Film and Media Arts - Facilities

When one thinks of movie sets, one thinks of Hollywood studios. However, film sets are not restricted to any one location and Alberta has its own

sets that have provided unique backdrops for several well-known films. CL Western Studio and Backlot is one of a number of films set that is located west of Calgary. An outdoor studio featuring 2,000 acres of rugged landscapes and Western style sets, visiting CL Western Studio and Backlot is like taking a trip back to the old West. The Western studio town features buildings that provide the backdrop for filming a period in between 1850-1930.

The rustic buildings found in the Western studio town are reminiscent of those found in Western movies and for good reason, many Western films have been produced in this town. The set is complete with 35 buildings in

total (19 of which have finished interiors) and includes everything from a sheriff's office, saloon and a church. The Western Backlot contains period sets interspersed throughout the area and include a sod hut, a trapper's cabin, an abandoned mine, a way station, a honeymoon cabin and an abandoned ranch. The latest addition is a farmhouse circa 1900 with a barn, corrals, windmill, out buildings and potential for a crop field. The farmhouse and the barn are fully finished complete with period furnishings. CL Western Studio and Backlot is also home to a prop warehouse that houses authentic set dressings, props, antiques and accessories. An impressive collection of over 4,200 items include furniture pieces, cast iron stoves, tables, chairs, lamps, ceramics, rugs, tools, kegs and various other pieces that would fit into the Western setting.

In the past, the studio has been used as more than just a film set, playing host to such events as fashion shoots, television mini series and commercials dating back as far as 1970, when Dustin Hoffman starred in Little Big Man.

A variety of Canadian actors have starred in productions filmed at the studio and some of these appearances have aided in launching successful careers. For example, Eric McCormack (now 'Will' on television's Will and Grace), played a role in the Lonesome Dove series filmed at CL Western Studio which ultimately led him to a successful career in television.

CL Western Studios is a great place to produce a film, television series, commercial or photo shoot. Companies such as Toyota and Nissan and Saturday Night Magazine have used the set for commercials and a fashion shoot, respectively. The studio is an important part of Alberta's film industry, bringing production agencies to the province and helping support Canadian actors. Alberta Film promotes Alberta as a prime film location with strikingly beautiful landscapes and facilities such as the CL Western Studio and Backlot help to legitimize this claim.