‘Last of Us’ production has big benefits for Alberta

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on November 30, 2023.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

An HBO series that was filmed in Alberta had a huge economic spinoff.
“The Last of Us,” which was filmed partly in southern Alberta and had one scene featuring Lethbridge’s iconic High Level Bridge, is the largest series ever shot in Canada, according to the Motion Picture Association – Canada.
Over $141 million was spent on production including $71 million on local labour and $70 million on local goods and services.
Overall, the series generated more than $182 million for Alberta’s Gross Domestic Product while stimulating the creation of 1,490 jobs.
The series created 840 jobs for local cast and crew and 1,000 businesses in the province were supported in various ways from hotels, to caterers to lumber and construction supply companies.
The MPA says the data comes from an analysis by Oxford Economics.
The series was filmed in such recognizable locations as Waterton, Fort Macleod and other areas.
“As well-known TV series attract tourists to visit popular filming locations, tourism-led spending at restaurants, hotels, and with other local businesses can provide an additional boost to regional economies,” says MPA- Canada.
Renewed for a second season, “The Last of Us” has been nominated for 24 Emmy awards including outstanding drama series.
“As the series’ post-apocalyptic timeline moves on and Joel and Ellie continue west, Canada will continue to benefit from the significant economic and cultural benefits of The Last of Us with production of season two slated to film in British Columbia,” says the MPA-Canada.
The production was supported by Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit and featured 180 filming locations here.
“The Last of Us” is described as a post-apocalyptic drama series which is based on a video game of the same name.
It’s set two decades into a pandemic caused by a fungal infection which turns victims into creatures resembling zombies.
It stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, who became known for her work on HBO’s “Game of Thrones in the role of Lyanna Mormont.

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