Fun With Props: The "Psy Fi" Channel

In every good film, there's attention to detail. I'm happy to say, you'll find plenty of that in Ghosts Don't Exist.

One such detail involves a fictitious cable network—which we had to create from scratch. (Sort of.)

As you know by now, our story centers around celebrated TV ghost hunter, Brett Wilson. He and his team have a phenomenally successful show, much like the SciFi Channel hit, Ghost Hunters. To convey this, we started from the beginning—by establishing a fictitious brand.

We needed a brand that would instantly convey the essence of the SciFi Channel, without plagiarizing or mocking the original. Unit Production Manager Kathryn Coombs suggested the name, "Psy Fi"—a play on "psychological" and "science" fiction, given the nature of paranormal reporting. And being the graphic designer, I had the fun chore of developing a logo.

The PsyFi News logo, along with some additional prototypes

The Psy Fi News logo would be used across a number of platforms, in order to convey its range throughout the film. Some of the things we had to create:

• wall-mounted signage for the network executive boardroom
• a branded notebook for field reporter Lindsay
• motion graphics for the actual Brett Wilson interview footage.

When it all comes together, our Psy Fi pseudo-network certainly feels like the real deal. Of course, it also helps tremendously when you have very real media folks—pros like Lindsay Czarniak and Mike O'Meara staffing it! ;)

Extra! Extra! GDE in the Washington Post!

In case you missed it yesterday, Ghosts Don't Exist was in the Washington Post!

The Reliable Source column by Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts was a terrific followup to one they wrote in January, announcing Chris and Tanner Cooley's association with the project. Yesterday's article focuses on Chris' role in the film, and mentions the cameos by local media favorites Mike O'Meara and Lindsay Czarniak.

Many thanks to the Post for the wonderful publicity—it's an honor!

And speaking of the Mike O'Meara Show, check out the pics from last Friday's show with Chris, Tanner, and Eric Espejo in-studio!

NBC 4 Coverage of Ghosts Don't Exist

NBC 4's Lindsay Czarniak was on hand for Chris Cooley's acting debut Tuesday night—he's playing a sheriff's deputy in what has become a most anticipated cameo appearance here in the DC area! Even the Mayor of Hamilton, VA was there to watch the Redskins star step in front of the (movie) camera for the first time, and Chris didn't disappoint. Dressed in a municipal uniform complete with an authentic, antique badge, Cooley proved to be a natural. He and fellow actor Chris Kennedy (playing "Sheriff Fuller") did a terrific job, and had a blast in the process.

As you already know, Lindsay has a cameo role in the film herself.

The production enjoyed its first break today, but is gearing up for early calls tomorrow and Friday—as the full lead cast will be filming their first scenes together. Josh Davidson will be on set tomorrow, playing the skeptic, "David Sherman." Things are heating up... ;)

Day 2: Coooooooley! And Linnnnnndsay!

Day 2 of filming was a treat all around, despite the rainy weather. Not only did we shoot indoors, we did it in style. Today marked our first day of filming at Casa de Cooley—Chris and Christy were incredibly kind enough to give us full access to their amazing home, which in the film serves as the home of celebrated ghost hunter Brett Wilson.

After a morning of Redskins training camp, Chris and fellow tight end Todd Yoder hung out to watch the action. They got to see first-hand the setting up of shots, the scenes, and the playback. They arrived moments after NBC 4's Lindsay Czarniak filmed her cameo scene—as a reporter interviewing Brett about his decision to retire. She and Phillip Roebuck did a terrific job, and the scene really set the tone for a fun and productive day.

We're back at the Cooley residence again tomorrow, and Chris himself will be in front of the camera on Tuesday. Two days down, and it's shaping up to be a very good week!