In 1984, the original Ghostbusters film was released into the universe, becoming an instant classic with an unforgettable catch phrase. Helmed by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, and Harold Ramis, this campy smash hit started a movie franchise with a lasting legacy that has since spawned four additional films – most recently Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which just crossed the $200 million worldwide box office mark.
It can be a difficult feat for a franchise to stand the test of time, but Ghostbusters has proven its longevity. That’s why at Vancouver Film School we’re so pleased to celebrate our latest VFS alumni achievement and announce that 11 of our alumni, now film industry professionals, worked on this film!
11 Vancouver Film School graduates are credited on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the latest film in the hit franchise. The 11 Vancouver Film School graduates credited on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire are from VFS’s 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Acting for Film & Television, and Foundation Visual Art & Design programs:
- Ryan Doell (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Robin Dutta (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Andrés Gaitán (Acting for Film & Television)
- Matt McDonald (Foundation Visual Art & Design; 3D Animation)
- Arthur Oliveira Marimon da Cunha (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Ian Parra Patino (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Kara Vallega (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Danira Corona Piñera (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Daniela Campos Gómez (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Sagar Wakankar (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Kenny Poon (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and Mckenna Grace are all back in this latest installment, co-starring Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, and many of the OG cast members. In Frozen Empire, a new supernatural threat rises in New York City, bringing with it freezing temperatures and even icier chaos. Together, our beloved heroes must band together to combat this new enemy and save the entire world from being plunged into an eternal winter.
Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon reprise their roles as Gary Grooberson and Callie Spengler.This latest success from our alumni is just one of many highlights from their incredible industry careers. For starters, our 3D Animation & Visual Effects alumni, collectively, have amassed a jaw-dropping body of work, including Dune: Part Two, Nyad, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. Meanwhile, Acting graduate Andrés Gaitán has worked as a Motion Capture Actor on numerous projects, most notably The Fall Guy and Dune: Part Two, while Matt McDonald (who also completed our 3D Animation program after finishing with Foundation Visual Art & Design) now works in Visual Effects and has been credited on projects like Argylle, Stranger Things, and Them.
Congratulations to our talented alumni for your success (and hard work!) with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. We know exactly who the industry is going to call for its next blockbuster. If you’re ready to kickstart your journey into an industry career in animation, film, acting, and more, learn about Vancouver Film School’s accelerated, industry-leading programs and apply today!
FAQ
1. How did VFS alumni contribute to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and what role did they have?
- Ryan Doell – Visual Effects Coordinator
- Robin Dutta – Compositing Technical Supervisor
- Matt McDonald – Digital Compositor
- Arthur Oliveira Marimon da Cunha – Pipeline TD
- Ian Parra Patino – Pipeline TD
- Kara Vallega – Digital Compositor
- Danira Corona Piñera – Digital Compositor
- Daniela Campos Gómez – Senior Lighting Artist
- Sagar Wakankar – Digital Compositor
- Kenny Poon – Digital Compositor
2. How did VFS’s education and training prepare these alumni for their successful entertainment industry careers?
Vancouver Film School prides itself on THE VFS ADVANTAGE, which sets it apart from all other creative arts schools:
- SUPERIOR CURRICULUM: VFS offers an unmatched 1-year training model, with master instructors pulled directly from the entertainment industry. Full-time instructors provide extensive one-on-one time, while part-time instructors bring current industry experience. Small class sizes optimize training, enhance networking, and guarantee personal attention. VFS’s curriculum is regularly updated and realigned to be in lockstep with the most current industry standards.
- WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES: VFS students have access to cutting-edge facilities across 8 production centres from day 1. This includes film sets & studios, a 64,000 cubic ft. performance & motion capture volume, mixing labs & recording studios, a 180-degree green screen room, makeup labs, screening rooms & theatres, industry-standard software, and more. Students work with the same equipment and software being utilized by professionals across the creative industries.
- A PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO: Students build a powerful, multi-piece creative portfolio that will serve as their industry calling card as they begin their career.
- A NETWORK OF INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS: Students forge strong connections with classmates, with students from other VFS programs (for a comprehensive knowledge of the industry), and with working professionals from the creative industries – all of which will last a lifetime.
3. How does the success of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire compare to the career trajectories of these VFS alumni on previous projects?
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire represents a significant milestone in the careers of these alumni, continuing their trajectory of working on high-profile projects. For many, this film builds on their established reputations in the industry. For example:
- 3D Animation & Visual Effects alumni: Several of the alumni have built incredible animation careers, working on major films like Dune: Part Two, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. Working on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a continuation of their involvement in blockbuster films, reinforcing their expertise and relevance in the industry.
- Andrés Gaitán: His work as a Motion Capture Actor on The Fall Guy and Dune: Part Two shows his versatility and growing importance in the field. His involvement in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire further establishes him as a key player in motion capture performances for major films.
- Matt McDonald: Having been credited on projects like Stranger Things and Them, McDonald’s role in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire highlights his ongoing success in Visual Effects and suggests that he is consistently moving forward in his career by contributing to significant and popular projects.
Overall, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is another high-profile project that aligns with the alumni’s career growth, marking them as experienced professionals who continue to contribute to large-scale, successful films. This latest project likely enhances their portfolios, reinforcing their status and potentially opening doors to even more prominent opportunities in the future.