In the movie ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife,’ the peaceful town of Summerville is shaken by ghosts. This supernatural comedy is directed by Jason Reitman. It is the fourth film in the famous ‘Ghostbusters’ series. However, it is technically the third part of the original series created by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis because the 2016 film is considered a reboot, not a continuation of the original story. The film also has a sequel, ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,’ which was released on March 22, 2024.
The story follows Trevor and Phoebe and their mother, who move into their late grandfather’s old house in the quiet Oklahoma town of Summerville. They find their grandfather’s ghost trap, which releases ghosts much like the 1984 Manhattan incident in the original movie. The film received praise for its performances, music, and direction, although some critics noted it tried hard to please fans of the original. The story moves from big city New York to a small-town setting, adding more interest. If you are curious about where the movie was filmed, we have the details for you.
Where was “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” Filmed?
‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ was mainly filmed in Canada, especially in Alberta. Filming started on July 12, 2019, under the working title ‘Rust City,’ and finished by October 18, 2019. The production team benefited from the new tax credit program by the provincial government. Now, let’s explore the specific locations where the movie was shot.
Calgary Region, Alberta
Although the novel is set in the Oklahoma town of Summerville, such a place does not exist. The majority of the filming was done in and around Alberta, particularly in Calgary and the surrounding Rocky View County. Some shots were shot at the Walmart Deerfoot City Supercentre, a major retailer on 1110 57 Avenue North East in Calgary.
The film was shot in the Calgary Film Centre, a huge production facility on 5750 76 Avenue South East #10 in Calgary. The production team produced a fantastic environment on the studio’s sound stages. Several sequences were filmed at W.G. Murdoch School, a senior high school in Box 750 in Crossfield, Rocky View County. In one scenario, Mr. Grooberson assists Phoebe and Podcast in activating an old ghost trap in the school parking lot.
The team also shot at Beiseker, a community located 70 kilometers northeast of downtown Calgary. The film depicts the Turner Valley Gas Plant, an oil and natural gas plant located on Sunset Boulevard South East in Turner Valley, Calgary Region.
Some shots were filmed in Ng’s Café, which was originally located at 210 6 Street in Beiseker but is now closed. Other sequences were shot in the nearby Apple Pie Café, which is also now permanently closed.
Dorothy, Alberta
The crew traveled around small-town southern Alberta during the summer of 2019. Some scenes were filmed in and around Dorothy, a small hamlet 85 kilometers northwest of Brooks. In one scene, the kids drive their grandfather’s Ectomobile through a cornfield, filmed in this village. Another scene features the historic Dorothy Ferry Bridge on Highway 848 over the Red River. Additional scenes were filmed along Highway 848.
Drumheller, Alberta
Scenes were also shot in Drumheller, Starland County, Alberta. In one scene, the youngsters hang out beside a canyon. While the scenery resembles Oklahoma’s harsh terrain, these sequences were shot at Horsethief Canyon, 16 kilometers northwest of Drumheller in Alberta’s Badlands. Additional sequences were shot on Highway 570.
Fort MacLeod, Alberta
You might be curious about the town that represents Summerville in the movie. Fort MacLeod, a picturesque town in southwestern Alberta, stood in for the fictional Oklahoma town. Some scenes were filmed near the Empress Theatre, a historic theatre at 235 24 Street. A ghost hunt sequence was filmed along 24 Street and 2 Street, and another scene was filmed near the Java Shop, once a café located at 2310 2 Avenue, now permanently closed.
In summary, ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ was filmed in various locations in Alberta, Canada, creating the fictional town of Summerville, Oklahoma. The scenic locations and the old-world charm of Alberta added a unique flavor to the movie, making it an exciting watch for fans.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Q: Where was ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ filmed?
A: ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ was primarily filmed in Alberta, Canada. Key locations included Calgary, Rocky View County, Beiseker, Dorothy, Drumheller, and Fort MacLeod.
Q: When was ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ filmed?
A: Filming for ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ started on July 12, 2019, and wrapped up on October 18, 2019.
Q: What locations in Calgary were used for filming?
A: In Calgary, scenes were filmed at the Walmart Deerfoot City Supercentre and the Calgary Film Centre. Additionally, some scenes were shot at W.G. Murdoch School in Crossfield, Rocky View County.
Q: Which small towns in Alberta were featured in the movie?
The movie featured several small towns in Alberta, including Beiseker, Dorothy, and Drumheller. Fort MacLeod doubled as the fictional Oklahoma town of Summerville.
Q: When was ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ released?
A: ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ was released on November 19, 2021.
