Paramount’s Joe Pickett Brings $38.7 Million Boost to Alberta’s Economy
TORONTO, ONTARIO, DECEMBER 21, 2023 – New data released today demonstrates the economic impact of Paramount’s Joe Pickett in Alberta, with over $38.7 million spent on second season.
The analysis by Oxford Economics found that 61 per cent of production spending supported wages and salaries for local production crew and other labour, with the remaining 39 per cent spent on local goods and services. From rental services to hotels, catering and more, production-related purchases supported more than 620 local Alberta businesses.
Just one season of production stimulated a total of 400 jobs across the province, including 270 direct jobs on the show. Overall, season two contributed over $52 million to Alberta’s GDP.
Just one production can have a significant impact on the local economy. In addition to creating jobs and support for local business, productions can also make positive impacts in the communities where they film, and on the environment too. The cast and crew of Paramount productions like Joe Pickett are proud to support the communities in which they live and work. Over the making of season two, local cast and crew placed a significant focus on environmental stewardship, hosting an inter-departmental competition to highlight and share best practices in sustainable production. They also gave back to the community of Calgary with fresh food donations to The Mustard Seed Calgary and the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary.
For more on the economic impacts of Joe Pickett, you can read the complete Oxford Economics report here.
*All figures calculated in Canadian dollars*
QUOTES
“It is great to see the remarkable impact that the first two seasons of “Joe Pickett” had on jobs and the economy in Southern Alberta. The popular series employed hundreds of Albertans and benefitted businesses of all sizes. Joe Pickett really showcased some incredible Albertan vistas to the world and serves as a calling card for future productions to invest in our beautiful province” said Damian Petti, President of Calgary-based Entertainment Technician’s Union, I.A.T.S.E. Local 212.
“Alberta’s government is committed to supporting filmmakers and productions of all sizes, ensuring there are opportunities for Albertans to showcase their talents and contribute to our vibrant film scene. Not only did Joe Pickett’s production significantly contribute to Alberta’s economy and give back to our communities, it also helped showcase the incredible sights and sounds of our province, while demonstrating why Alberta is a leading location for film and television production” said Matt Jones, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Trade
“Having shows like Joe Pickett film here is great for Alberta for many reasons, including showcasing Alberta’s stunning backdrops to fans around the world and making a difference to hosting communities. I am grateful to the cast and crew of Paramount productions for supporting local non-profits, improving Albertans’ lives through charitable gifts as well as giving Alberta talent a chance to shine” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.
“Alberta’s stunning locations, talented and hard-working crew, and professional local suppliers have positioned it as a competitive production jurisdiction and attracted several major productions such as Joe Pickett to the province” said Wendy Noss, President, Motion Picture Association – Canada. “Today’s data demonstrates the considerable economic activity created by productions of all sizes to Alberta’s economy.”
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The Motion Picture Association – Canada (MPA-Canada) is the voice and advocate of the major international producers and distributors of movies, television and streaming programming in Canada and is an affiliate of the Motion Picture Association, Inc. (MPA). Through the production of long-running television series, feature films, and post-production, visual effects, and animation projects, the global studios we serve – including Disney (ABC), Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Universal (NBCUniversal) and Warner Bros. Discovery (HBO) – make substantial investments in Canada.
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