Calgary Economic Development has named Adnaan Wasey as the city’s new Film Commissioner, a high-profile appointment that underscores Calgary’s ambition to scale its screen sector and cement its status as a world-class production destination.
Born in Toronto and currently based in New York City, Wasey brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across media and nonprofit organizations, including roles at PBS, Disney, The New York Times, and The Gotham. His return to Canada signals a strategic push to grow Calgary’s creative economy and attract more local, national, and international productions.
“Calgary is at a creative inflection point,” said Wasey. “The city offers everything today’s content creators and production houses need—skilled local talent and crews, tools, landscapes, incentives, educational programs, and an enviable quality of life. Beyond the practical, Calgary has something special—an entrepreneurial spirit and film-friendly approach that turns productions into partnerships.”
His appointment comes as Calgary’s film and television industry continues to gain global momentum. The city recently earned a spot on MovieMaker Magazine’s list of the top five North American cities to live and work as a filmmaker—for the fifth year in a row—and was named Location of the Year by the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.
Adding to this momentum, HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Last of Us shot significant scenes throughout Alberta, including several iconic locales in Calgary—downtown streets doubling as Boston and Kansas City, tunnels under the Old Inglewood Brewery, and even staged sets in the Calgary Zoo enclosure. These became essential backdrops for the show’s post-apocalyptic world.
Wasey’s background in ecosystem-building and strategic transformation aligns with the city’s vision to create a sustainable and inclusive screen sector. His career includes founding the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, advising the MacArthur Foundation’s Journalism and Media Program, and earning an Emmy Award along with multiple Webby nominations.
“Adnaan’s leadership and industry connections will continue to elevate Calgary on the international stage,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development. “His appointment will help scale our creative economy and position the city as a powerhouse for content creation, production, and storytelling.”
With its growing infrastructure, competitive incentives, and rising reputation, Calgary is poised to become a central hub in the global production landscape—and Wasey will be leading the charge.
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