Category Archives: SyFy Channel

The SurrealEstate Market Is Booming

28 Saturday Jan 2023

Posted by in Horror TV Shows, SyFy Channel, TV Reviews

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The sleeper horror/comedy Canadian series, SurrealEstate, has been resurrected. Initially cancelled, the Syfy series was renewed and is currently in production on Season 2. Created by George R. Olson, the series fills a popular paranormal niche.

With the tagline “These properties are to die for,” the Roman Agency caters to homeowners experiencing strange phenomena. Each TV-14, 43-minute episode has the elite realty team tackling some of the worst issues in homeownership: hauntings. Led by Luke Roman, played by Tom Rozon, the crew utilizes skills found when ghost hunters investigate a property. Susan Ireland, played by Sarah Levy, is brought on to close the deal, metaphysically and literally. The tech specialists include former priest Father Phil Orley, played by Aam Korson, and August Ripley, played by Maurice Dean Wint, who speaks in quotes. Office assistant Zooey L’Enfant (Savannah Basley) and homeowner Megan Donovan (Tennille Read) round out the regulars.

The star with no dialog is the “Donovan House,” a haunted Victorian mansion inherited by Megan Donovan. In real life, the home is called “Hopedale House,” built by Captain Samuel Blandford (1840-1909) in 1883. He resided in the home with his wife, Sarah Anne (Edgar), and their family. The Blandford family owned the home up until World War II, when it was used as a British headquarters. Later, the Salvation Army ran a home for unwed mothers and then senior citizens. It was subdivided into 5 apartments prior to its last title transfer to Pam Crossan in 1986. Crossan jokes the home “has more spirit than spirits.”

SurrealEstate films at other lovely properties throughout the St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador regions in eastern Canada. Season 1 streams on Hulu. Fans eagerly await the yet to be determined release of Season 2.

Dead Still Returns October 11th

10 Thursday Oct 2019

Posted by in Halloween, Horror Movies, SyFy Channel, Uncategorized

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Dead Still Returns

Dead Still returns on SyFy October 11th. Part of the 31 days of Halloween programming, Dead Still is a nice addition to the line-up. It stands out for not relying on CGI special effects to force the plot. Schedule your DVRs and watch this movie. In the meantime. read my review from 2014:

Dead Still Worth Viewing

I love horror movies. I’ve watched them since I was a teenager. My favorites include the classics: The Exorcist (1975), Jaws (1975), and Poltergeist (1982). However, I like the B-movie horror films, namely The House on Haunted Hill (1959), The Monster Squad (1987), and The Tingler (1959), too. I grew up watching Dr. Paul Bearer on Creature Feature on WTOG. Horror movies transcend decades and act as social commentary. The Booth Brothers’ new film Dead Still incorporates the Victorian practice of taking mourning portraits into a fictional modern-day inheritance issue. Dead Still, an original SyFy movie, is worth viewing.

The Horror film genre remains popular. Box office rival Annabelle nearly toppled Gone Girl this past weekend. Even though each film generated over $37 million in ticket sales, Annabelle was the money winner. Produced for under $7 million dollars, Annabelle’s return in one weekend was five times its production costs. Wow! Low-budget horror films produce huge profits. This applies to films released exclusively on television with DVD sales later.

 

Dead Still’s estimated production costs were $2 million dollars. That’s extremely low for any film project. Moreover, the film shines with beautiful cinematography, haunting music, and A-list acting.

Filmed on location in Baton Rouge, Dead Still features an incredibly spooky house. Philip Adrian Booth captures the moody ambiance of the house, as well as, the Negative world. Remember: This is a low-budget film. Philip does a lot on a tight budget.

Equally impressive is the eerily evocative soundtrack. Twin brother Christopher Saint Booth assembled a soundtrack heavy with strings—quite appropriate for a horror film. Working as “Saint,” Christopher has assumed the role as music scorer for their productions. Christopher delivers.

Producers landed three strong actors. Ray Wise is absolutely wicked. Mr. Wise’s transformation into the crazy “Wenton Davis,” great grandfather and original owner of the antique Victorian camera, is creepy. Creepy weird and chilling. Ben Browder as “Brandon” is convincing as the relationship-challenged heir to the camera. He’s at his best in the Negative world. Gavin Casalegno portrays “Bobby,” Brandon’s son. His facial expressions convey what words cannot. Already boasting an impressive acting resume, Gavin has a long career ahead of him.

