Calgary appoints Adnaan Wasey as new Film Commissioner

Calgary has officially appointed internationally recognized media innovator Adnaan Wasey as the city’s new Film Commissioner, marking another major step in the city’s efforts to strengthen its rapidly growing film and television industry.

The appointment reflects Calgary’s broader strategy to position itself as one of North America’s leading destinations for film, television and digital content production as the city continues attracting major international projects and creative talent.

Originally born in Toronto and currently based in New York City, Wasey will now return to Canada to lead Calgary’s next phase of growth in the screen production sector.

Wasey brings more than two decades of leadership experience across media, journalism, nonprofit and entertainment industries, having worked with globally recognized organizations including PBS, Disney, The New York Times and The Gotham.

In a statement following the announcement, Wasey described Calgary as a city standing at a major creative turning point.

He said Calgary already offers filmmakers and content creators many of the essential ingredients needed for success, including skilled local crews, strong educational programs, diverse landscapes, modern production tools, competitive incentives and a high quality of life.

Wasey added that Calgary’s entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative approach make the city unique within the North American production landscape, creating opportunities for long-term industry growth and partnerships.

His appointment comes during a period of significant momentum for Calgary’s film industry.

In recent years, the city has gained international recognition for its expanding production infrastructure and film-friendly environment. Calgary was recently ranked among the top filmmaking cities in North America by MovieMaker Magazine and was also named “Location of the Year” during the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.

Officials say Wasey’s experience in strategic development and ecosystem-building aligns closely with Calgary’s ambitions to attract more international productions while also strengthening opportunities for local filmmakers and creative professionals.

Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development, said Wasey’s industry experience and global connections are expected to further elevate Calgary’s international profile.

Parry said the appointment reinforces Calgary’s long-term commitment to building a strong creative economy while expanding the city’s reputation as a hub for storytelling, content production and innovation.

Throughout his career, Wasey has played key roles in launching and supporting major creative initiatives, including the Kingston Canadian Film Festival. He has also advised the MacArthur Foundation’s Journalism and Media Program and earned multiple honours, including an Emmy Award and several Webby Award nominations.

Industry observers believe his leadership could help Calgary compete more aggressively with larger production centres such as Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles by attracting new investment and strengthening the local production ecosystem.

Calgary’s screen industry has experienced substantial growth over the past several years, driven in part by Alberta’s competitive film and television tax credits, lower production costs and the city’s versatile filming locations.

Major productions including The Last of Us, Heartland, Billy the Kid and Netflix projects have helped place Calgary firmly on the global production map while creating jobs across technical, creative and support sectors.

The city’s creative industries have also become an important component of Calgary’s broader economic diversification strategy as officials seek to expand sectors beyond energy and traditional industries.

Wasey is officially scheduled to begin his role on August 1, although Calgary Economic Development confirmed he will begin engaging with local industry stakeholders during the Calgary Stampede as part of his transition into the position.

With global demand for streaming content and original productions continuing to rise, city officials believe Calgary is well positioned to capitalize on new opportunities and further establish itself as one of North America’s most attractive destinations for filmmakers and content creators.