HBO's The Last of Us reportedly costs one million dollars per episode and will have a minimum of 12 months for shooting.
These massive figures come from an interview with IATSE 212 President Damian Pett for CTV News. IATSE 212 is a theatre, technician, and film artists association in Southern Alberta.
RELATED: The Last Of Us HBO Series Casts Bill, Frank, And New Role For Jeffrey Pierce
Although the interview was more related to how the filming is impacting businesses, it still gives a good insight into the production of The Last of Us. During the interview, Damian Pett said, "This project well exceeds the eight-figure per episode mark, so there is a multiplier effect on our economy in terms of its impact. There are hundreds of related businesses benefitting from the plethora of work."
In Damian's opinion, The Last of Us is likely the biggest project shooting in Canada, which makes sense when you consider the rumoured budget of one million per episode, "I cannot confirm the official budget numbers but will say it is likely the largest project shooting in Canada".
Damian also said, "The Last of Us which commences photography this week is indeed a monster. It has five art directors and employs an army of hundreds of technicians. It has had six months of prep and shoots for 12 months."
CTV News also reported on the state of Fort Macleod, which is where The Last of Us is currently being filmed. Sue Keenan, Fort Macleod's Chief Administrative Office, said "We are just so honored that we were one of the towns that were selected to be the host of such a magnificent storyline as well as all the special effects and everything that are going on with it".
According to on-site reports of the filming area, several shops in Fort Macleod are being transformed, although it seems like the area isn't changing too much at the moment, hinting that filming is still surrounding the game's pre-apocalypse prologue scenes. Don's Barber Shop is one shop that's getting to keep its look.
NEXT: Matthew McConaughey Would Have Made A Terrible Joel In The Last Of Us
