At just 5 years old, Nicholas Ketchum was captivated by “Ghostbusters” on TV during a family Christmas gathering. Growing up in a PBS-focused family that seldom visited theaters, Ketchum’s experience of watching the film on a VHS player in the late ’80s was transformative. This moment sparked a creativity that led him to craft his own “Ghostbusters” proton packs using cardboard and duct tape.
After seeing films like “Batman,” “Beetlejuice,” “Superman,” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” Ketchum’s imagination was further fueled. He made a Batman cowl inspired by Michael Keaton’s 1989 role, using garbage bags and tape. For Beetlejuice, he shaved his hairline and created a costume from his parents’ clothes, much to his mom’s dismay. Ketchum also replicated gadgets from “HISTK” and upgraded his Superman pajamas with a custom cape sewn by his grandmother.
In middle school, Ketchum shifted from cardboard to building treehouses and go-karts. High school saw him delve into guitar and oil painting, eventually moving towards technology in his 20s. Yet, his passion for movie props lay dormant until about 15 years ago when the internet rekindled it. Discovering an image of the 1989 Batman mask online, Ketchum explored hobbyist forums to learn Hollywood prop-making techniques.
His first successful creation was a cowl from “Batman Forever,” based on Val Kilmer’s costume. After displaying it in his office, a custodian was startled by its realistic appearance. Ketchum’s hobby evolved into creating props like “Edward Scissorhands” gloves and a replica plutonium crate from “Back to the Future.”
The ambitious goal of building a screen-accurate “Ghostbusters” proton pack propelled Ketchum into collecting vintage parts. Guided by reference photos and insights from “Ghostbusters” communities, Ketchum painstakingly assembled the pack. The shell was crafted with 3D-printed pieces, sanded, primed, and painted to resemble metal.
Working in his apartment complex, Ketchum faced challenges, including a neighbor’s complaints about paint fumes. Yet, he embraced the patience required for the project, finding parallels in his professional life. “Problems are always going to happen, and I try to avoid rushing to a solution,” he noted.
Building props offers Ketchum a tech-free escape, allowing him to engage in hands-on creativity. In Ann Arbor, Ketchum’s detailed proton pack has sparked curiosity and sometimes alarm among onlookers. A chance encounter with another “Ghostbusters” enthusiast at a library highlighted the community’s shared passion. Ketchum is considering joining a Detroit group that visits children’s hospitals in costume, aiming to spread joy similar to the original film’s intent.
Although his proton pack may never be completely finished, Ketchum values the journey of creation and the joy it brings to others. He envisions future upgrades, like adding electronic elements or turning the pack into a stereo for playing “Ghostbusters” soundtracks.
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