Film and Media Arts - Facilities

Facilities such as television networks, theatres, training institutes and centres promote films, present television shows, host web design events and educate individuals in the area of new media. The following section will explore some of the facilities that promote the film and new media industry throughout Alberta.

Many people expect movie sets to be gracing Hollywood and do not realize that these sets are found in many other less conspicuous areas. One example, just west of Calgary, is the C.L. Western Studio and Backlot, a movie set where such films as Little Big Man have been produced. Complete with a western studio town, circa 1850-1930, many period sets and a set dressing warehouse (featuring several antique props) the studio is one of many facilities available for the production of films in Alberta.

Across the prairies in various cities and small towns, old theatres have been converted into movie houses and continue to stand as a testament to the past, while screening current popular films. Many of these theatres rest on rich histories. The Uptown Theatre in Calgary remains a venue for art and foreign films and also serves as an arts centre, a performance stage, lobby bar and a visual art gallery. The Grand Theatre is Calgary's oldest operating theatre; in fact, it is the oldest theatre of its kind, west of Winnipeg. At one time, the Grand hosted many types of live events, until it joined the Odeon chain in 1941, switching its focus to screening movies. Edmonton's Princess Theatre is another example of a beautifully restored building dating back to 1915.

Among the facilities that support television in Alberta is Access, a station committed to offering quality educational programming. Access runs out of an amazing facility, with staff and resources capable of bringing a myriad of interesting and socially relevant programs to captive audiences.

The Telus Centre, located on the University of Alberta campus, hosts various seminars and workshops pertaining to new technology and media. Complete with modern communication technologies and innovative services, the Telus Centre is an idyllic setting for web-based seminars, presentations, interactive video-conferences and meetings.