Seed&Spark Campaign Update — Campaign Wrap-Up
The Reel Alberta Seed&Spark campaign has officially come to a close, and I want to take a moment to thank everyone who followed, shared, commented, and supported this project along the way.
Whether you pledged, shared the campaign, sent a message of encouragement, or simply took the time to read about the project—your engagement mattered. This campaign sparked conversations, opened doors, and confirmed that there is genuine interest in preserving Alberta’s film history.
While we didn’t reach the funding goal in this round, this is not the end of Reel Alberta.
A great deal of important work has already been accomplished. Interviews have begun, relationships have been formed, and stories have started to be captured. That progress reinforced why this documentary needs to exist and why it’s worth continuing to pursue.
This campaign also came with valuable lessons. One of the clearest was that not everyone who approaches a project is interested in supporting your needs—some are more focused on selling you theirs. That insight will directly shape how this project moves forward.
In the coming days, I’ll be restructuring and relaunching the campaign with a stronger foundation, clearer messaging, and a sharper articulation of why this story matters—culturally, historically, and for the future of Alberta’s film community.
To everyone who stood with this project at this stage: thank you. Your belief is part of what comes next.
More soon.
— Richard
Seed&Spark Campaign Update — 3 Days Left
With 3 days left in the Seed&Spark campaign for Reel Alberta, I want to thank everyone who has supported this project and share a clear update as we enter the final stretch.
This campaign now comes down to a simple outcome: Reel Alberta either continues in current production or pauses so the project can be restructured and relaunched.
Our goal remains $10,000—the funding needed to keep interviews, travel, and on-the-ground production moving forward without interruption. We are actively filming right now, capturing stories from the crews, creators, and community members who helped build Alberta’s film industry and whose voices deserve to be preserved.
Like many independent productions, we’ve experienced both momentum and setbacks during this campaign. A late pledge withdrawal was difficult, but it also clarified something important: this film will move forward only with support that’s genuine, aligned, and sustainable.
If you’ve already backed Reel Alberta, thank you. Your belief in this project has made it possible to reach this stage, and it genuinely matters in these final days.
If you’re considering backing the campaign or increasing your pledge, these last 3 days are when your support has the greatest impact. And if contributing isn’t possible, sharing the campaign helps more than you might expect as we approach the finish line.
No matter the outcome, this project will move forward—either through continued production now or through a focused relaunch built on everything learned so far.
Thank you for standing with this project and for supporting Alberta film.
— Richard
Reel Alberta Update: Interview Day with Chris Large Is Almost Here
Tomorrow is a big day for Reel Alberta.
We’re sitting down for an in-depth interview with Chris Large, and it’s a conversation we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Chris is someone whose experience, insight, and deep roots in Alberta’s film community make him a vital voice in the story we’re telling.
This interview will dive into Chris’s journey through the industry, the realities of building a career in Alberta, and the often-unseen teamwork that keeps productions moving forward. These are the kinds of stories that don’t always make it into press releases or history books—but they absolutely shape who we are as a film community.
📸 Behind-the-scenes access
We’ll be capturing behind-the-scenes photos and video throughout the day—from setup to candid moments between questions. That exclusive BTS content will be available only through:
The Reel Alberta website
Our campaign on Seed&Spark
Our supporters on Patreon
This is part of our commitment to transparency—bringing supporters inside the process, not just showing the finished film.
If you’ve ever wondered how a documentary like Reel Alberta actually comes together, this is your chance to see it unfold in real time. Check back soon for photos, clips, and updates from interview day—and if you’d like access to everything we can share, now’s the perfect time to support the project.
🎬 Tomorrow, we roll cameras. The story continues.
Why I’m the Right Person to Tell This Story
My connection to film didn’t start in a classroom or a boardroom—it started in a small northern Manitoba movie theater, watching The Cat from Outer Space. A few years later, in 1977, I saw Star Wars on the big screen on opening weekend, and I was hooked—not just on the movie, but on the magic of how films are made.
That curiosity became a lifelong pull toward storytelling. In school, I wrote skits and short plays under the mentorship of an inspiring teacher and thespian. I experimented with acting, but I quickly learned that my place wasn’t centre stage. I wanted to create the experience, not perform in it.
