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Raymond Wallace On Directing Paranormal Investigations, Possible Sequel
Image Credit: Rayollight Productions
The 411 Interview: Raymond Wallace
Raymond Wallace is a director, producer, cinematographer, and editor who has been making movies, according to his IMDb page, since at least 2013. Wallace has directed such short films as Lost in Buffalo City (2017), Boy! (2018), and Night of the Fluffet (2018), and the feature film Call Sign Romeo (check out my review of that flick here). Wallace’s latest movie as a director is the horror-comedy Paranormal Investigations starring Jamie Bernadette. In this interview, Wallace talks with this writer about making Paranormal Investigations, working with the cast, and more.
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Bryan Kristopowitz: Why did you want Paranormal Investigations to be your next feature film as a director?
Raymond Wallace: I knew after completing my first feature that I wanted to focus on a more genre driven project. As I developed and explored several concepts, this story stood out as the one that felt most achievable and exciting to bring to life.
BK: How did you come up with the plot for Paranormal Investigations? Are you a fan of the “ghost hunting” TV show genre?
RW: The idea for Paranormal Investigations actually came to me while I was watching Ti West’s The Innkeepers (2011). Around that time, there was a property in my area that I’d always wanted to use as a filming location, and as I watched the movie, the story and characters began to take shape in my mind. I wasn’t initially a big fan of ghost-hunting TV shows or reality television in general, but as I began developing the script and moving into pre-production, I immersed myself in that world. Over time, I gained a real appreciation for what those teams do, the creativity, the camaraderie, and the passion they bring to exploring the unknown while making shows that entertain and inspire so many viewers.
BK: Where was Paranormal Investigations made? Was the abandoned house set an actual abandoned house?
RW: Paranormal Investigations was filmed in both the Outer Banks of North Carolina and in Farmville, Virginia at the historic Dunnington Mansion, which is an actual abandoned estate. We were incredibly fortunate to partner with the Dunnington Mansion Foundation, an organization dedicated to restoring the property. I’m especially grateful to their president, Heather Beach, for her enthusiasm and support throughout production. She and the foundation not only allowed us to film at this amazing location, but also helped us coordinate local lodging and other logistics. I can’t recommend them enough. Any filmmakers or photographers looking for a unique, atmospheric place to shoot should absolutely reach out to them.
BK: How did you cast Paranormal Investigations?
RW: We were truly fortunate to have such an incredible cast. From the start, I knew that with our tight schedule and limited time for multiple takes, we needed actors who could think on their feet and carry a scene from start to finish without interruption. That led me to seek out performers with strong theater backgrounds, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group than David, Tatiana, Logan, and Nick. They brought depth and spontaneity to their roles, taking what was on the page and elevating it in ways that surprised and inspired me. And, of course, we were honored to have Jamie Bernadette join the production. I’ve been a longtime admirer of her work and the raw emotion she brings to every performance. For the character of Kelsey, I needed someone who could balance strength and vulnerability in a very real way, and Jamie delivered that beautifully.
BK: What was the hardest part of making Paranormal Investigations for you as a director? What was the easiest?
RW: The hardest part of making Paranormal Investigations was definitely managing the multi-camera setup. Planning and coordinating scenes with several cameras running at once was far more challenging than I ever anticipated. It gave me a whole new appreciation for productions that rely on that format. It’s a balancing act of timing, framing, and performance continuity that really pushes you as a director. The easiest part, surprisingly, was writing the film. Once the idea hit me and the characters started to take shape, the story flowed naturally. I had the first rough draft finished in about three days. When you have that kind of clarity and excitement for a project, the creative energy just takes over.
BK: How long did it take to make Paranormal Investigations, from finishing the script to completing post-production?
RW: The process took a little more than a year from the time the script was completed to the end of post-production. I finished the initial draft around August 2024, and we wrapped up post this October (2025). It’s funny when you think about it, you spend about eight months in pre-production raising funds, securing locations, casting, and handling all the logistics, then the actual shoot lasts only about twelve days. After that, you’re right back into another eight months of editing, fine-tuning, and preparing the film for release. Most people don’t realize just how much time and attention to detail goes into making a film, especially one in the “found-footage” style, which requires extra care to feel authentic and cohesive.
BK: What is your favorite scene in Paranormal Investigations?
RW: Honestly, it’s hard to choose because there are several that stand out to me. One of my favorites is the moment when the team first experiences what might be real paranormal activity. Without giving too much away, I loved how the cast brought that scene to life, their energy and reactions made it feel completely authentic. Another scene that I’m especially proud of is when Kelsey, played by Jamie Bernadette, ventures into the basement after Fran (Tatiana Robledo). Visually, everything came together perfectly, and the performances in that moment created a real sense of tension and emotion. And of course, Jamie’s big emotional scene when her character discovers her husband’s body is unforgettable. Everyone on set that day was completely silent, just watching her work. It was one of those moments where you realize you’re witnessing something truly special.
BK: How was making Paranormal Investigations similar to making your previous feature film, Call Sign Romeo? How was it different?
RW: Comparing Paranormal Investigations to Call Sign Romeo is like comparing apples to oranges, they were completely different experiences. Paranormal Investigations was a far more intense and concentrated production, with a tight 10–12 day schedule that required careful planning for multi-camera setups, complex visual effects, and stunt coordination. Every day was packed and focused, with little room for downtime. Call Sign Romeo, on the other hand, was a more relaxed shoot, filmed with a single camera over the course of several months. The pace allowed for more flexibility and breathing room between setups. Both films were incredibly rewarding in their own ways, but the process, energy, and challenges of each couldn’t have been more different.
BK: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
RW: Right now, my main focus is on the sequel to Paranormal Investigations. We’ve got a story in development that I’m incredibly excited about—one that takes everything we built in the first film and pushes it to darker, more unexpected places. I think audiences are going to be genuinely surprised by where this next chapter goes.
BK: What do you hope audiences get out of Paranormal Investigations?
RW: I hope audiences walk away feeling entertained. For the hardcore horror fans, there’s plenty of tension and gore, but there’s also humor and a group of characters you can genuinely root for. My goal was to create something that balances scares with heart, so whether you’re in it for the frights or the fun, I hope you leave the theater having had a great time.
BK: Any interest in a Paranormal Investigations 2?
RW: We’re currently developing the sequel, Paranormal Investigations: The Next Generation, which will be bigger, scarier, and even more intense. Making the first film was a huge learning experience, especially in figuring out how to tell a story through multiple cameras while keeping it grounded and authentic. With this next chapter, I think audiences can expect an even more immersive and adrenaline-filled experience that builds on everything we learned the first time around.
BK: Have you ever had a ghost/paranormal encounter in your life?
RW: Oh, absolutely! While we were filming at the mansion, I had a few experiences that I can only describe as “paranormal.” One in particular still sticks with me. I was alone in the basement, which used to be the old kitchen and servant quarters, getting things ready for a scene when I suddenly heard and felt something large rush / run toward me at full speed. I could literally feel and hear the pounding of the heavy footsteps on the floor and feel the rush of wind hit me, but there was no one there. The sensation was unmistakable, and it scared the shit out of me. But, honestly, it also made me feel like we were exactly where we needed to be to make this film.
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A very special thanks to Raymond Wallace for agreeing to participate in this interview, and to david j. moore for setting it up.
Check out the official Paranormal Investigations website here!
Check out the official Rayolight Productions Facebook page here!
Check out my review of Paranormal Investigations here!
Check out Raymond Wallace’s IMDb page here!
All images courtesy of Rayolight Productions.
