Parks Canada said no to Liam Neeson. Locations in British Columbia weren’t that foolish.

Hard Powder, a movie denied permission to film in Alberta’s national parks is now on location in B.C. Staff for the production confirm they are looking for extras for several days of filming in Fernie and Cranbrook, in the East Kootenay region.

Parks Canada turned down the movie, which stars Neeson, after it learned the film’s plot included an aboriginal gang leader.

The actor cast in the role, performer and Order of Canada member Tom Jackson, says the story line wasn’t disrespectful at all to aboriginals.

The movie had expected to spend about $5 million in Alberta. Director Hans Petter Moland had hoped to shoot scenes in Banff, the Lake Louise townsite and ski hill, and the Columbia Icefields.

The Hollywood Reporter said earlier this month that Emmy Rossum (Shameless) and William Forsythe have also joined the cast.

An official with the Alberta Media Production Industries Association says the Parks Canada decision could affect future productions coming to the province.

With files from the Canadian Press

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