That instinct shaped my career. I started as a DJ in a bar, moved into radio, and went on to work as crew for a wide range of entertainers. Each step taught me how collaboration, timing, and trust are at the heart of every great production.
As a professional photographer, I learned how to tell stories visually—how to let images do the work that words sometimes can’t. That skill, and that respect for the craft, carries directly into this film.
When I moved to Alberta more than 22 years ago, I was fortunate to work behind the scenes on remarkable television and film projects. More importantly, I formed relationships with the people who built Alberta’s film industry—crew members, creators, and craftspeople whose stories are rarely told. Many of them are still close friends today.
This is why Reel Alberta matters to me—and why your support matters so much. This documentary is not an outsider’s perspective or a surface-level history. It’s a story told with care, access, and respect, shaped by decades of lived experience and trusted relationships.
This film only gets made if enough people believe in it right now.
Not someday. Not “after payday.” Now.
The stories at the heart of Reel Alberta don’t live in archives or textbooks—they live in the memories of people who were there. And some of those voices are fading. Every day we wait is a risk that a story will be lost forever.
By backing this project on Seed&Spark, you’re not just helping fund a documentary—you’re helping safeguard a piece of Alberta’s cultural history before it disappears. You’re saying these people mattered. This work mattered. And it’s worth remembering.
If this story resonated with you, please don’t scroll past it. Even a small pledge makes a real difference. Your support—right now—could be the reason this film exists at all.
Thank you for standing with me and helping bring Reel Alberta to life.
🎬 Big News from Reel Alberta!
We’ve just added an exclusive new incentive for supporters: pledge now and get your name in the opening credits as an Associate Producer! There are only 4 spots available, so act fast to secure this rare place in Alberta film history.
We’ve also made it easier for you to see exactly what your pledge supports—we’ve added a clear pledge breakdown right on the front page, including production, travel, research, post-production, archival access, and more.
We’re also thrilled to share a list of our confirmed interviews, featuring incredible voices from across the Canadian film and arts world:
John Scott—Canadian filmmaker (director/producer/stuntman/animal wrangler)
Damian Petti—Canadian actor and theatre artist (known for work in film/television)
Michael Peterson—award-winning film director & producer (known for feature films, TV comedies & thrillers)
Chris Large—Photographer & cinematographer (credits in production & documentary cinema)
Lesia T. Bear – Makeup/Art Department Professional & production artist (multiple film/TV credits)
Michelle Thrush—Canadian actress & First Nations activist (noted for Blackstone, North of 60, Arctic Air and more)
…and many others still being confirmed!
Every pledge—big or small—helps bring Reel Alberta to life and preserves these stories for future generations. Thank you for being part of this journey! 🎥✨
Thank You for Building This With Me
Huge thanks to everyone who’s been following, sharing, and supporting Reel Alberta. Every share and message genuinely helps more than you know.
I’ve also appreciated all the suggestions people have sent my way. That said, as a solo filmmaker wearing all the hats—story development, B-roll, interviews, logistics, and coordination—my time and energy are extremely limited. Paid promo services and third-party “backer growth” offers just aren’t the right fit for this project.
This film is being built through real connections and word-of-mouth, and that kind of support can’t be bought.
If you want to help, the best things you can do are:
• Follow
• Share
• Talk about the project in your own words
🎬 Seed&Spark:
https://seedandspark.com/fund/reel-alberta-the-untold-story-of-film-in-hollywoods-north#story
🌐 Website:
https://reelalberta.com
📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/reelalberta
Thank you for believing in this story and helping it reach the people who need to see it.
— Richard
📸 Big Announcement! 🎬
We are thrilled to share that world‑renowned still photographer Chris Large has officially joined our interview lineup for Reel Alberta! 🌟
Chris is a native Calgarian with over 20 years of professional experience shooting movie and TV stills, capturing unforgettable moments on sets all around the globe—from Germany to Fiji, Mexico to Romania, China to Nova Scotia, and beyond.
As a highly respected set photographer, Chris has worked with major studios, networks, and streamers and has documented productions that include notable features like Togo with Willem Dafoe on Disney+—bringing behind‑the‑scenes artistry to life through his lens.
