Title: "Mountain Mysteries: Haunts of San Bernardino"
Format: 30-minute episodes, airing weekly
Concept:
"Mountain Mysteries: Haunts of San Bernardino" is a paranormal investigation series that delves into the ghostly legends of the San Bernardino mountains. The show combines local folklore with modern ghost hunting techniques to explore alleged hauntings, aiming to educate viewers on paranormal theories, investigative methods, and historical context.
Structure:
Each episode features a team of paranormal investigators as they visit different towns in the mountains to uncover the truth behind local ghost stories. The investigators use basic ghost hunting equipment to seek evidence and connect with the spirits, while historians provide background on the locations.
1. Legend Introduction (5 minutes): The host introduces the episode's focus, telling the ghost story or legend associated with the location. Archival photos, dramatic reenactments, and interviews with locals set the stage.
2. Investigative Prep (5 minutes): The investigators review the history and past reports of hauntings. They discuss their plan and demonstrate the use of affordable ghost hunting equipment such as EVP recorders, EMF meters, and infrared cameras.
3. Night Investigation (15 minutes): The team conducts their investigation, using the equipment and techniques explained earlier to gather evidence. They communicate their findings in real-time, maintaining an educational approach by explaining phenomena or debunking myths.
4. Historical Insights (3 minutes): A local historian or expert provides context to the sightings, discussing the area's past and its potential influence on the present-day hauntings.
5. Analysis and Discussion (2 minutes): The investigators review their findings, discussing any evidence collected and its implications. They consider alternative explanations and the psychological aspects of hauntings.
Judging and Winners:
There are no winners in the traditional sense. The goal is to present any findings and leave it to the audience to decide what they believe. The investigators provide their final thoughts on the legitimacy of the haunting.
Filming Locations:
The show is filmed on-location at reputedly haunted sites such as historic inns, abandoned mines, and old homesteads in the San Bernardino mountains.
Budget Considerations:
- Employ a small crew of multi-skilled individuals who can handle filming, sound, and basic lighting.
- Utilize consumer-grade cameras capable of night vision or infrared recording for low-light conditions.
- Collaborate with local historical societies for access to archives and experts who can provide context at low or no cost.
- Edit episodes using cost-effective software with the assistance of students or volunteers.
- Promote the show through social media, local cable access, and community events to attract an audience.
Conclusion:
"Mountain Mysteries: Haunts of San Bernardino" provides a spine-tingling look at the region's supernatural lore, combining ghost hunting with education. The micro-budget production leverages real locations and stories to create an engaging experience for viewers interested in the paranormal, history, and the beautiful yet mysterious backdrop of the San Bernardino mountains.