Ghostbusters III to Film in Kingston

I can still remember my first trip to a drive-in movie theatre back in the 80’s. Although the excitement associated with the new experience ultimately clouds my recollection of the plot, my clearest memory from that majestic evening is of the film’s catchy theme song. As the credits began to roll, we drove away from the drive-in while listening to Ray Parker Jr’s iconic tune for Ghostbusters.  Following the success of the original motion picture, and an animated series that aired on Saturday mornings, Ghostbusters II was released 5 years later to mixed reviews. Regardless of the success of the sequel, the studio shelved the franchise back in 1989.

Over two decades later, I can honestly say that I’m still entertained by the on-screen antics of those paranormal investigators:  Venkmen (Bill Murray), Spengler (Harold Ramis), and Stantz (Dan Ackroyd).  Apparently I’m not the only one.  Most recently, nostalgic fan boys and girls encouraged a re-birth of the franchise, which resulted in a new Ghostbusters video game (coming June 2009) written by Ramis and Ackroyd, including the voices and likeness of many of the original cast members.  But it doesn’t end there, as rumors of a new sequel, prequel or reboot of the franchise also began to surface on the Internet.  Kingston’s own Dan Ackroyd confirmed reports that “two sharp young writers in Hollywood are purported to be writing the third movie”, and he expressed his excitement over the potential involvement of Seth Rogan (star of Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, Zack and Miri Make a Porno etc.) and Judd Apatow (creative mind behind The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad etc.).

The good news gets even better, as Ackroyd dropped a bombshell on the Limestone City this past weekend, suggesting that location scouts were narrowing down possible film sites around Kingston.  According to insider reports, backdrops for the third installment of Ghostbusters may include the abandoned Rockwood Psychiatric Hospital, Kingston City Hall’s basement archives, as well as major street corners downtown.  Although there’s no definitive start date for filming, IMDB has Ghostbusters III listed as in production, with a release date (subject to change) scheduled for 2010.

The last time a “major” motion picture filmed in Kingston was back in 1998 when HBO’s Vendetta, starring Christoper Walken, transformed the front steps of City Hall into New Orleans circa 1891.  Like many other Kingstonians, I was fortunate enough to get on as a paid extra during a day of filming.  It’s an experience I’ll never forget.  With the high probability of Ghostbusters III filming in the Limestone City, there will undoubtedly be opportunities for Kingstonians to get hired on as extras once again.  This, coupled with random celebrity sightings, and the pride associated with seeing Kingston in a big budget blockbuster movie make me want to scream and shout:  Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Special thanks and credit to baldheretic (aka Jay Lee) for his up close and personal photo of Dan Ackroyd.