Alberta Funding and Support for Films

The Alberta Motion Picture Development Corporation (AMPDC) was founded in 1981 and became the first English-Canadian provincial film agency. At first only providing financing and consulting for research and development, its mandate expanded in 1987 to help finance the creation and marketing of Albertan film and television productions. AMPDC was closed by the province in 1996, and by 1998, the Alberta film industry had shrunk from roughly $160M to $12M. Many filmmakers relocated.

Still, a support system for Alberta film production persists. The Alberta Multimedia Development Fund (AMDF) promotes the strength and competitiveness of Alberta’s film production industry through five funding programs, encouraging local talent and investment, alternative distribution options, and the use of Alberta as a filming location. The Shaw Rocket fund, created in 1998 by Shaw Cable to provide financing high-quality youth and family programming, has invested $35 million to date. The Canwest Alberta Legacy Fund invested over $3 million in 57 television projects, before closing in March 2012.

The Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) is a non-profit professional association that was established in 1973 to foster a viable, independent motion picture industry in Alberta. Today, AMPIA continues to disseminate information, provide professional development, and lobby for increased funding.