A new Netflix movie filming in Calgary brought a touch of Hollywood to the University of Calgary in December.
Guarding Stars, starring Jared Padalecki (Supernatural) and Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), used UCalgary's main campus as one of its filming locations on Dec. 12, 13, 15 and 16.
This marked the third Netflix production filmed on campus in 2025, continuing a growing relationship between UCalgary and the film industry. Each project helps build the campus's reputation as a flexible, professional filming location, supporting local industry and strengthening connections between the university and city life.
It also reflects a broader shift in how the campus is connecting with the community around it. By welcoming creative partners and opening its spaces to new uses, UCalgary is supporting Calgary's Creative Economy Strategy and advancing the goals of the Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan, particularly in the areas of community and global engagement. The result is more visibility, stronger partnerships and a campus that feels increasingly connected to what is happening beyond its borders.
Several campus spaces were transformed for the latest production, including an outdoor action scene at Hunter Student Commons, a boardroom scene and an ER hospital setting inside the Faculty of Nursing's Clinical Simulation Learning Centre.
The shoot was co-ordinated with support from Ancillary Services Conference and Events team, who worked closely with the production company from the earliest planning stages through to filming days on campus.
Visitors to Hunter Student Commons get a bird's-eye view of filming in December as the Netflix crew moves inside. Photo Credit: Steven Kelly
Their work included scouting locations based on the scenes being filmed, booking and securing spaces, co-ordinating internal and external production activity, and managing detailed safety plans to ensure filming could happen smoothly on campus.
"This was a true collaboration from start to finish," says Magdalena Goss, associate director, Food, Hotel and Conference Services. "Our team worked closely with the production company to match the right campus spaces to their creative needs while making sure safety and day-to-day operations stayed front and centre. It is exciting to see UCalgary featured in a project like this and even more exciting to think about what it could mean for future opportunities."
The project also highlights how UCalgary is uniquely positioned for film and television productions looking for locations where multiple scenes can be filmed in one place.
From residence underground tunnels and industrial settings to labs, classrooms and boardrooms, the variety of spaces across campus makes it an attractive option for production companies seeking flexibility and efficiency.
Beyond the excitement of a Netflix production, projects like this help connect the UCalgary campus more closely with the community around it.
Opening campus spaces to film and television productions showcases the university's vibrant locations while supporting Calgary's growing creative industry. It also brings new people onto campus, from production crews to local partners, helping position UCalgary as an active part of city life.