What makes Chris an incredible asset to our documentary is his unique perspective on film production and visual storytelling. His work doesn’t just capture images—it preserves the emotion, the craft, and the raw energy of filmmaking in a way that resonates with both industry insiders and audiences alike. 🎥✨
We can’t wait to dive into his journey, insights, and stories from the heart of film production. Stay tuned for an interview packed with wisdom, inspiration, and some unforgettable stills from sets around the world! 🌍📷
#ReelAlberta #ChrisLarge #BehindTheScenes #FilmPhotography
Reel Alberta Project Update – January 2026
Reel Alberta is now in active production, documenting the rich and often untold history of film in Alberta. This Canadian documentary explores the people, places, and stories that helped shape Alberta’s film culture—earning the province its reputation as “Hollywood’s North.”
We are currently scheduling and filming interviews with filmmakers, historians, exhibitors, and industry professionals from across Alberta. These in-depth conversations are taking place between January and early March and form the backbone of the documentary. Our list of interview participants continues to grow as the project gains momentum.
We’re also grateful to have secured welcoming local venues to host interviews, thanks to community partners who recognize the importance of preserving Alberta’s cinematic and cultural history.
At the same time, our Seed&Spark crowdfunding campaign is live and helping bring Reel Alberta to life. Contributions directly support documentary production costs, including travel, filming, audio, archival research, and post-production. Every pledge and share helps ensure this Alberta-made film reaches audiences in Canada and beyond.
👉 Support Reel Alberta on Seed&Spark:
https://seedandspark.com/fund/reel-alberta-the-untold-story-of-film-in-hollywoods-north#story
Reel Alberta is being created with care, respect, and a deep commitment to Canadian storytelling. Thank you to everyone who has supported the project so far. More updates are coming soon as interviews continue and Alberta’s film history comes into sharper focus.
—
Richard Cleveland
Director, Reel Alberta
https://reelalberta.com
Reel Alberta: Building the Film—Together
Reel Alberta is more than a documentary. It’s a celebration of Alberta’s film history, the people who built it, and the stories that continue to shape our province on screen.
Over the past year, this project has moved from concept to active production. We’ve secured professional camera gear and production partners, begun planning and recording interviews with Alberta filmmakers and creatives, and started scouting locations that have played a role in our province’s cinematic legacy. The vision is clear, the momentum is real, and the story is ready to be told.
Looking Ahead to 2026
2026 is a pivotal year for Reel Alberta. Our goals include:
Filming the majority of interviews across Alberta
Capturing cinematic visuals of key film locations
Securing archival footage, photos, and music rights
Moving fully into post-production, including editing and sound
Preparing the film for festivals, screenings, and public release
This next phase is about execution — turning years of research, passion, and planning into a finished film that does justice to Alberta’s contribution to cinema.
How You Can Help
This documentary is being built independently, with community support at its core. Patreon allows supporters to directly contribute to the ongoing production of the film while helping us plan sustainably and move forward without compromising the vision.
By joining Patreon, you’re not just backing a film—you’re helping preserve Alberta’s cultural and creative history.
👉 Support Reel Alberta on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/reelalberta
Every level of support makes a difference, and every supporter becomes part of this journey.
Thank you for believing in Reel Alberta. Together, we’re making this film happen. 🎬
— Richard Cleveland
Creator, Reel Alberta
Reel Alberta Production Update 2025: Interview Phase, New Crew, and Community Call-Out
The Reel Alberta documentary—our upcoming film exploring the history of movie and television production in Alberta—is officially moving into its next major phase. With interviews beginning soon, new team members joining the crew, and community engagement growing every week, this is the perfect time to share a full production update.
If you're passionate about filmmaking in Alberta or curious about the province’s entertainment legacy, here’s where the project stands today.
Interviews Starting Soon for Reel Alberta
We’re excited to announce that interview filming is launching in the coming weeks. These interviews will feature Alberta filmmakers, performers, technicians, and industry pioneers who helped build one of Canada’s most distinctive and resilient film communities.
