Calgary company going local

The crew works on a set of the Oval Office for an upcoming play.

The higher dollar is a big concern for Calgary companies that do work for American clients so one local company has changed its approach and is sticking closer to home.

Big stage and film productions are nothing new for F & D Scene Changes Ltd.

The scenic fabrication and design company has designed sets for Wicked, Cirque Du Soleil’s Zumanity and more recently for the movie The Bourne Legacy.

At an industrial plant in Calgary, crews are building a replica of the oval office.

The set is for November, a play that opens next month in Los Angeles.

Head carpenter Bob Hendrickson has worked on dozens of Hollywood productions.

“We went out into the country, found old granaries that were dilapidated enough to suit our needs,” said Hendrickson.

The Canadian dollar has risen and that means the company has lost an edge over its American competitors.

Leyton Morris is overseeing a new strategy at F & D and is going local to drum up business.

“As we became as expensive or almost as expensive as the New York shops there wasn't the attraction of saving a lot of money by coming here,” said Morris

The company has produced several Grey Cups as part of a new sports display at Edmonton's airport.

The work being done at F & D also involves public art displays.

“I would say this year it has really started to turn around and take off. We've gone through a three year dry spell that I think we're finally coming out the other side and we've been quite busy,” said Morris.

F & D has also done some work for Disney theme parks around the world and hopes to do more at Disney's new park in Shanghai.