Dan Aykroyd Reveals 'Ghostbusters' Filming Began Without Name Rights
What Happened?
Dan Aykroyd shared that 'Ghostbusters' started filming without rights to the name, which was owned by Taft Broadcasting. Columbia later paid $500,000 for the title.
Key points
- Dan Aykroyd revealed that filming for 'Ghostbusters' began without the rights to the name.
- The title was owned by Taft Broadcasting due to a sitcom featuring a gorilla.
- Columbia Pictures paid $500,000 to acquire the name 'Ghostbusters'.
- Aykroyd referenced Dean Martin's use of the term in the 1953 film 'Scared Stiff'.
- Ernie Hudson credited Harold Ramis for the film's success during a 2024 event.
Key insights
- The initial lack of rights could have led to a very different film title and branding.
- Understanding the film's origins may enhance appreciation for its cultural impact.
- Aykroyd's extensive research into ghost comedies reflects the film's homage to earlier works.
Why it matters
This insight into the film's production highlights the complexities of intellectual property in Hollywood.
Entities
Source
Times of India

