SAM DUNCAN, SCREAM TEST

Edited transcript of the Live Chat with Sam Duncan on Wednesday, March 14th 2001

Interviewer: Tonight we are talking to Scream Test Episode 3 winner, Sam Duncan. Welcome Sam, how are you tonight?
Sam Duncan: I'm fine thanks

Interviewer: Being the winner of episode 3 where does this put you?
Sam Duncan: In the grand final, I can't disclose the location yet *laughs*

Interviewer: Was it a feeling of relief winning?
Sam Duncan: No, because it meant I had to do it all again

Interviewer: samka: I saw the episode u looked scared, were you?
Sam Duncan: Yeah, I was very scared, I’m NO actor *laughs*

Interviewer: ICDeadPPL: I'd like to know if Sam thinks ghosts are 4 real, and if he's really felt presences :)
Sam Duncan: Yes I do think they are for real and I did feel presences at the Studley and the Grand final locations, and I feel like I have them here with me now in my apartment *laughs*

Interviewer: catzgirl: What happened when you were screaming, Sam? They've never aired that footage except in the ad for the show itself?
Sam Duncan: Ok, that’s from the Grand Final episode, you have to wait to see

Interviewer: ICDeadPPL: I'd like to know if he thinks the recorded staff noises detract from any paranormal activity actually happening (scares ghosts away)
Sam Duncan: No I don’t' actually think so talking to some of the other contestants it didn't really hamper it at all

Interviewer: Corey: I went to Studley Park and Went through it - it was really scary - how bad did it make you feel
Sam Duncan: It made me feel scared as well. I’ve gone back during the day and walked around, I looked through the window to the cellar and still felt the dark presence who didn't want me there

Interviewer: misshavachat: how excited were you when you were told you were picked to go on the show?
Sam Duncan: I was very excited, it was a lifetime dream to go on TV, so it was good to go on there

Interviewer: sobriquet: Sam, you obviously are one of the most popular contestants after the show aired.. How did all the positive and negative reactions of the chatters/posters make you feel?
Sam Duncan: That’s a hard question, its made me feel easier about what I did. I’ve had some really good feedback and met a few people from this. Myself and Debbie, from the first episode, plan to go on ghost hunts with a few other groups. I’ve made friends with the final 5 contestants and we talk all the time and give each other support

Interviewer: Degenerate: Sam, do u know if they are going to be auditioning for a second series as I am keen to apply and test my mind and patience
Sam Duncan: I have no idea. I wish anyone luck if they do get in the 2nd series, if there is one, your going to need it

Interviewer: iamveryscaredofghosts: what were u screaming at in the bit where it shows u screaming?
Sam Duncan: I can't say what I was screaming at, it was at the grand final location and I can't give it away. You saw me scared at Studley Park, triple that and you know how scared I was at the Grand Final location

Interviewer: DarkRealm: Sam I wanted to know if you are looking forward to the final show?
Sam Duncan: I am looking forward to seeing the final show to find out what was real and what wasn’t. We sort of have some idea what was after we all talked at the end of the filming

Interviewer: Lauren: has it changed your thinking of the 'other side'?
Sam Duncan: Yeah it has, I have a bigger belief in it, and I am now educating myself with the 6th sense with Debbie’s help and Leanne from the first episode and Ruth as well

Interviewer: edd: which room of Studley Park was the most scariest Sam?
Sam Duncan: The cellar was the scariest room, where you saw me with the headset on

Interviewer: sobriquet: have any of the spirits you encountered had a negative effect on you? If so..how?
Sam Duncan: After the grand final episode I was emotionally drained, it took a lot of relaxation to get back up to speed, that’s about all the effect it had

Interviewer: ICDeadPPL: Sam, have you seen / experienced any ghosts before this show??
Sam Duncan: I once did a tour of Fremantle Jail and the worst part of the jail was the gallows at night. I felt a very bad presence in there but I didn’t' know anything about what was around. I felt my experience at Studley park has enlighten my senses