Graphic scenes are limited; however, I could have done without the sexual scene with the newlyweds. It didn’t add any real content and could have been achieved without the nudity and hand-gripping bedrail close-ups.

The antique Victorian camera is an amazing prop. The claw-footed, custom-made stand is intricately detailed and gorgeous. Reproductions of mourning portraits are impactful. They realistically represent the type of photographs popular in America and Europe from 1840-1891.

Dead Still is entertaining and gruesome. The Booth Brothers have expanded their filmmaking collection and have made the jump into the fictional horror movie genre. I look forward to their next film. Until then, stay still—Dead Still.

Ghost Hunters Returns for Season 10

21 Tuesday Apr 2015

Posted by in Ghost Hunters, Reality TV, SyFy Channel

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Ghost Hunters Season 10

Ghost Hunters Season 10

Ghost Hunters Returns for Season 10

Jason Hawes and his team of paranormal investigators return for their 10th season on the SyFy Channel, http://www.syfy.com/ghosthunters. The 13-episode season does not have an actual debut date; however, it is sometime in 2015. On average the show draws 1.7 million viewers. Over half of the viewership consists of adults, ages 24-54. The official page on Facebook still shows the Season 9 cast, https://www.facebook.com/GhostHunters.

In other news, former team member Amy Bruni took to Facebook this week cautioning fans that a recent article circulating the Internet claiming that she and fellow ghost hunter, Adam Berry, were fired is false. Citing heavy travel schedules and missing family, Bruni wrote that she was exhausted and made the decision on her own to leave the popular show. She now participates in public investigation events through her company, Strange Escapes, http://www.strange-escapes.com/. Bruni’s post is another great example of “reporters” whipping out sensational falsehoods on the Internet. Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet. Follow this blog for accurate and timely news.

Field Notes from a Ghost Mine

11 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by in Authors, Books, Ghost Hunting, Reviews, SyFy Channel

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Patrick HT Doyle

Patrick HT Doyle

Paranormal Field Notes Benefit All Investigators

Field notes are invaluable. They capture moments when the memory fails. Field books contain notes, drawings, and working hypotheses. Patrick H.T. Doyle’s Ghosts from the Ground Up: Field Notes of a Ghost Miner interweaves observation, reflection, and visual imagery and comes up with an entertaining paranormal read.

Oregon’s Crescent Mine has long been believed to be haunted. Located outside Sumpter, Oregon, the entire area has reported activity. This town ceased to thrive when the gold mining dried up. The town’s population is under 300 people; moreover, tourism is the main, possibly only, economic activity.

Ghost Mine debuted on SyFy on January 16, 3013. For two seasons (18 episodes), Doyle, along with investigator Kristen Luman, searched for answers deep within the mine, while a group of burley miners searched for gold. Doyle and Luman respected the miners and their boundaries. The investigation uncovered a lot of fascinating evidence and data. Unfortunately, SyFy opted not to renew the series for a third season. Instead, Doyle penned his book.

This book is a journey. Doyle views investigations like a science experiment. Peppered throughout are definitions and explanations and very few conclusions. But that’s not the point. Doyle’s writing is reminiscent of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, also developed from traveling field notes. Doyle offers up unanswered questions, and his commentary is humble and honest. The vagabond lifestyle ended decades ago; however, readers still yearn for an armchair adventure. This one involves the paranormal. Doyle’s book is a great gift for anyone interested in the paranormal. Add this one to your para collection!

Dead Still Worth Viewing

08 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by in Demonic Possession, Memento Mori, Movies, SyFy Channel

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Dead Still

Dead Still

Dead Still Worth Viewing

I love horror movies. I’ve watched them since I was a teenager. My favorites include the classics: The Exorcist (1975), Jaws (1975), and Poltergeist (1982). However, I like the B-movie horror films, namely The House on Haunted Hill (1959), The Monster Squad (1987), and The Tingler (1959), too. I grew up watching Dr. Paul Bearer on Creature Feature on WTOG. Horror movies transcend decades and act as social commentary. The Booth Brothers’ new film Dead Still incorporates the Victorian practice of taking mourning portraits into a fictional modern-day inheritance issue. Dead Still, an original SyFy movie, is worth viewing.

The Horror film genre remains popular. Box office rival Annabelle nearly toppled Gone Girl this past weekend. Even though each film generated over $37 million in ticket sales, Annabelle was the money winner. Produced for under $7 million dollars, Annabelle’s return in one weekend was five times its production costs. Wow! Low-budget horror films produce huge profits. This applies to films released exclusively on television with DVD sales later.

