Rust City aka GB2020 aka GB3

Back in January of this year, a massive announcement was made that left a large portion of the fandom skeptical. It was announced that Sony was planning on finally making “Ghostbusters 3” and they had even found a director to make it happen.

The director was announced to be Jason Reitman, Ivan Reitman's son. Ivan directed both Ghostbusters films in the 1980s and produced the 2016 “Ghostbusters: Answer The Call”. The announcement came as a bit of a shock as the 2016 film had all but flopped in the box office and drummed up serious negative reviews and feelings from a large part of the GB fandom.

As fan's began speculating what this new film could or would entail, Jason Reitman filmed a quick teaser trailer in secret and shortly after, released it online and the internet exploded with excitement and skepticism.

Older fans still remember countless years of false promises from Sony for a third film and as the years passed, the older fans lost their faith and finally accepted that the film would never happen. So naturally when GB2020 aka Rust City was announced, immediately a large portion of the older fans were guarded and jaded and just looked at the announcement as another false promise in a long list of false promises.

Slowly over the next few months, small bits of casting rumors would be released but still, it was hard to believe the film was being made as July approached and marked just 1 year until the film would be released..... Which brings us to last night.

On August 4^th, 2019.... the biggest set leak happened. A quick 9 second video was uploaded onto YouTube of a rusted, beat up Ecto-1 being driven through the set.

Immediately, the video had my attention because I was one of the guarded and jaded aforementioned fans. But this new video, this marked something that none of the other GB3 announcements through the years had.... it had solid proof from the set that filming was indeed happening and the Ecto-1 had just arrived. (Pictures from TMZ posted below!)

I began to get chills as the sudden realization dawned on me, “Oh damn.... This..... this is actually happening....” Countless times I uttered that sentence as I stared at the screen on my phone.

This morning the Facebook groups and pages were a buzz of talk on the Ecto. Most people were super excited and happy to see it on set. Others were up in arms on how Sony had “ruined the screen used car by rusting it up!” I am going to address that bit, right now. You ready? THAT IS NOT THE SCREEN USED ECTO-1 FROM 1984! The screen used 84 Ecto is currently sitting out front of Ghost Corp on Sony's backlot. The rusted out Ecto was a replica purchased from a fan for this exact purpose.

The other things that the fans were up in arms about was the inaccuracy of the roof rack componets; IE the side ladder now being on the driver's side instead of the passenger side or the “Sniffer” being too tall. Both of those complaints are entirely moot points.... especially when you stop to think about that the Ecto-1 was replaced by the Ecto-1A in GB2.... but no one is complaining about that little fact.

After 30 years, we are finally get a true and proper sequel to our beloved franchise. Please, stop tearing the set pics apart over inaccuracies when they truly do not even matter.

Unproduced or Unreleased Ghostbusters Merchandise and Toys, Part 2

Unproduced or Unreleased Ghostbusters Merchandise and Toys, Part 2

Helllllllooooooo everyone! Welcome back to our look at the unproduced and unreleased Ghostbusters merchandise and toys from the Ghostbusters franchise. With part 2, we will be taking a look at the Extreme Ghostbusters toyline by Trendmasters.

The Extreme Ghostbusters or EGB, for short, toyline by Trendmasters was relatively short lived and didn't see a very wide release in terms of stores. Most figures were primarily popping up at K-Mart, which was a rare commodity in most southern states or liquidation stores, with the most common place to find them being K*B Toys (which is where I found the only few EGB figures that I own, Egon Spenger, Kylie Griffin, and Eduardo Rivera).

So let's get things kicked off and jump right on in!

Roland Jackson w/ Ghost Grabbin Gyro Copter

This set and the Eduardo set have such little information regarding them. Some sources say they were completely unproduced, others say they were produced but never released, and some even say they saw a release in the UK.

I can't tell you for sure because I don't know!

Eduardo Rivera with Ghost Blastin Buster Bike

Just like the Roland set, such little information is known about it but what is known, is that they did get as far as producing packaged samples of both sets and you can see that there was a difference between the resin prototype and the packaged sample, being that the motorcycle had chromed parts in the packaged sample.

This would have been an amazing welcome addition to my collection had it of ever seen a mass release as I am a sucker for new Ecto vehicles.

And finally, ladies and gentlemen...... the coup de gras of the unproduced Trendmasters figures....

Garrett Miller

Let me just start off by saying, Trendmasters were complete idiots for not releasing this version of Garrett or any version for that matter. Instead of releasing Garrett, we got multiple version of Egon Spengler, which is fine but Garrett deserved a figure of his own too!

So without further ado, the prototype figure of Garrett.

So as you can see, the figure would have been drastically different than the character that appears in the show. First off, he is now rocking a full blown personal Ecto-fied assault wheelchair, complete with Proton Cannons.

