Phantasm Collective is a new TV show from GhostÉire that uniquely blends the mystical with the scientific to explore the paranormal. ANN MASSEY McELROY talk to Anthony Kerrigan about the new series
Phantasm Collective Interview
For years the paranormal entertainment field has been saturated with TV, podcasts, radio and streaming shows – and we love it! With so much choice, how does a brand-new TV show stand out and grab your attention? Let’s find out! We spoke with Anthony Kerrigan of GhostÉire about his new show, Phantasm Collective.
ANN MASSEY McELROY: Anthony, can you tell us what Phantasm Collective is all about?
Anthony Kerrigan: Absolutely! The show is a deep dive into the paranormal, focusing on three main aspects: spiritual and supernatural, psychological and physiological and environmental and scientific. We explore these elements by looking into ghosts, legends, and magic. We then examine how the mind and body respond to fear. We also use cutting-edge technology to analyse what’s happening around us. The episodes were all shot in Irish locations known for reported activity.
What is Phantasm Collective about?
Each episode tackles just one of these aspects in a very focused way. We’re not just hunting for ghosts – we’re also investigating how our minds might play tricks on us, or how environmental factors could be affecting our experiences. By the end of each episode, we aim to answer a specific question related to that topic. Whether we can answer it or not adds to the suspense.
What makes it unique compared to other paranormal shows out there?
AK: What sets us apart is our commitment to blending the mystical with the scientific – we’re not just chasing shadows. We are looking at everything from historical context to psychological influences, then backing it up with scientific data. Plus, our team is made up of experts with diverse backgrounds. The team range from traditional witchcraft to technical analysis, which really enriches the investigations.
How does a typical episode play out?
Each episode focuses on one of the three main aspects and we conduct two nights of investigations. On the first night, a paranormal team, or sometimes our own team (GhostÉire), investigate the chosen aspect. On the second night, we experiment with various techniques to try and find a rational explanation. By the end of the episode, we present our findings, and hopefully, answer the central question we started with.
Besides you, who else features on the show and why are they perfect for it?
Besides myself, we have Jessica Murphy, a modern-day witch who’s skilled in tarot and mediumship. Jessica brings a deep understanding of the spiritual side, while I focus on the broader spectrum, including the scientific and psychological angles. Together, we offer a balanced perspective that’s both intriguing and credible. Plus, our different backgrounds make for some really interesting discussions and approaches to the investigations.
Do you think this show has the potential to run beyond one series?
Absolutely. The three aspects we explore – spiritual phenomena, psychological influences, and environmental data – are incredibly rich fields. There’s always something new to discover and the balance we strike between belief and scepticism will keep both sides of the audience engaged. The technology and techniques we use are constantly evolving, so we’ll always have fresh material to work with.
How did you make the filming different to other popular shows?
It’s filmed in a documentary style, but with a thrilling edge. We use night-vision cameras for mobility and more sophisticated equipment for high-quality static shots. There’s no chaotic running around. Instead, we focus on capturing the atmosphere and unique surroundings in a way that’s both informative and captivating. Our production company, Deep Red, is based in County Cork, and they’ve done an incredible job bringing this vision to life.
Historically, production companies have been accused of manipulating and faking evidence for entertainment value. What makes yours different?
Deep Red are a talented team based in County Cork, Ireland. They’re passionate about the paranormal and bring a lot of creativity and expertise to the table. Together, we’re committed to making a show that’s not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating and visually stunning.
Finally, when and where will we be able to see Phantasm Collective?
Our show will be available in the autumn to stream on platforms such as Amazon Prime and Plex.
For more information and debut date of Phantasm Collective, check out the GhostÉire Facebook page!