Dead Still’s estimated production costs were $2 million dollars. That’s extremely low for any film project. Moreover, the film shines with beautiful cinematography, haunting music, and A-list acting.

Filmed on location in Baton Rouge, Dead Still features an incredibly spooky house. Philip Adrian Booth captures the moody ambiance of the house, as well as, the Negative world. Remember: This is a low-budget film. Philip does a lot on a tight budget.

Equally impressive is the eerily evocative soundtrack. Twin brother Christopher Saint Booth assembled a soundtrack heavy with strings—quite appropriate for a horror film. Working as “Saint,” Christopher has assumed the role as music scorer for their productions. Christopher delivers.

Ray Wise

Ray Wise

Producers landed three strong actors. Ray Wise is absolutely wicked. Mr. Wise’s transformation into the crazy “Wenton Davis,” great grandfather and original owner of the antique Victorian camera, is creepy. Creepy weird and chilling. Ben Browder as “Brandon” is convincing as the relationship-challenged heir to the camera. He’s at his best in the Negative world. Gavin Casalegno portrays “Bobby,” Brandon’s son. His facial expressions convey what words cannot. Already boasting an impressive acting resume, Gavin has a long career ahead of him.

Gavin Casalegno

Gavin Casalegno

Graphic scenes are limited; however, I could have done without the sexual scene with the newlyweds. It didn’t add any real content and could have been achieved without the nudity and hand-gripping bedrail close-ups.

The antique Victorian camera is an amazing prop. The claw-footed, custom-made stand is intricately detailed and gorgeous. Reproductions of mourning portraits are impactful. They realistically represent the type of photographs popular in America and Europe from 1840-1891.

Dead Still is entertaining and gruesome. The Booth Brothers have expanded their filmmaking collection and have made the jump into the fictional horror movie genre. I look forward to their next film. Until then, stay still—Dead Still.

Antique Victorian Camera

Ben Browder with the Antique Victorian Camera

 

Highly Anticipated Dead Still Delivers October 6th

05 Sunday Oct 2014

Posted by in In the News, Memento Mori, Movies, Paranormal, Photography, SyFy Channel

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Dead Still

Dead Still

Highly Anticipated Dead Still Delivers October 6th

The Booth Brothers’ new movie Dead Still focuses on the Victorian practice of taking mourning portraits. Main character Brandon Davis, played by Ben Browder, inherits the antique camera previously owned by his great-grandfather who took photographs of recently deceased people. Popular in America and Europe, postmortem photography were a form of memento mori.

Translated as “remember thy death,” memento mori is artwork capturing death, either literally or figuratively. Drawing, carvings, paintings, and eventually photography depicted dead people or the personification of death through symbols. Death is unavoidable. By remembering we ultimately die, we live.

Around 1840, wealthy families were able to hire photographers to capture the deaths of loved ones. Popular from 1840-1860, daguerreotypes provided developed images on thin sheets of silver-plated copper. Within the next two decades, advances in photographic development made personal photography affordable. By the 1860s, tintypes replaced daguerreotypes. Middle-class families were able to summon photographers to their homes to take mourning photographs. These pictures were often the only tangible reminders of their family members. These pictures were meant to be private and viewed only by the family.

Photographers portrayed the dead person as if still alive. These “postures of life” incorporated symbols of death. Roses held downward, flowers with stems broken, morning glories, pocket watches, and children’s toys were some of the items staged with the dead person. The photographer took photos close-up or full-length capturing either the profile or full-face of the dead person. Often the eyes were closed; however, some photographers painted “eyes” on top of the eyelids. The viewer was directly confronted with the dead person. Later, large floral arrangements were used to lessen the impact. Children and infants comprised the bulk of the work because of high mortality rates. Most of the surviving postmortem photographs are of infants and children.

The popularity of postmortem photography declined as morticians and funeral homes undertook more of the burial duties. However, small ethnic communities still partake in this practice.

The Booth Brothers purchased an antique camera and decided to make it the focal point of their next film. The camera is a gorgeous prop—and still operational. The camera sits atop a beautifully crafted stand. In the movie, the camera is passed down through a family and eventually being used for wedding portraits. However, members of bridal parties start dying soon after their photography was taken. Ultimately, Brandon’s son becomes trapped inside the camera taken to an alternate dimension. This area is home to “The Negative” and “The Hidden Mother.” Set your DVR and TiVo to record Dead Still, Monday, October 6th at 9 pm EST. Then tune in to Archer Paranormal Radio as the API Gals discuss the movie and their favorite Booth Brothers’ productions.

