The family hopes to create more opportunities in the town of just over 5,000 people located about 80 kilometres north of Calgary. “We’ve had some pretty big productions come through town already,” Berglund said. “Didsbury is already becoming known as a bit of a film town, film hotspot, so having this here just kind of adds to that makes it more of a one-stop shop.” Toews owns a construction finishing business, so he and former co-worker Alan Lawn built most of the facility themselves. “I think we built something world-class,” he said. Alberta offers incentives for TV and film productions, and the Didsbury studio falls in an area where productions can qualify for an extra eight per cent in tax credits. “There’s tax incentives in rural areas, and on a million-dollar movie, that’s a huge incentive,” Toews said. The president of IATSE Local 212, a union representing film and television crews, says Alberta is considering improving its incentive program to attract more productions. “It’s very competitive, so each jurisdiction will beef up its tax credits from time to time,” Damian Petti said. “The government has indicated they’re interested in looking at minor changes, so I’m optimistic about that.” Petti says after a slow start to the year, business has picked up and new facilities offering options are always welcome. “Our dream scenario, [is to] bring more business and employment to the town and have a lot of big, cool stuff filmed here,” Berglund said “I’ve seen the blood sweat and tears to make this happen, and I couldn’t be more excited for everybody; for the whole family.” Some of the productions shooting in southern Alberta this summer include The Magnificent Seven, Heartland, The Horseman and My Life With the Walter Boys. Next month, Calgary will also begin the search for a new film commissioner. Adnaan Wasey was hired last summer but Calgary Economic Development says he is no longer in the role.
