Although it isn’t filming in Olds, it is pretty exciting to have had one of the most iconic '80s blockbuster franchises — Ghostbusters — film its latest entry just south of town, in Crossfield.
While having a big Hollywood production use Central Alberta as its backdrop is hardly anything new, it is new to me to have a production of this size filmed in the area.
Growing up, movies were my jam. They always captivated me, fostered creativity and always had me asking questions and one of those questions was why aren’t the movies set where I live?
That became less of a question and more of what I would come to expect as the norm. And while Ghostbusters won’t be set in Central Alberta, it will still be cool to recognize locations from places I grew up around, like the streets of Crossfield which I came to know from playing minor ball.
It’s not just exciting from the perspective of being able to recognize locations I know from real life in a big movie. It’s also thrilling to think about the young filmmakers who are being inspired by having this size of production in their town.
It’s not often here that you get a real peek behind the curtains of filmmaking and I think younger people having the opportunity to see movie making as a job rather than a fantasy is only a good thing.
Yes, there are other more important or noble jobs, but there needs to be creative voices out there from all places of all backgrounds — Alberta included.
I hope that as a result, some kids start getting ideas of their own, pick up their iPhones and make short movies with their friends.
Plus, thanks to programs like Telus STORYHIVE, a community-powered funding program that offers production grants and distribution, it is more possible now than ever to act on filmmaking instincts here in Alberta.
Additionally, it’s been fantastic to hear that the cast and crew have been helping out local businesses in and around where they’re filming, thereby giving a boost to a small rural economy.
Not only that, but who knows what this could do for Alberta tourism long term? It is hard to predict what will be a hit or become massively iconic, but chances are higher for something coming out of a pre-established property.
There’s a fair shot people will be clamouring for a chance to seek out the potentially iconic backdrops of the forthcoming film.
Overall, I think it’s been thrilling to have at least part of the Ghostbusters production filmed in this part of the province. Hopefully before the year is out, we will get our first official look at the project.
