The long-term usage of Currie Barracks (a deserted military base in Calgary) as a film and tv studio and production facility has a thumb’s up from Canada Lands, the federal real estate agency which leases the property.

A section has been converted into two 45,000-square-foot studio/warehouse facilities for Disney’s Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and several other companies are also renting production office space, as are the local chapters of iatse, the Directors Guild of Canada, and a special effects company. William F. White is moving into the facility as well.

Ken Toews, project manager for the Canadian Forces base and gm of Calgary Forces Base Studios, says a proposal will be sent to the City of Calgary this fall asking for 20 to 25 acres of property at the base to be given long-term zoning for a film and tv production studio.

Although producers currently rent the space from Canada Lands there would be an opportunity down the road to buy the studio facilities and land from the government, says Toews.

As well, MTM Equipment Rentals in Calgary recently built a 7,000-square-foot studio with 35-feet-high ceilings plus separate areas for construction, props, wardrobe and makeup areas.

mtm’s film equipment rental house is also situated in the building. The studio is being used for commercials and smaller productions.

Alberta now has full high-definition tv capabilities through the company hdtv, which offers hdtv cameras, video production and editing facilities.