During this year’s Sony Creators Conference, a brand-new Ghostbusters short film took the spotlight. The film showcased the iconic Ecto-1 cruising through the streets of New York City, facing off against a menacing marshmallow man. Notably, the entire film was created using cutting-edge real-time game engine technology. This innovative approach, referred to as a proof-of-concept project, was a collaborative effort involving Sony Pictures Entertainment, Ghost Corps, Pixomondo, PlayStation Studios, and Epic Games. The project harnessed the power of Unreal Engine, combined with a motion capture stage, to capture dynamic visual effects shots in real-time, aiming for unprecedented photorealism. This technology opens doors for filmmakers by offering more accessible storytelling options.
Directed by Jason Reitman, known for Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the short film provides a tantalizing glimpse into the realm of possibilities. Reitman emphasized the advantages and shared his impressions, highlighting the newfound ability to control the environment during filming. He expressed the relief of not having to worry about factors like rush hour or changing sunlight while directing his actors. This level of control over the production environment shifted his perspective on what could be achieved in filmmaking.
The short film unfolds in a highly lifelike digital rendition of New York City, stunningly realistic. Impressively, the two-minute feature was crafted in just a single day, a feat that would have been unattainable through traditional methods. Reitman compared this innovative production process, showcased at the Sony Creators Conference, to the recent second unit filming for the upcoming Ghostbusters sequel.