Filmmakers and creatives are starting to recognize Calgary’s film industry as a dynamic hub for creativity and production. With a record-breaking $520 million in production in 2022 — which was followed in 2023 with more than 750 filming permits issued despite global industry-wide labour strikes — the local film and TV sector is surging.
From blockbuster hits to independent gems, Calgary is making its mark on the screen, drawing interest from productions with its combination of stunning locations, skilled crews and a supportive industry environment.
One of the recent impetuses for the influx in productions was the Government of Alberta's removal of the $10-million tax credit cap in 2021 on its incentive for productions filming in the province. Coupled with the City of Calgary’s Film Friendly Program — a slew of services offered in conjunction with the Calgary Film Commission — these incentives have fueled a filmmaking renaissance in the Blue Sky City.
At the heart of this growth are the talented filmmakers who call Calgary home — visionaries who blend passion with innovation to bring compelling stories to life.
Among them is Jason Wan Lim, the founder, president and head of production at Polyscope Productions, whose journey highlights the opportunities and vibrant energy that define Calgary’s film scene. With a career built on hustle, resourcefulness and a love for Calgary’s unique opportunities, Jason’s life has taken him from small indie projects and Hallmark Christmas films to high-profile productions like Netflix’s locally shot Black Summer.
We sat down with Jason to learn more about his journey, insights and hopes for the future of filmmaking in the city.
Can you share a bit about your journey in the film industry in Calgary?
I did one year of film and video production at SAIT. It was funny, because I was told by one of the teachers, "Every year, there's somebody that drops out for an opportunity." Then it turned out that I was the one. I was trying to get out of the bar industry, and I found money from a group of investors — they offered me money to make a movie. I thought I'd be remiss staying in school when that was being offered. So, I ended up making my first movie for like, a quarter million.
The great thing is that I stopped bartending one day, and then I was full time filmmaking the next. That was my intro into the filmmaking world, and I’ve been full time ever since.
How have you seen Calgary’s film industry evolve over the years?
I’ve been in the industry for about 12 years now. In the first six years, I had done $1.5 million of production, and in the last six years, I've done about $80 million. It's been a nice progression.
It's all perspective, right? During the first six years, it seemed busy. I was certainly busy. Even with $1.5 million in production, I was still hustling, putting projects together. It felt like I was doing okay. But when you take a step back, in retrospect, you realize there wasn’t a lot of production. There was a handful of shows that were mid-sized, and the biggest shows would drop by very occasionally. Now, it seems like it would be strange if there wasn't a very large show or two or even three in any given calendar year. The growth has been phenomenal.
Why did you choose Calgary as the home base for Polyscope Productions?
Having lived in Vancouver 10 years prior to coming here, I never made a movie. I got into the film industry in Calgary; I like the smaller pond here — and the pond's always getting bigger.
Vancouver is the pretty girl in high school that you don't get to talk to — beautiful mountains and ocean, but I found the people are aloof and everything's expensive. It has that vibe. But I find Calgary very accessible. I love the entrepreneurial spirit here, that we-can-do-anything attitude.
What makes Calgary a unique location for film and TV productions?
It's a combination of factors — the modern, diverse look of the city, the stunning natural landscapes just outside the city, and of course, the government incentives. Our region can double for a wide range of locations, from Midwestern U.S. towns to futuristic cityscapes.
The Calgary Film Commission has also been a valuable resource, helping with location packages and industry knowledge.
What excites you most about the future of your company and Calgary’s film industry?
The government's ostensible removal of the tax credit cap indicates a commitment to growth — that seems evident. There seem to be productions lined up to set up shop in Calgary.
I chose this city as my home. I like it here. This happens to be the sector that I want to play in, so I’m gonna be making movies. I was making movies when there was a cap, and I'm making movies now — the removal of the cap just helps my business grow even more. I'm in Calgary for the long haul.
Learn more about what it’s like to live in Calgary, and learn more about the city’s growing creative industries!