Interviewer: Scully9223: Sam:- How did you survive the night?
Sam Duncan: I believe I was being helped by some of the younger spirits at Studley park and also I do believe my dead father was there helping me

Interviewer: Psygorian: Was there any part that you experienced that they didn't show?
Sam Duncan: Yes in the tower. The show said I left the tower. I never left the tower, I was more or less mimicking the dark man going around and around the pole and in the cellar it was like I was having an asthma attack I felt like I was drowning

Interviewer: evilcthul: was the show what you expected? Did you actually expect to be seriously frightened?
Sam Duncan: Ummm, no it wasn't what I expected. The time we started filming was about 10.30 at night and we were pretty worked up by then and it was a long day but when I first saw Studley park I thought "why am I here"

Interviewer: catzgirl: Were you serious about spirits in your own home? Do you feel that something followed you, and if so, is it kind or malevolent?
Sam Duncan: I feel that they have followed me but I have not sensed them until now. My flatmate and I had a sense of being watched the whole time, we had doors opening, lights turning on when we know we turned them off, and we both experience strange dreams at the moment. I don't know who it is and we are working on finding that out soon

Interviewer: Sam-: Do you look back on your time on Scream Test and laugh, or cry?
Sam Duncan: I look back at it now and cant believe what I said until I saw the episodes. I can not honestly remember what happened on those night it is really weird seeing yourself on TV and being really scared

Interviewer: Charli-K: Were you freked out when you did the episode?
Sam Duncan: Yes I was freaked, both episodes I couldn't believe I had to do it again when I won Studley park I was just thinking where would I go and who would I be up against, but I knew I would be up against Debbie as one of the other contestants

Interviewer: Tiki: Sam, everyone talks about hearing things......but did you actually see anything?
Sam Duncan: I didn't actually see anything that night at all but I did sense things that were there and when I was in the generals room that password just came out of nowhere, it just came into my head, it was like I was being helped all night

Interviewer: hejkj: was the stuff real or did u know that some was pretend?
Sam Duncan: We were told that there were going to be control tests until the show aired I had no idea what was real and what wasn't

Interviewer: boo: did the crew tell you what effects were real after the show?
Sam Duncan: No, they never told us what the effects where we sort of talked to each other at the end of the show but we were all really tired at the end of the show but at the end of the grand final episode we all chatted and worked out what was and what wasn't real

Interviewer: evilcthul: would you consider scream test character building? Was getting the fright of your life constructive or destructive?
Sam Duncan: I feel it actually helped me a lot more. It gave me a confidence boost to face my fears. One of my greatest fears was carnival haunted houses and ghost trains and hopefully this has conquered my fear

Interviewer: crybaby: what are some of the reasons for you taking up this challenge?
Sam Duncan: The main reason was to get my 15 mins of fame as I have always wanted to be on TV. I didn’t' know it would turn out like this *laughs*

Interviewer: scooby: Sam, would you now say that you’re not scared of the dark
Sam Duncan: I have never been scared of the dark and after the show I’m still not. I have good night vision and feel at home in the dark

Interviewer: Otaku: how do you feel safe and sound at home without the ghosts?
Sam Duncan: I know they can't hurt me and I feel safe

Interviewer: Lambie: do you think you are now better prepared for anything that might happen in the grand final
Sam Duncan: The grand final has already been filmed you will see bits and pieces on the adds I was more prepared for the grand final but that didn't help me at all *laughs*

Interviewer: evilcthul: Sam what was the most "comforting" room in Studley park?
Sam Duncan: The theatre I felt like there was a big party in there, and that’s why I was dancing

Interviewer: Leopold_Soli: to quote Churchill....we have nothing to fear, but fear itself. How heavily does this quote apply to the show do you think?
Sam Duncan: A lot I think there is definitely a lot of fear. The show plays on the contestants fear from the auditions and interviews