From early television productions in the province to major Hollywood features shot on our landscape, these conversations will help shape the narrative foundation of the Reel Alberta documentary.
SEO keywords integrated: Alberta film interviews, Alberta filmmakers, Alberta documentary production, Alberta film history.
Meet the Growing Reel Alberta Production Team
Our crew is expanding as we head deeper into production:
Jess Cornett-Ching – BTS Photographer & Production Assistant
Jess brings a sharp creative eye and a natural ability to capture authentic behind-the-scenes moments that will help visually document our filmmaking process.Dan Doherty – Camera Operator & Contributor
Dan’s experience and technical skill behind the camera are helping establish the visual tone and style of Reel Alberta.
We are still building our crew and welcome those with film or media experience to reach out. Whether you're skilled in lighting, sound, grip work, or production assisting, we’d love to connect.
SEO keywords integrated: Alberta film crew, behind-the-scenes Alberta, Alberta production jobs, Alberta documentary crew.
Share Your Alberta Film Photos and Stories
A major goal of this documentary is to celebrate the people who contributed to Alberta’s film identity. We’re inviting past and present cast and crew to share their:
Behind-the-scenes photos
Production stills
Stories or memories
Props or memorabilia from Alberta-based film and TV projects
These contributions help us create an accurate, vibrant, and community-centered documentary.
SEO keywords integrated: Alberta film history photos, Alberta production stories, Alberta behind-the-scenes archive.
Industry Partners Supporting Reel Alberta
We’re grateful for the early support from leading industry partners, including:
Blackmagic Design
Digital Media Integrations
The Camera Store
Their contributions assist with the professional equipment required to film interviews, capture cinematic visuals, and document Alberta’s film heritage.
We are currently seeking a vehicle or transportation sponsor to support travel across Alberta as we interview filmmakers and document historic film locations.
SEO keywords integrated: Alberta film sponsorship, Alberta documentary partners, Alberta production support.
What’s Next for the Reel Alberta Documentary?
In the coming months, our production schedule includes:
Filming interviews across Alberta
Shooting B-roll at historic film locations
Collecting archival materials and community submissions
Sharing behind-the-scenes updates online
Continuing to build partnerships with Alberta businesses and creators
As we move forward, our mission remains clear: to preserve and share the untold story of Alberta’s film industry—from indie creators to major productions.
Follow the Journey
Stay connected for ongoing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new opportunities to get involved with the Reel Alberta documentary. Together, we’re preserving the legacy of filmmaking in Alberta for generations to come.
Alberta: More Than Scenery — A Star in its Own Right
When you think of cinematic landscapes, mountains, prairies, small towns, harsh weather, and rugged wilderness—Alberta delivers all that and versatility. Over decades the province has provided settings that feel epic, intimate, frontier-wild, nostalgic, urban decay, or hopeful recovery. The result: Alberta doesn’t just fill in for somewhere else; it elevates stories.
Past & Present: Notable Films Shot in Alberta
Here are some of the films (and a few TV shows) that used Alberta’s geography, towns, and seasonal extremes to great effect, plus what they show us about the province’s strengths.
The Revenant (2015): Kananaskis Country, Fortress Mountain, Bragg Creek, Dead Man’s Flats, along the Bow River, etc. Its wild, wintry landscapes play a huge role—they’re a character themselves. The film is often praised for its immersive naturalism; crews had to shoot using natural light and handle very difficult terrain and weather. Alberta’s wilderness helped make it visceral. Interstellar (2014): Southern Alberta: Nanton, Longview, Lethbridge. Even the baseball field dust storm was filmed near Okotoks. It shows how Alberta can stand in for otherworldly or dystopian environments; the open sky and dramatic plains give scale. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) Calgary, Drumheller, Fort Macleod, Turner Valley Gas Plant, etc. The nostalgic small-town/rural settings make Alberta a believable stand-in for generic “Everytown, USA,” or middle America. Its geological features (badlands, coulees) give texture. Legends of the Fall, Morley, Ghost River Wilderness; ranches, sweeping valleys, towering mountains, romantic epic where the scale of nature is part of the story. Alberta delivers grandeur (“epic vistas”) without having to go overseas. Unforgiven (1992): Southwest Alberta; towns and rural landscapes near Longview, plus Kananaskis for more rugged scenes. Classic western; Alberta has long been a natural for Westerns because it gives that frontier, raw land feeling. Passchendaele (2008) Shot in Calgary, Fort Macleod, and in Belgium too, but Alberta scenes are central. A major Canadian historical film; proves Alberta can pull off period war settings too.
