Production of HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ added $182M to Alberta’s GDP
Posted November 28, 2023 12:00 pm.
The Last of Us is officially the largest television series ever filmed in Canada, and Alberta reaped the rewards, according to the country’s Motion Picture Association (MPA).
HBO’s production, based on a popular video game of the same name, generated more than $182 million for Alberta’s GDP and just under 1,500 jobs across the province, data released Monday shows.
More than $141 million was spent on production in Alberta, according to the MPA.
Local goods and services saw the benefits of $70 million spent, while slightly more — $71 million — was spent on local labour.
In total, the series supported over 1,000 Alberta businesses and communities and created 840 jobs for local cast and crew members.
The Last of Us has been nominated for 24 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, and many Canadians have been recognized for their contributions to the critically-acclaimed series.
The show’s success also drew attention to the province and it’s popular landmarks, including Canmore, Fort Macleod, and Waterton — all of which served as backdrops for filming.
Canada’s MPA said this attracted tourists to those popular filiming locations, and increased tourism-led spending at restaurants, hotels, and in other local businesses.
The show has already been renewed for a second season by HBO, but as the series’ post-apocalyptic timeline moves on and the characters move west, filming and production of The Last of Us will be in B.C.
