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'Ghostbusters' filming in Rocky View County

Is there something strange in your neighborhood?

It could be the cast and crew of the very secretive Ghostbusters 2020 movie being filmed this summer in parts of Rocky View County (RVC). The project, for the most part, has been under wraps, but there are a few things known about the film – including some of the various filming locations in communities throughout RVC.

Both the Village of Beiseker and the Town of Crossfield have experienced increased home-town pride and economic benefit to their communities as a result of the filming, according to the mayors of each municipality.

“It's been very exciting,” Beiseker Mayor Warren Wise said. “There’s been a great deal of gossip going around and everybody has been standing around watching and being enthralled with it all.”

“The most exciting thing has been the overall positive energy that is brought to the community,” Crossfield Mayor Jo Tennant said.

Originally, Tennant said, the movie was being referred to as ‘Rust City,’ as to not tip off locals about the film. The movie has since been confirmed as a new Ghostbusters instalment, and some details about the feature film have been released – including members of the star-studded cast, who include Carrie Coon (HBO’s The Leftovers), Finn Wolfhard (Netflix’s Stranger Things), Mckenna Grace (Captain Marvel) and Paul Rudd (Ant-Man).

Recent sightings of these celebrities in Crossfield has created some activity in the town, Tennant said.

Candace Schneider, an Airdrie resident and co-founder of The Calgary Ghostbusters, said she was in Crossfield to drop off a donation for Tails to Tell Animal Rescue Shelter when she and her group noticed some commotion down the street.

Already donning their Ghostbusters gear, Schneider and other members of the Calgary Ghostbusters headed toward the set. There, Schneider and her crew were met director Jason Reitman – whose father was the original director of the Ghostbusters movies – and actor original Ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd, who appeared in Ghostbusters in 1984 and Ghostbusters II in 1989.

“We weren't expecting anyone to come out, especially Dan Aykroyd. So, that was crazy,” Schneider said. “It worked out well for us being in our uniforms because he took a photo only with us.”

Schneider said she knew a Ghostbusters movie was being filmed in the area, but wasn’t aware how close they were going to be to the set.

Tennant said she hasn’t had any interaction with any of the stars besides getting to stand next to Rudd, which she said was exciting. The Marvel star recently confirmed his involvement in the film and has been seen around the area – including a stop at Paul’s Pizza in Airdrie, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Celebrity sightings aside, both Wise and Tennant said filming of the blockbuster in their communities has created some economic benefit and will hopefully mean more interest from future productions.

“They've gone out of their way to search out opportunities to support local [businesses], whether it's the restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations – even just interacting with the public,” Tennant said.

She added locations in Crossfield were compensated for their use in filming. A hardware store, two restaurants, an automotive shop, a school and a building that was once a liquor store have been used, so far, according to Tennant.

“I would welcome anybody that wants to come in, such as a production like that,” Wise said on behalf of Beiseker.

The production crew is helping renovate a private property on Main Street that was an eyesore for years, according to Wise. He added a local owner will take over the property once the film crew is done with it.

Ghostbusters fans will also likely be excited to visit Beiseker and Crossfield to see parts of where the anticipated movie is being shot, Schneider added. She said she made it a point to visit the firehouse from the original movies, when she was in New York.

“There has been lots of [movies and TV shows] filmed in Calgary, but I don't think anything big has been done in Crossfield. That's a first and that'll put them on the map,” Schneider said.

“If [the crew] doesn't change anything when they leave, it would be a good place for Ghostbusters fans from all over to go meet.”

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