Psychic Fraud Series 'Predators' Targets AFM After Taipei Debut

Two-time Emmy winner Ken Estin is taking the helm on 'Psychic Predators,' a paranormal dramatic comedy that debuted at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest in Taipei. The series, produced by Organic Media Group (OMG), will also make its appearance at the American Film Market. Estin, known for steering 'Taxi' and 'Cheers,' signed on after reviewing the pilot script titled 'The Voice of God.' He will oversee the writing of the full season if the project is commissioned, working alongside creator and executive producer Steve Chicorel.

The timeline for the project began with its unveiling in Taipei, where OMG presented the concept to international buyers. The series moves next to the American Film Market, a key venue for pitching unscripted and scripted content to U.S. networks. This dual-market approach aims to secure a production deal that brings the show to a wide audience.

The narrative centers on mentalist Banachek, who plays a version of himself. In the story, he earns his living by performing tricks while openly admitting they are illusions. A high-powered TV producer convinces executives at The Reality Network (TRN) to fund a show that catches fraudulent psychics in the act. Banachek goes undercover with a magician skilled in disguise and a tough female FBI agent. The creators compare the premise to a blend of 'Mission Impossible' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' set within the competitive world of investigative television.

Chicorel noted that Estin was remarkably young when he showran his earlier hits, having won his first Emmy in his twenties. 'We didn't bring him on just for the jokes,' Chicorel said. 'His work finds the vulnerability, heartbreak and humanity that give both comedy and drama their power.' Estin added that the show uses humor to help viewers process difficult truths, similar to how 'M*A*S*H' addressed the horrors of war. The series explores why people believe in the paranormal and what happens when that belief is exploited.

The show draws heavily from Banachek's real-life career. He was mentored by the late skeptic James 'The Amazing' Randi and participated in Project Alpha at age 18. In that famous experiment, Banachek used conjuring methods to expose weaknesses in researchers' controls. He also helped Randi unmask televangelist Peter Popoff, whose messages from God were actually received via a concealed earpiece. The pilot dramatizes a similar con, while future episodes will tackle pseudoscience, bogus medical treatments, and faked alien encounters.

Chicorel and Banachek plan to feature other magicians who can explain how impossible feats are achieved. They cite Houdini as an inspiration, as he debunked mediums preying on the grieving. The series operates on a single rule: remain open to extraordinary claims while insisting on solid evidence. This approach allows the show to balance the drama of the reality series with the behind-the-scenes conflicts of the production team.

Organic Media Group, which maintains offices in Los Angeles, Taipei, and Brisbane, is co-founded by Chicorel and Kelly Mi Li. Mi Li stars in and executive produces the Netflix series 'Bling Empire' and hosts 'Stir the Pot.' The pair's previous scripted work includes 'Cypher,' the first original drama made exclusively for the Roku platform. Their current focus is on bringing 'Psychic Predators' to market through the upcoming American Film Market showcase.

The series combines the personal history of its star with a satirical look at the television industry. It targets a range of fraudsters, from psychic con artists to doomsday cults. The project aims to entertain while exposing the mechanics of belief. Estin's involvement signals a shift toward a more character-driven approach for the genre. The final decision on the series will depend on the reception it receives at the American Film Market.