Nicholas Ketchum: An Artisan of Movie Props Finds His Calling
While most children were fascinated by toys, a young Nicholas Ketchum was captivated by something more cinematic. At a family Christmas gathering, a serendipitous moment in front of a TV playing “Ghostbusters” left a lasting impression on the then 5-year-old. This was the beginning of a lifelong passion.
“We were a PBS household and rarely went to the movie theater,” reflected Ketchum, who now serves as the web office manager and lead programmer at the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work.
His experience watching “Ghostbusters” on VHS was nothing short of transformative, inspiring him to craft his own proton packs using cardboard and duct tape. His artistic journey continued with films like “Batman,” “Beetlejuice,” “Superman,” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” each providing new creative fuel.
From a young age, Ketchum demonstrated an extraordinary ability to translate what he saw on screen into tangible creations. His Batman cowl, inspired by Michael Keaton’s portrayal, and a Beetlejuice costume complete with a modified hairline, are testaments to his resourcefulness and creativity.
Throughout his adolescence, Ketchum’s interests evolved from cardboard props to designing treehouses and go-karts. His high school years saw a shift towards music and oil painting, and by his twenties, technology became his primary focus.
It was the internet that eventually rekindled his childhood interest in movie prop-making about 15 years ago. While browsing online, Ketchum rediscovered his passion through images of the 1989 Batman mask, leading him to hobbyist forums where he learned the intricacies of sculpting and molding props.
“It got messy and expensive,” he recalled, but this was merely the beginning of a renewed hobby.
Motivated by his success with a Batman cowl replicating Val Kilmer’s costume from “Batman Forever,” Ketchum decided to tackle his most ambitious project yet: a precise replica of the “Ghostbusters” proton pack.
For years, Ketchum meticulously collected vintage parts to create a screen-accurate proton pack. Guided by reference photographs from the Sony Pictures Studio and insights from “Ghostbusters” online communities, Ketchum embarked on an intricate journey involving 3D-printed components, sanding, and painting to achieve the look of rough metal.
“A project like this requires patience. You can’t rush because speed could sabotage the final product,” Ketchum noted, drawing parallels to his professional work.
In Ann Arbor, Ketchum’s projects have sparked curiosity and even startled a few visitors. A maintenance worker was taken aback by the realistic appearance of Ketchum’s proton pack. Ketchum has also connected with fellow “Ghostbusters” enthusiasts, considering joining a local group that participates in charitable activities.
“I’d like to be part of something that brings joy to other people. That’s really what the movie ‘Ghostbusters’ was about, making other people laugh,” Ketchum shared.
Despite his accomplishments, Ketchum’s proton pack is a work in progress, with potential upgrades on the horizon. For him, the essence lies in the process: the learning, the revising, and the joy elicited from a simple smile or a surprised reaction.
