About this project

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

‘Asleep With the Lights On’ will examine, research, and document the various affects the phenomenon of paranormal activity has had on the professional and personal life of several Individuals. The project will explore the various degrees of phenomenon encountered, the tactics used in order for researchers to collect data on such activity, and the unique relationship that exists between several individuals of separate backgrounds and the world of the paranormal. Because the subject matter of the project is a topic of much controversy and debate, the film will present the opinions of both believers and skeptics in order to achieve an honest and broad understanding of the topic. ‘Asleep With the Lights On’ will propose the question: If paranormal activity does not actually exist, then what is in fact occurring?

The successful completion of the proposed project will be based around the relationship of two key components:

1. The psychological elements that surround the idea of the supernatural, including religious belief, as well as how mental health is commonly used as a factor to deny the existence of paranormal activity.
2. Applying the scientific method to the gathered evidence in order to determine a cause and effect relationship between nature and paranormal activity.

In order to include both elements mentioned above within the documentary, the project will focus in on three main subjects, who all deal or have dealt with paranormal activity in various forms; whether personally, professionally, or spiritually:

- A Family, who claims that paranormal activity has had a negative impact on their personal lives, will be the main focus of this project. The film will examine their claims, explore their family history, understand how they have dealt with such issues in the past, and document their day-to-day life as they live with such activity in their home. The film will obtain a better understanding as to how their claims of paranormal experiences have negatively affected their lives personally, socially and financially.

- The professional life of a Paranormal Researcher will also be examined closely. Documenting the various techniques in which Paranormal Researchers use to conduct such investigation including the Ganzfeld Experiment, Oujia Boards, and EMF Detectors, we will develop a better understanding of these methods and how such techniques are regarded within the scientific field. The various attempts of the Researcher to capture such activity will be displayed within the project, as well as a better understanding of someone who has dedicated their life to working to prove the existence of something that many in the scientific field disregard as non-existent.

- Also, the Documentary will interview several individuals who work in the legal field including a Defense Attorney for the United States Court of Law in order to learn how the legal system in America has dealt with issues of paranormal activity in the past. Infamous cases such as of Stambovsky v. Ackley, in which paranormal activity has entered the courtroom and tested the strength of ‘Caveat Emptor’ or ‘Buyer Beware’ will be regarded and closely examined.

EVALUATION PLAN

The long-term goal of the documentary is to raise awareness of an issue that continues to have a profound impact on the lives of many individuals around the world. To obtain a better understanding of the topic, the project will document the claims of those affected by such activity and analyze it through the scientific method in order to conclude whether or not paranormal activity should be considered a legitimate issue to society or simply a topic best left to the field of psychology. The project will present varying opinions of individuals related in some way to the paranormal, and further analyze how such activity has been the apparent basis of negative experiences within the personal lives of many. To better describe the severity of an issue that is still scientifically unproven, the project will explore cases in which paranormal activity has reached the mainstream public and how the topic became a serious issue of debate in the United States Judicial system. The intention of the project is not to conduct any form of ‘paranormal investigation’, but instead document the efforts made of those involved in such procedures, as well as the personal lives impacted by such experiences.

The budget stated earlier of $3,500 (Three thousand, five hundred dollars) will enable the Producers to document each component of the subject thoroughly in order to produce a professional broadcast quality documentary.

‘Asleep With the Lights On’ will be entered into several competitive film festivals, pitched to various networks specializing in documentary features, and seek worldwide distribution. The Producers will also consider screening the film at various paranormal society meetings, events, conventions, and festivals as well as universities, schools and libraries as a way to raise awareness and further educate the public on the subject.