TV & More Recent Productions
The Last of Us One of Alberta’s most massive productions. Over 180 locations across the province, including Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Macleod, and Canmore. The landscapes were used to mimic many U.S. settings in a post-apocalyptic world. Heartland Rural Alberta, High River, Millarville, and Calgary neighborhoods. Long-running and very tied to Alberta ranch culture and country life. Wynonna Earp Filmed in Calgary and surrounding areas. Its supernatural western flavor gets boosted by Alberta’s open skies, moody landscapes, and historical buildings. My Life With the Walter Boys Though set in Colorado in the story, many of the scenes were filmed in Alberta—Calgary, Cochrane, ranch properties, etc. The province doubled convincingly.
What Alberta Brings That Few Other Places Can
Diversity of Landscape. Mountains, prairie, badlands, foothills, rivers, urban cores. You can go from big sky and isolation to gritty city in just a few hours.
Seasons & Weather as Character. Harsh winters, dramatic storms, snow, sweeping vistas with light angles that change dramatically. Perfect for films wanting mood, struggle, and redemption.
Authenticity + Infrastructure. There are local crews, studios, and experienced location scouts. Over time, Alberta has built the capacity to support large-scale productions.
Flexibility. Many productions use Alberta to double for U.S. settings or entirely fictional settings (post-apocalyptic, fantasy, etc.). It’s often more economical, and the look is stunning.
Cultural & Historical Texture. The presence of ranches, Indigenous lands, historical buildings, the Badlands, and small towns with preserved architecture—all of these enrich stories, whether they’re contemporary, historical, or speculative.
What’s Coming & Why It Matters
Alberta continues to draw big productions (as with The Last of Us and My Life With the Walter Boys), which helps local economies and talent.
The visibility of these shows makes Albertans proud—especially when people recognize spots in their own towns or perhaps drive by sets.
Also important: growing awareness of Indigenous stories & filmmakers in Alberta. As more projects prioritize authenticity and respect for place, Alberta’s lands and people are being more thoughtfully woven into stories.
Lastly, with changing incentives and global streaming platforms looking for new places, Alberta may continue to punch above its weight in terms of the variety and scale of productions.
Some Alberta-Starring Spots You Might Want to Visit
Fort Macleod & the Badlands (for that rustic/rural feeling)
Kananaskis Country and Foothills (for rugged mountains, deep snow, wild terrain)
Calgary & its neighbourhoods (urban scenes, mixed architecture)
High River / Millarville (for ranch scenes, country life)
Canmore, Banff, etc. (as gateway to Rocky Mountain scenery)
Conclusion
Alberta is more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s a partner in storytelling. Whether for sweeping epics like The Revenant, post-apocalyptic dramas like The Last of Us, or cozy family-ranch life in Heartland, the province provides places, textures, lighting, and space that filmmakers love. And as production keeps growing, so does Alberta’s role, not just behind the scenes, but right up front in the magic of cinema and TV.
Reel Alberta: From Idea to Action
I’ve officially entered pre-production for Reel Alberta: The Untold Story of Film in Hollywood’s North!
This stage is all about laying the groundwork:
Researching Alberta’s deep film history
Building a master list of movies and TV shows shot here (from Hollywood blockbusters to hidden gems)
Reaching out to filmmakers, actors, and crew for potential interviews
Securing access to historic filming locations
The story of Alberta on screen is bigger than even I expected—every corner of our province has been a backdrop for unforgettable stories. By carefully planning shot lists, scouting locations, and shaping the script, we’re making sure this film is both historically accurate and visually stunning.
We’re also starting to reach out to local communities, film commissions, and archives—because this project is as much about preserving history as it is about telling it.
Stay tuned—next, we’ll be moving from research into scheduling our first shoots on location!