Savannah Rejects “Fact Or Fake” Filming

Remember the video claim of a supposed ghost child running through a Savannah cemetery? Of course you do. You read about it here.

Well it turns out that SyFy’s “Fact or Faked” tried to debunk this video and schedule a video production shoot in the cemetery where all this took place. Savannah officials were quick to deny the shooting claiming that it would be disrespectful the deceased and their relatives.

I like how all of a sudden they want to talk ethics when the FoF team wants to debunk ghostly claims, but when anyone else making a paranormal documentary claiming that Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the world, everything is peachy! Tourists bring money y’all.

But why wait for the FoF team, this video has been debunked by many. Here is an example:

Full source: AJC.com

The Syfy TV channel wants to shoot an epsiode in a Savannah cemetery, but city officials won’t approve the idea.

Producers want to film an episode of “Fact or Faked,” which would examine a tourist’s 2008 claim that he filmed a ghostly image of a boy running through the cemetery.

Acting City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney and Jerry Flemming, director of cemeteries, say they’re following city policy on the use of cemeteries.

“The municipal cemeteries are not for sensational or entertainment purposes. Any tours or events marketed as haunted, paranormal, or involving ghosts, spiritualists or mediums are strictly prohibited from any of the municipal cemeteries,” the policy states.

Aldermen Tony Thomas, Mary Ellen Sprague, Clifton Jones and Larry Stuber agreed the sanctity of the cemetery and the respect owed to the deceased and their families has to be considered.

“I have to think if it were my relatives that were buried there, would I want a film crew crashing about on the graves of my relatives,” Sprague said.

Alderman Van Johnson said such requests should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Mayor Pro Tem Edna Jackson, like Johnson, also expressed concern for the sanctity of the cemetery, but also wanted to consult with city staff before giving an opinion.

Michael Shortt, a local producer and casting director involved in the TV project, said the proposed shoot would generate up to $30,000 a day.

He said the rejection also could jeopardize future film projects in Savannah.

“Sending a no message to them will reverberate throughout the entertainment industry and give Savannah a great big black eye,” Shortt said.

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