In addition to a new styled wheelchair, Garrett, himself, even has some changes from his animation model. Firstly, he's not in a traditional Ghostbusters uniform, secondly he now has what seems to be some sort of high tech devices to help him walk. It would have interesting if both the show and toyline continued and to of seen that transferred into the show.

Well, that brings us to the end of the Extreme Ghostbusters unproduced and unreleased figures by Trendmasters.

Don't forget to head over to Facebook and give our page a like and while you are at it, join our group and get in on all sorts of Ghostbusters discussions!

As always, thank you guys for taking the time out and giving a read!

Ghostbusters Spooktacular - Revisiting The Past, Part 2

Ghostbusters Spooktacular - Revisiting The Past

In part one of our ongoing series at a look into the past with the Universal Studios Ghostbusters shows, we delved into a brief history of the Universal Studios Florida park and went into a brief history of the original iteration of the Ghostbusters Spooktacular show.

In part two, we will be going into the synopsis of what occurred during the original 1990 stage show and even go behind the scenes and take a look at how they achieved the effects of the ghosts and how they raised a 100 foot Marshmallow Man into a soundstage!

So climb on in, buckle up, and take a ride with us in our way back machine as we take you back to summer of 1990.

In park billboard advertising the Spooktacular stage show.

The original 1990 iteration of the show featured it as a studio soundstage tour, where the production assistant took you on an up close look at the "Ghostbusters" Gozer Temple set. The soundstage featured many rows and plentiful of seating for guests as they filed into the soundstage.

Looming in front of the guests was the Gozer Temple set, in front of it were giant glass panels that were used to display the "pepper's ghost effect" for the spooks and specters.

The Temple as it was being constructed within the soundstage.

Below is an exerpt from the Universal Studios Florida Wikia:

QueueGuests queued through the outside of a soundstage where it was presumed that the Ghostbusters films had been shot. Then, they entered the building where the storyline would be revealed.
Main showThe show starts once everyone is seated. The lights go down in the room and a stage, behind a wall of glass, lights up. The stage turns out to be a recreation of the Temple of Gozer.
Then a female tour guide comes out and starts to talk about the Ghostbusters franchise. She also begins to express her disbelief in ghosts.
While she is talking Slimer, a ghost from the films, flies in and out behind her. Then a thunderous noise is heard and Gozer, along with other ghosts, appears.
She starts to hurt the tour guide when suddenly the Ghostbusters theme song is heard and they come out to save the day.
As they try to shoot her, Gozer does acrobatics across the stage. All of their shots miss and Gozer makes it back to the gates and says, “Your fate is sealed. Choose and perish!”
Then the gates close. Suddenly from the right of the stage, the head of the Stay Puff Marshmallow-Man appears.
He begins to roar as the Ghostbusters shoot him. He is then turned red hot and engulfed in smoke.
Once he is completely gone, the tour guide reappears and she and the Ghostbusters thank everyone as they leave for the gift shop.

Soure: http://universalstudiosflorida.wikia.com/wiki/Ghostbusters_Spooktacular

Gallery of the Original Spooktacular show:

 
 

 The logistics and technical aspects behind the show were absolutely amazing. The primary stage and set had to be built and positioned in a way to hide the actors (both Gozer and the Ghostbusters) as well as hide the giant Stay Puft head.

The giant Stay Puft head was actually on a giant gimble and conveyor to lift it, it was also aided with air bags for the rapid descent after the climax of the show.

The head also featured countless moving parts in the way of his eyes moving left and right, raising and lowering brows and even slight mouth movement towards the end. The inside of the giant structure was a grid of hydraulics, cabling, servos, and sensors.

Now, one thing that always kept me in a state of suspended belief was the effects they utilized for the ghosts and even the proton streams coming from the packs themselves. As a wee one, I truly believed these were the Ghostbusters and they were actually busting these ghosts. But as I grew up, I became obsessed with props, costumes, and even theme park attractions.

I later learned that the effects they used were actually a really old Hollywood effect called the "pepper's ghost effect" (I will leave you to do that research yourself for an in depth description of it), which is essentially they used mirrors to project a reflection of the ghosts and even proton streams and the actor's had to be instantly on their marks for the stream effect to appear perfect.

The puppets used for the ghosts were absolutely massive to ensure that they appeared detailed and ethereal like within the stage. Below are a few pictures of the actual puppets as they were being brought in to be installed below the stage.

The Ghostbusters Spooktacular show was a show of absolute technological and mechanical marvel. But this version would be short lived. In fact, it was so short that it only lasted for 3 years before the crowds began to dwindle and the higher ups had to take things back to the drawing board.

In part three, we will take a look at the 1993 revamped version of the stage show and how the Ghostbusters were utilized within the park until the new show was completed.

