Calgary Film Centre: A futuristic studio powering Alberta’s creative economy

Kasian was engaged by Calgary Economic Development to design the Calgary Film Centre, a studio that would position the city as a creative hub for indoor film production. This facility responded to the growing demand for a professional space to support Alberta’s expanding film industry.

The Calgary Film Centre consists of three large sound stages with a common corridor, seating area, support spaces such as washrooms, and a café. Separated from the three studios is a large common office building (a bar building) that holds bright offices and boardrooms for both William F. White and Calgary Film Centre staff. Kasian created large rentable warehouse bays with natural light, storage space, and washrooms so production crews can store equipment, hold meetings, and have a home base while on set.

Kasian worked to properly sound treat each studio so it was acoustically and thermally separate from the outside world. Kasian collaborated with an acoustical engineer to design the intricate soundproofing of the building. Each studio contains tilt-up, prefabricated, precast concrete walls with acoustical lining insulation. The floors were ultra-flat without any undulations so cameras could easily pan when needed.

Kasian used elements of its industrial and arts and culture expertise to bring the complex project to life. The firm also commissioned local artist Bram Timmer to create a colourful sculpture called 24P along the street near the studio’s entrance to bring inspiration to all those working in the film centre.

The Calgary Film Centre has become a key driver of the city’s film sector, attracting major productions and generating significant economic impact. Its flexible layout and design have positioned the centre to grow alongside the increasing demand for film and television production in Alberta.