Dead Still Creatures

Dead Still Creatures

Booth Brother Domination

01 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by in Movies, Photography, Radio Show, Reviews, SyFy Channel

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Dead Still

Dead Still

Booth Brother Domination

Statistically documentary films outperform other genres. Documentaries are low-budget, require few actors, and utilize a lot of public domain materials. Filmmakers can produce a quality documentary for little expense. Comparing all genre films, horror movies come in a distant second. Consider the horror documentary. Gold mine potential! The Booth Brothers write, produce, and direct some of the best horror documentaries out there.

The Booth Brothers have found their niche. Start with a popular haunted locale or famous possession case. Conduct extensive research. Combine newspaper articles, interviews, investigative footage, and re-enactments. Finalize by laying a music score. The end product is an educational and entertaining documentary. I especially enjoy the music. Haunting and unique to each production, the music score weaves the various pieces together. Perfection.

The Booth Brothers now seek to tackle mainstream moviemaking. Dead Still, an original SyFy movie, premieres on October 6th at 9 pm EST. I can’t wait to see their transition from non-fiction material to fiction. The story revolves around an antique Victorian camera previously used to take mourning portraits, or memento mori. Before cameras became affordable, photographers came to houses to photograph the recently deceased. The purpose was to provide the grieving family one image of their loved one. This practice has stopped, but the camera was passed down through a family.

Antique Victorian Camera

Antique Victorian Camera

The camera’s new owner takes wedding portraits. He decides to use the old camera. Bad idea! Tune in to the SyFy Channel on October 6th at 9 pm EST to see how bad it gets. In the meantime, listen to Archer Paranormal Radio on Thursday, October 2nd as Christopher Saint Booth discusses the movie.

Booth Brothers

Booth Brothers

Scarefest Newbie

24 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Famous People, In the News, Live Paranormal, Scarefest, SyFy Channel

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Entrance to Scarefest

Entrance to Scarefest

Scarefest Newbie

I’m a Scarefest newbie attending the annual Horror/Paranormal Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, September 12-14 for the first time. It is the largest horror and paranormal conference in the South. The venue was amazing and convenient.

The Platinum Package was well worth it. I saw Jake Busey and Corey Feldman before it all started.

Crowds were small on Friday. I browsed the 200+ vendor booths, chatted up my favorite paranormal people, and made the following observations:

  • Wes Forsythe is the hardest working radio broadcaster in the business. He’s also the most gracious and helpful.
  • Live Paranormal’s Rob Szarek is drumming up interviews and business to expand the paranormal radio market.
  • Dustin Pari really does believe in God. He walks the talk. He is Mr. Congeniality by being incredibly sweet and supportive.

  • Dustin Pari

    Dustin Pari

  • Amy Bruni and Adam Berry are the cutest non-couple coupled in the paranormal industry.

  • Amy Bruni

    Amy Bruni

    Adam Berry

    Adam Berry

  • Amy Allen is for real. I doubt her skeptics have ever heard her publically speak.

  • Amy Allan

    Amy Allan

  • John Zaffis is friendly at his booth, in his sessions, and at the elevators. Very professional and accessible. Visit him at his new museum. Worth the drive.
  • Chris Lindberg and John E.L. Tenney are enjoying the Ghost Stalker ride, Coachman RV and all. Good for them!

  • Ghost Stalkers

    Ghost Stalkers

  • The Booth Brothers had the best movie prop: an antique Victorian camera complete with a beautifully crafted base. Their new film Dead Still premieres on SyFy on October 6th at 9 pm EST.

I spent Saturday shuttling from one session to another. Thankfully, I held a Platinum Pass, allowing me to by-pass most long lines.

By Sunday I was exhausted. I was unable to attend every session. That’s why I’ll be back next year. For more information visit the Official Scarefest Website, www.Scarefestcon.com.

 

Sneak Peak: Christopher Saint Booth October 2nd

23 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Demonic Possession, Famous People, Ghost Hunting, Live Paranormal, Media, Photography, Radio Show, SyFy Channel

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Booth Brothers

Booth Brothers

The Archer Paranormal Investigation (API) Gals will be chatting with Christopher Saint Booth on Archer Paranormal Radio on October 2nd at 7 pm EST. Tune in and find out about the new Booth Brothers’ film Dead Still, an original SyFy movie premiering on October 6th at 9 pm EST.

Can you sense my excitement?? Oh YEAH!

Dead Still

Dead Still