Episode: 3 Beyond the Mountains - Why Edmonton is Poised for a Screen Sector Breakthrough with Luke Azevedo and Dorian Rowe
In this episode, we’re joined by two powerhouses of Alberta’s film industry: Luke Azevedo, newly appointed CEO of Edmonton Screen, and Dorian Rowe, Edmonton’s Film Commissioner. Together, they unpack Alberta’s evolving screen landscape from the global impact of The Last of Us to the growing strength of local IP and talent development in Edmonton. With decades of experience between them, Luke and Dorian share hard-won lessons, the value of relationships, and how Alberta is working as one unified region to build a sustainable, talent-driven, and globally competitive film and television sector.In this episode:Luke reflects on his transition from Calgary to Edmonton and the broader provincial strategy behind his new roleDorian shares how Edmonton’s film ecosystem has quietly built a strong foundation in local IP and post-productionA deep dive into Alberta’s massive success with The Last of Us and why it proved Alberta is “not just one village, but every village”What the “Team Alberta” approach means and why collaboration, not competition, between Edmonton and Calgary is keyHow both leaders are working to attract foreign investment and support Alberta-based creators equallyAdvice for students, emerging talent, and new production companies on navigating Alberta’s fast-changing industryA look at Edmonton’s untapped location potential, regional tax credits, and how new incentives are fueling rural participationHonest reflections on industry volatility, AI, sustainability, infrastructure gaps, and long-term growth strategiesWhy Alberta's content needs to shift from service model to story ownership and how that starts with investing in peopleContacts:Luke Azevedo, CEO of Edmonton Screen (former Calgary Film Commissioner)Dorian Rowe, Edmonton Film CommissionerWebsite: https://edmontonscreen.com/about/team/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmontonscreen/"It’s not just about attracting productions, it’s about building a full-service industry. One that retains talent, grows companies, and makes Alberta a global destination for content creation."— Luke AzevedoThis podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.CREDITSHosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent KawchukThank You to Our SupportersThis podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media GroupStudio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media StudiesPromotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film CommissionSeries trailer edited by Joe Media GroupWe’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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