DIDSBURY – Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter is calling on the provincial government to support the Alberta film industry going forward.
Hunter has penned a letter to Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper regarding the matter. The letter was presented to town council at its recent regularly scheduled meeting.
“More investment needs to occur to realize Alberta’s full potential,” Hunter said in the letter. “This is the time to look at all areas of diversification for our province, and the filming industry in Alberta should be looked at as a way to increase revenue and to diversify Alberta’s economy.
“The province benefits from the film industry due to the number of Albertans employed through their projects. Communities hosting those projects also benefit because of the film industry utilizing the businesses and services in those towns, participating in programs and buying their homes in our communities.”
Filming in Alberta generates direct and indirect economic activity, including equipment rentals, catering, taxi services, hotels and motels, commercial real estate, building supplies, gas stations, restaurants and pubs, coffee shops, clothing stores and vehicle rentals, she said.
Filming of the Let Him Go movie in Didsbury generated $70,000 and Season 2 of Tin Star $94,000.
Other provinces such as B.C. and Quebec spend much more in support of their respective film industries than Alberta, she said.
“These provinces are leading the way with initiatives promoting profound contributions to local economies,” she said.
Council received the letter as information. It is being forwarded to other municipalities for comment.
The letter will be forwarded to Cooper after comments are received from other municipalities, says Hunter.
