where imagination meets the horizon

We can’t wait to see your story come to life right here

Our Story

It started in 2013 with a simple idea and a deep connection to Alberta’s mountains. What began as a passion project, filming alpine lakes for a series called Lake Chasers, quickly became something much bigger. By horseback, bike, quad, hiking trail, and even helicopter, we chased some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in the province. To date, we have captured nearly 90 lakes—and there are still many more waiting to be filmed.

The mountains have always been more than a backdrop; they are where peace is found, where perspective is gained, and where something greater is felt. Living “west of 22,” along Alberta’s Eastern Slopes, wasn’t just geography, it was identity. The name West Of 22 Productions Ltd was a natural extension of that connection.

Alongside that love for the land was a lifelong fascination with film; the magic of storytelling, the illusion of cinema, and an imagination that refused to stay quiet. Over time, that imagination turned into screenplays, including one that still feels destined for the big screen … a western, of course.

Building a western style studio once felt like a dream. Today, it stands as a reality, complete with a western style bar, adaptable production spaces, and more creative potential than we could have imagined. But this journey was never just about one path. It became clear early on that to truly build something lasting, the vision needed to be broader. That meant creating a space not only for film, but for community, creativity, and opportunity. Therefore adding a sound studio for music artists, a mini cinema for screenings and events, and a flexible event centre to serve Didsbury and the region was a natural fit and extension of our facility.

The road here has not been easy. Like any meaningful journey, it has been filled with challenges, pivots, and moments of uncertainty. But those are not what define this story.

What defines it, is the unwavering belief in the vision, the connection to place, and the people who showed up along the way. The encouragement, the support, and the right individuals appearing at the right time. That has been the real foundation. There is a deep sense of gratitude for that.

We did not just build a studio. We built something rooted in purpose, place, and possibility. Let the magic of creativity begin.

Vision

To ignite stories and sound from the heart of the West—becoming a place where creators gather, ideas come alive, and film and music move audiences, inspire connection, and leave a lasting mark.

Objective

West of 22 Production & Sound Studio provides a fully integrated, one-stop creative environment for film, music, and digital production; combining studio, sound, post production, and versatile on-location settings within a single community. We support filmmakers and music artists alike through flexible, cost effective solutions, an adaptable western-themed event centre for filming and live experiences, and a mini cinema for screenings and engagement. Our goal is to foster creativity, efficiency, and collaboration while delivering high quality productions and maximizing value through Alberta’s rural film incentive.

We thrive to be Western Canada’s leading rural production and creative hub where storytelling, production, post production, and audience experience come together in one place, inspiring filmmakers, musicians and communities alike.

Mission

To provide a seamless, one-stop hub for film and music production. Combining studio, sound, post-production, and versatile locations, while empowering creators with flexible, cost effective solutions that bring stories to life.

Why Didsbury?

Didsbury delivers cinematic versatility without the complexity. Just 45 minutes north of Calgary, this character rich community offers heritage streetscapes, rural backdrops, and film-ready infrastructure, all within Alberta’s competitive production incentive zone. With a proven track record supporting major productions, a regional film office, and a collaborative, film friendly approach, Didsbury makes it easy to bring stories to life—efficiently, authentically, and on budget.

Filming in Didsbury & the Mountain View Region Advantage

Didsbury, Alberta has established itself as a sought-after filming location, known for its authentic historic charm and proven track record hosting major productions such as Reminders of Him (May 2025), Fargo (Season 5), The Order, Under the Banner of Heaven, Wynonna Earp, and Let Him Go. Supported by the Mountain View Regional Film Office, the community offers a diverse range of film-ready locations—from its iconic downtown to unique private properties—suited for major, independent, and commercial productions alike.

What truly sets Didsbury and the Mountain View Region apart is the seamless integration of location and production infrastructure. At the heart of this ecosystem is West of 22 Production and Sound Studio, allowing filmmakers to shoot on location and access studio and sound capabilities in the same community. This creates an efficient, cost effective one-stop shop reducing travel, simplifying logistics, and maximizing time on set while still qualifying for Alberta’s rural 30% film incentive.

Meet the Team

  • Sterling

    OWNER & VISIONARY

    Sterling is the driving force behind West of 22 Productions—a purpose-built studio born from grit, vision, and a passion for storytelling. Founded in 2013 during Alberta’s historic floods, the studio reflects his resilience and commitment to building something lasting for the film industry.

    A mountain man at heart, Sterling’s early work filming nearly 90 lakes across Alberta shaped his hands-on understanding of production in real world conditions. While he may not chase traditional credits, his focus is clear: create opportunities, build infrastructure, and open doors for others to bring their stories to life.

    His vision goes beyond production, it’s about establishing a creative hub where ideas turn into action, and filmmakers have the space to create, collaborate, and grow.

    His mantra: “A man will fight many battles, but few victories he will call his own.” – Anonymous

  • Rebecca

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

    Rebecca is one of the driving forces that keeps West of 22 Productions running smoothly. She manages studio and room bookings, coordinates tours, and helps ensure every production feels welcomed and supported from start to finish. With years of customer service experience and a background running her own business, Rebecca thrives on connecting with people and helping bring creative visions to life.

    A Red Seal Certified and licensed professional in her trade, Rebecca has built a diverse career grounded in hard work, professionalism, and personal growth. Alongside her professional career, she spent many years driving school bus and later expanded her skillset by becoming a certified personal trainer — reflecting her passion for people, wellness, and continuous development.

    When she’s not at the studio assisting productions and guests, Rebecca can usually be found spending time with her family, horses and animals — bringing the same energy, dedication, and down-to-earth spirit that makes her an essential part of the West of 22 team.

  • Alexa

    PROJECT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

    A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in economic development, tourism and the creative industry, bringing a strategic, results-driven approach to the growth of West of 22 Productions. With experience in the Vancouver film and music industries, she brings valuable insight into production needs and industry dynamics, helping position West of 22 as a competitive, full-service production destination.

    Alexa is also the Co-Founder of the Mountain View Regional Film Office, Alberta’s first rural virtual film office, which has received multiple provincial and national awards for innovation and collaboration. Through this work, she has been instrumental in attracting productions, building industry relationships, and advancing rural film infrastructure and investment readiness. At West of 22 Productions, Alexa focuses on expanding market reach, developing strategic partnerships, and unlocking new revenue streams—bridging local assets with global opportunities to support long-term growth in Alberta’s film and creative industries.

  • Alan

    STUDIO INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGER

    Alan brings more than 40 years of experience in the aviation industry, including a distinguished leadership career with the Calgary Airport Authority. During his tenure, he served as Director of Terminal Integration for Calgary’s new International Terminal project, leading collaboration between government agencies, airlines, and key stakeholders on one of the airport’s most significant infrastructure developments. In his later years with the Authority, Alan continued in a senior Director role, contributing extensive operational and project management expertise.

    Coming out of retirement, Alan joined West of 22 Productions to assist with the construction, planning, and ongoing maintenance of the studio facilities. His practical leadership, problem-solving abilities, and decades of experience managing complex environments bring invaluable support to the continued growth and development of the studio. At West of 22 Alan ensures that anything that needs fixing at the studio will be taken care of.

    Alan supports studio operations with pre and post facility walk through, power meter registration and tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • We’re Flexible & Affordable, and Tailored to your needs. We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page, email or call us at 1-403-636-0408. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.