As a special treat, here is a YouTube video of the original iteration of the show that ran from 1990 to 1993.

And as always, I am Thomas, bringing you a blast from the past with our ongoing look at the Universal Studios Ghostbusters Spooktacular, be sure to keep an eye out for part 3 next week and in the mean time, head on over to Facebook and give the Savin The Day page a like and follow. We have some great content coming up soon and we wouldn't want you to miss it!

Fan Art Friday: Juan Chavez

Fan Art Friday: Juan Chavez

Good morning everyone! It's Friday and we, here at the Savin The Day Blog, are starting a new weekly tradition, Fan Art Friday! Each week we shall be choosing two artists within the Ghostbusters fandom to be featured, so if you are reading this and an artist, please drop us a comment below or send us a message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/savinthedayghostheadforum/ because we would love to feature you in a future Fan Art Friday!

Who are you and what do you do?

I'm Juan Chavez, proud member of the North Florida Ghostbusters.

Outside of the GB franchise? I do collections and I paint and sketch as a hobby.

What’s your background?

Originally? I'm from Guadalajara, Mexico; moved to the states when I was really young!

How has your practice change over time?

Overtime I feel like attention to detail and line work has majorly improved over time. It's hard to master good line work but if you draw long enough they get better and better. 

What art do you most identify with?

I've always identified with street art, and modern art. Always looked up to cholo low rider style artist, especially the complexity of the detail and line work!

What work do you most enjoying doing?

I have a strange cartoon style more than a few people have compared it to a combination of modern anime and the artist to the Gorillaz characters

What themes do you enjoy drawing most?

As of recently, more pop culture characters with a suburban twist.

What’s your favorite art work? 

My favorite art work would have to be pieces by Frida Kahlo.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

Besides my interest in visual art, I love playing guitar and I've even done vocals to a few bands around my city.

What made you decide to pick up art/drawing?

I've always enjoyed drawing, even as a kid I'd always carry a sketch pad in my backpack

What food, drink, song inspires you?

Food? Pizza for sure .
Drink, nothing beats an ice cold Coke as you sketch.
Music? Well, while I sketch or paint it's usually lowfi hip hop, lots of nujabes.

What do you dislike about your work?

I can't do realism, it kills me inside really.

What do you like about your work?

I like that I've perfected exactly the style I wanted to do and to some degree it looks original.

What research to you do?

Depends on the painting, if I'm doing pop culture then I read about the character and usually have some kind of visual for weird details and cues where they need to be.

Name something you love, and why.

Besides my deep love for the Ghostbusters? Art as a whole, be it sculpting, drawing, dancing, or music; I feel it enriches our culture

Name something you don’t love, and why.

Besides current politicians? People who put down others dreams.

What is your dream project?

To learn how to make amazing props like a few of my peers!

Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.

Ohh boy, this is a though one.
Jaime Hewlett (the Gorillaz)
Alex pardee
And ,
Scottie young

Do you take commissions on artwork? If so, how can other's contact you for that?

Absolutely!
Anyone is welcome to add and direct message me.

Email: jcchavez922@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juan.chavez.750331?ref=br_rs

I'm always open to new ideas

Fan Art Friday: Mike Vanderburg

Fan Art Friday: Mike Vanderburg

Good morning everyone! It's Friday and we, here at the Savin The Day Blog, are starting a new weekly tradition, Fan Art Friday! Each week we shall be choosing two artists within the Ghostbusters fandom to be featured, so if you are reading this and an artist, please drop us a comment below or send us a message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/savinthedayghostheadforum/ because we would love to feature you in a future Fan Art Friday!

Who are you and what do you do? Mike Vanderburg, Walmart employee and proud Co-Founder with North Florida Ghostbusters-Jacksonville What’s your background? No formal background..self taught Explain what you do when you have an art idea in 100 words (or less): I sketch it out and refine my designs a few times before I have a finished product. How has your practice change over time? Hasn't really changed...I pretty much still do what I do..lol. What art do you most identify with? I like a few types..I see myself as a sketch artist and prop builder. What work do you most enjoying doing? As I do love to draw...props are my favorite type of work. Creating something from nothing is so gratifying.

What themes do you enjoy drawing most? I love realism. Making something look like a photograph. What’s your favourite art work? I don't really have a direct favorite..I like so much..lol. What jobs have you done other than being an artist? I've worked for Walmart for the past 20 years..I am a Ghostbuster...lol. What made you decide to pick up art/drawing? Not really sure...it's been apart of me as long as I can remember. I've always had the natural ability to just make things or replicate what I see. What food, drink, song inspires you? Love me some pizza and Mtn Dew Voltage..lol. The song that inspires me most is from the Ghostbusters 2 soundtrack.."On Our Own" by Bobby Brown. What do you dislike about your work? Probably that it doesn't always come out perfect the first time...lol. What do you like about your work? That it's mine..no one else's. What research to you do? When I want to make or design something I usually go online or look in books for a reference photo or description to use.

