Haunted Television
This new genre of reality television isn't exactly new, as the format was originally launched and became popular in the United Kingdom. The hit series known throughout England over the years has been Living Tv's Most Haunted. The program has become a phenomenon, with various franchise spinoff's, including merchandise and other media platforms.
However, the UK's most famous ghost hunter, is non other than paranormal historian and investigator Richard Felix. In 1992, Richard opened the Derby Heritage Centre, featuring ghost walks around the centre of Derby with over 100,000 visitors to date. Richard then purchased the Old Derby Gaol, which now hosts both ghost walks and overnight vigils. The highly acclaimed TV show Most Haunted visited the Gaol to spend 24 hours. During their visit they interviewed Richard as the owner, and he was such a natural that they made him a permanent member of the hit series.
Outside of Most Haunted, Richard made a name for himself as the UK's top paranormal historian, providing ghostly details throughout the media in the UK and beyond. Richard than began a successful series of DVDs, which feature some of England's top haunted sites such as Annesley Hall, Dudley Castle, and most recently Berkeley Castle.
Recently, Richard has been involved with a new media project, featuring another paranormal investigative team known as the Soulseekers. Founders SarahJane O'Neill and Gil Martin launched the project in 2003, via their popular website and on site investigations. The team recently teamed up with Richard to create a new series of video programs, known as "mobisodes" for online and other mobile media use. The stories are mini shows, which follow the paranormal investigators into uncharted areas... some which may be to cutting edge for television.
Soulseekers: Stephen Wood, Gil Martin, Richard Felix, and SarahJane O'Neill.
I asked the Soulseekers to share their views on this new genre in media, "I think people would prefer reality rather than “Scooby-Doo” ghost hunting. Reality is far more interesting and fascinating. I think the world is ready for some serious paranormal research" said Felix.
SarahJane and Gil are happily married, and have shared many bizarre experiences since becoming paranormal researchers. The story begins in their own home... which appeared to be haunted! "We organized Soulseekers in 2003 after we had our house investigated by another group of paranormal investigators. They had such astonishing results, we decided to monitor and investigate the activities ourselves. From word-of-mouth, other individuals requested our help at their properties to determine if there was paranormal activity occurring. We put up a website with some of our results and from there we have grown into what we are today" said O'Neill.
Their home was built on the grounds of an old workhouse from the 18th century. A workhouse is an extension of prison where criminals and homeless people were housed and required to work endless hours. This included children and mentally ill people. The conditions were horrible and the souls of these poor people continue to haunt this area. Martin made no bones about it "we have so much unexplained phenomenon occur in this house on a daily basis."
So, the couple teamed up with the legendary Felix in 2007, taking things to the next level. "We feel privileged to work alongside such a knowledgeable person. Richard is the leading paranormal historian in England and he is such a great guy. We learn so much from him every time we do an investigation" said O'Neill.
Richard had some advice for future ghost hunters, "always look for the normal explanation of things before you even consider the paranormal. Be open-mined, but don’t jump to conclusions. Remember, 8 out of 10 “ghosts” can be explained." Felix is also open minded about the direction of his future investigations -"America! And delivering to the paranormal community, what ghosts really are."