A look at the Reitmans’ movie-making dynasty ahead of new ‘Ghostbusters’ film

By Victoria Ahearn, The Canadian Press

TORONTO — There’s something strange in the Canadian entertainment neighbourhood.

The Reitman family, headed by Toronto-raised movie maker Ivan Reitman, is making headlines for some major film and TV projects — further solidifying their status as a homegrown entertainment dynasty.

The “Ghostbusters” director is the father of fellow filmmaker Jason Reitman, a Montreal-born, four-time Oscar nominee who just announced plans to carry on his dad’s torch with the supernatural comedy film franchise.

On Tuesday, Jason Reitman confirmed via Twitter that he will direct a new instalment in the “Ghostbusters” series for Sony Pictures, with a release set for summer 2020.

Meanwhile, comedy star Catherine Reitman, who is Ivan Reitman’s daughter, announced last week that her Toronto-shot CBC TV series “Workin’ Moms” is being picked up by Netflix in the U.S.

Here’s a rundown on the Reitmans:

IVAN REITMAN

Born in Slovakia, his family came to Canada in 1950 when he was four. He studied at Hamilton’s McMaster University, where he started directing several short films before moving to Los Angeles.

Reitman has been a director and producer, for the screen and stage, and co-owns the Montecito Picture Company.

He rose to prominence producing 1978’s “National Lampoon’s Animal House” and then directing a string of other comedies, including “Meatballs,” “Stripes,” the first two “Ghostbusters” films, and “Kindergarten Cop.”

Reitman’s other producing credits include the 2009 drama “Up in the Air,” which was helmed by Jason Reitman and got six Oscar nominations, including best picture and best director.

The elder Reitman, who is married to Quebec actress Genevieve Robert, also produced a 2016 female-led “Ghostbusters” reboot.

Reitman was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2007 and has been nominated for an Emmy and BAFTA, among other honours.

JASON REITMAN

Where his dad is known for slapstick comedy, Reitman has directed more contemplative fare.

Born in Montreal and raised in Los Angeles, he studied creative writing at the University of Southern California and got his start on short films and commercials.

His hit 2005 feature debut, the satirical comedy “Thank You For Smoking,” was nominated for two Golden Globes, including best picture.

Reitman was on a roll after that, directing the teenage pregnancy movie “Juno,” which won an Oscar for Diablo Cody for best original screenplay and a Grammy for best soundtrack. It also got three other Oscar nominations, including best director for Reitman and best actress for Halifax native Ellen Page.

Then came the 2009 corporate downsizing dramedy “Up in the Air,” which Reitman directed, co-wrote and co-produced. It got six Oscar nominations, including best picture and best director.

Since then Reitman has racked up the directing credits — from “Young Adult” and “Labor Day,” to “Tully” and “The Front Runner.”

CATHERINE REITMAN

The younger sister of Jason Reitman, she is an actress, comedian, producer, writer and director.

Born in Los Angeles, she was a member of the Sunday Company at the Groundlings improv and sketch comedy theatre and school.

Reitman has had roles on series including “Blackish,” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and in films including “I Love You, Man” and “Knocked Up.”

She is also the creator and star of CBC’s parenting comedy “Workin’ Moms,” which debuted in 2017 and has been nominated for several Canadian Screen Awards and an International Emmy.

In 2016, Reitman formed Wolf and Rabbit Entertainment with her actor-husband, Philip Sternberg, who also co-produces and stars in “Workin’ Moms.”

Victoria Ahearn, The Canadian Press

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