Name something you love, and why. Ghostbusters..because it's the only really good thing I can remember from my childhood. Name something you don’t love, and why. Peppers and onions...cause..ewww! What is your dream project? Building or restoring an actual Ecto-1. Name three artists you’d like to be compared to. Michelangelo, Leonardo, Splinter...oh wait..lol.

Do you take commissions on artwork? I have had a few offer to pay...and I've sold a few stunt props. So yes I guess...lol.

Unproduced or Unreleased Ghostbusters Merchandise and Toys, Part 1

Unproduced or Unreleased Ghostbusters Merchandise and Toys

Greetings everyone! Thomas here, and once again we are traveling to the past with our way back machine and taking a look at some of the unproduced or unreleased merchandise and toys from the Ghostbusters franchise!

So let's just jump right on in and kick it off with the very beginning, with a slew of Kenner prototypes!

Kenner

15" Backpack Heroes - Egon Spengler

In 1991, Kenner wanted to try something new and different with "The Real Ghostbusters" toyline and they thought that what if they scaled the figures up to 15 inches, add a voice module that would play clips of each character and better detailed Proton Packs? They then took it a step further and wanted to incorporate another concept in the way of the Backpack Heroes and have a ghost figure pop out of the Proton Pack on their back.

I am unsure why they abandoned the concept, and only one prototype even exister (pictured below). It was a resin, hand painted prototype of Egon Spengler in his original cartoon flightsuit.

As you can see, the prototype is extremely accurate to how Egon appeared in the show, until you get to the actual Proton Pack. It is much more detailed than how it appears within in the show and unfortunately, will never see the light of day, though Mattel's "Real Ghostbusters" figures were pretty close to this concept.

Backpack Heroes - Standard

Similar to the 15" Backpack Hero concept, these would have been the standard Kenner figures with bright and garish flightsuits and oversized Proton Packs that would have ghosts that popped out of them.

Inflatable Gooper Ghost aka Green Ghost aka Slimer

This was an idea for 1992, it was apparently meant to be aimed at a younger audience similar to the plushies of Stay Puft and Slimer released earlier within the line and the inflatable line was believed to have focused on ghosts only.

Nutrona Blaster Toy Weapon

This next piece was revealed via the  Toy Fair Catalog in 1987. It appeared to be a laser tag game of some kind that utilized two blasters and two sensor vests. Below is the description that accompanied the advertisment.

With The Real Ghostbusters Nutrona Blaster Laser Light Weapon, a child can pretend to be a member of The Real Ghostbusters team, either alone or with friends! The set includes an infrared weapon, target/sensor, belt and a reversible overlay which can be placed on the face of the target/sensor. One side of the overlay is The Real Ghostbusters logo, the other side is the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, so that a child "becomes" one of The Real Ghostbusters team or the ghost.
The target/sensor can be set up across the room, up to 80 feet, so that a child can practice shooting alone. The eyes of the target overlay blink red so the children know when to shoot. Each hit is registered on the target and after the sixth hit, the target sounds off letting them know that they're a winner! For bigger challenge, an child can team up with friends. One child chooses to be the ghost, the others, The Real Ghostbusters, to create their own ghostchasing adventures.
Requires 6 "AA" and 1-9 volt batteries not included. Ages 4 and up.

Ghost Blaster Toy Weapon

Shown off in the Toy Fair Catalog of 1991, this toy weapon would have come with 10 flying/shoot discs.

"Capture ten ghosts at once with the new Ghost Blaster! By repeatedly pulling the trigger, kids can rapidly launch ten soft plastic disks which fly for 10 feet! Guaranteed to handle the fiercest ghosts in your neighborhood."

 Slimerizer Toy Weapon

Yet another toy weapon that was revealed in 1991 with the Toy Fair Catalong, it's interesting to see that Kenner had plans to keep the toyline running well into the 1990s.

"Ghosts won't have a chance against the new Slimerizer! By pumping the handle, kids can shoot three foam slime projectiles over 20 feet! Slime balls can also be mounted on handle when not in use!"

And lastly, because no look at the unproduced Kenner toys would be complete without it:

Egon's Lab Playset

This was yet another planned item for 1991, but the toyline was subsequently canceled. It seems that there were a few different iterations of it planned, what's interesting to note is the inclusion of the "Ghostbusters 2" logo in one of the versions of the playset.

Keep your eyes out for Part 2 of this look into the unproduced figures/playets/merchandise of the Ghostbusters franchise. Next week we will be looking at the "Extreme Ghostbusters" cancelled and unproduced figures!

As always, thank you for taking the time out to read and don't forget to give our main page over on Facebook a like!