Grande Prairie is home to long summer days, aurora borealis, prairie landscapes and space as far as the eye can see.
Find information on permitting, licensing, funding opportunities and resources for filming in Grande Prairie below.
Economic Development Contact
Connect with our Economic Development team about your film production by emailing us at ecdevinfo@cityofgp.com.
Permits & Licenses
Film and Television Productions taking place within the City of Grande Prairie may be subject to additional permits and or safety code inspections to ensure the safety of the public and community. Please connect with the Invest Grande Prairie team and provide a description of the event along with the dates and location of the production.
The description should consider any potential impacts to the community and/or public, a Hazard Risk Assessment and a plan for mitigation of any identified hazards. Economic Development will circulate your event description to the appropriate departments who may request additional details and/or require additional permits.
Please email your event description to ecdevinfo@cityofgp.com a minimum of 30 days prior to beginning filming.
Outdoor Permit Request
If you are planning a production in Grande Prairie in a City Park you will require to submit an Outdoor Permit Request. Requests should be submitted no later than 5 business days prior to your start date. Proof of general liability insurance is required.
Drone Use
The City’s Parkland Bylaw (C-1310) allows for drones to be operated from the City’s Parks. Designated areas for drone use are identified on the attached map. Permitting requirements depend on the weight of the drone.
Drones weighing under 250g do not require a permit for use within City Parks but must be operated in accordance with Canadian Aviation Regulations (SOR/96-433).
Drones weighing 250g or more require a permit to operate from a City Park. Please complete this form to obtain a City Drone Permit. Permits are valid until December 31 of each year.
Business Licenses
Effective May 1, 2021, all businesses in the City will be required to obtain a business licence, this includes businesses operating temporarily within Grande Prairie.
Grande Prairie-Based Film & TV Productions
Kiesha’s Story: A Path To Wellness
2021 | Documentary | 44 mins
Directed by Mariah Braun
Undefeated: Journey To The Death Race
2020 | Documentary | 28 mins
Directed by Rew Jones
2019 | Drama | 19 mins
Directed by Len Morissette
2018 | Sci-Fi | 16 mins
Directed by Gordie Haakstad
2018 | Documentary | 48 mins
Directed by Ryan Northcott
Financial Incentives and Funding Opportunities
Arts Development Individual Project Funding
The purpose of this fund is to:
- Support and encourage the development of local artists and groups involved in the arts.
- Support programs/projects which foster and promote the enjoyment of visual, literary, and performing arts by local artists and groups that contribute to the cultural fabric of the community (e.g. exhibitions, displays, preservation of art)
- Consider unique opportunities for local capital development.
NOTE: Individual Project funding can only be received by a group or individual every other year.
Learn more by visiting the Arts & Culture Individual Project Funding website.
Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC)
Launched on January 29, 2020, the FTTC is administered by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Status of Women. The program offers a refundable Alberta tax credit certificate on eligible Alberta production and labour costs to corporations that produce films, television series and other eligible screen-based productions in the province. Applicants may apply for either a 22% or 30% tax credit rate. FTTC has a continuous intake with a minimum total production budget of C$500,000 for new productions.
Find more information on the Government of Alberta website.
Alberta Media Fund
The following grants support Alberta's film ecosystem and are administered by the Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women. Alberta film producers can apply for funding for different phases of film production, including script development, production and postproduction.
Alberta Made Production Grant: helps Alberta producers attract and maintain skilled labour by covering 25% of eligible production costs to a maximum of ($125,000.)
Post-Production, Visual Effects and Digital Animation Grant: supports the growth and sustainability of Alberta's post-production sector by helping companies employ Alberta talent.
Alberta Project Script Development Grant: helps Alberta producers cover expenses related to the development of commercial-ready projects and/or scripts.
Program details for each grant can be found on the Alberta Media Fund web page.
Learn more information on the Government of Alberta website.
Alberta Foundation for the Arts - Film and Video Projects
This funding provides up to $15,000 to support the development of individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists by providing funding for a specific film and video arts project.
To find more information on this program visit the Alberta Foundation for the Arts website.
Resources, Associations and Societies
Peace Region Independent Media Arts Association (PRIMAA)
The Peace Region Independent Media Arts Association is a non-profit society founded in 2013 to support and develop film and digital media artists throughout the Peace Region of Northern Alberta & BC.
PRIMAA also runs an equipment rental program to provide access to professional filmmaking equipment.
Learn more by visiting the PRIMAA website.
Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)
AMPIA is a vibrant non-profit professional association representing the interests of Alberta film, television, and interactive digital content creators.
Learn more by visiting the AMPIA website.