Interviewer: v_lup2us: where is the grand final location?
Sam Duncan: I cannot reveal that at this time

Interviewer: Ward: after the show, did you feel you were more sensitive to places you visit now?
Sam Duncan: Yes I was a lot more sensitive to the places. I went to the body, mind and spirit expo and got a couple of readings done with positive results saying I had psychic abilities and would develop them over time, which I am now doing

Interviewer: Sam-: What tips do you have for surviving a haunted house?
Sam Duncan: Run..... RUNNNNNNNN. Seriously, just try talking to them. They are living there as well or try and contact a psychic and they will come out and help you

Interviewer: popcornchick: Could you sleep when you finally got to bed that night??!
Sam Duncan: *Laughs* you mean at 7am in the morning. By the time I got home I was too hyped up on both occasions. After the grand final filming I had Deb call me and make sure I was ok and she gave me Max and Ruth’s phone number if I needed any help, other than that I had the most restless sleep ever

Interviewer: sb_secretman: when were the crucial moment you felt your father was with you
Sam Duncan: It was about half way through the first room which was the dormitory, I had flashes of him in my head. Unlike other episode we had our watches on as Studley ParK was the first episode filmed. They must have changed the rules after they filmed us. Why I say this is the watch I had on was my fathers that he had on when he died and also when we did the test "scream test" at Windsor Debbie told me my dad was with me and he's been looking out for me for a while *spooky huh*

Interviewer: Charmed: how long did it take to film 1 episode?
Sam Duncan: I really have no judgement of time I know I left work at 3pm got to the Beyond offices at 4pm I didn't get home until about 7 am, we were probably in Studley for 6-7 hours I think

Interviewer: Craggles: What were your worst feeling and your greatest fear???
Sam Duncan: The worst feeling was the cellar, it was like I was drowning and I do have a fear of drowning. I think its the worst way to die, that’s probably why

Interviewer: Devils_Fire: Knowing what you now know, if given the chance, would you participate in something like The Scream Test again?
Sam Duncan: Yes, I definitely would. I would be a lot more prepared, and if I do win the grand final, and if they do a second show, I would love to retain/defend my "Winner" title

Interviewer: Ash666: hey Sam, I'm a big horror movie fan and I was wondering what’s your favourite horror movie?
Sam Duncan: I hated horror movies until recently but I would have to say the "Scream" Trilogy. I like comedy horror, when I was little my mother use to take me the drive in to watch all the B grade horror movies and that’s probably why I don’t' watch them

Interviewer: bren: how much real ghost footage has been captured whilst you were there
Sam Duncan: I really have no idea what was captured at any locations, only what I see on the show

Interviewer: KoRn: Do u think this will change the way u live your life ?
Sam Duncan: No not really, probably given my life a new direction, but that's all

Interviewer: Simon___: Where would you rather go Sam? Studley park or the orphanage?
Sam Duncan: I am glad I went to Studley park I don't think I could have handled the orphanage. I feel sorry for Darren when he was put in the straight jacket I am glad I was not put in that situation

Interviewer: rolly49: what was the feeling like when u felt a presence??????
Sam Duncan: Its hard to explain, but its like the room was really hot, then cold, goose bumps shivers up my spine and the sense that someone was with you

Interviewer: jackie: what was it like when you were in that straight jacket
Sam Duncan: I wasn't in the straight jacket, that was Darren in the orphanage

Interviewer: Chewy: have you felt closer to your Dad after that episode?
Sam Duncan: In a way yes. I have been thinking about him a lot more. When I finished the show I rang my brothers and sisters and informed them of my experience and told them he was ok and that he was watching out for us

Interviewer: Natty101: What do all your friends/family think about u going on the show??
Sam Duncan: Everyone who knows me (except my mum) laughed at me on the show, but my mum was very scared for me, she had a hard time watching her son go through all that

Interviewer: smilieface72: do you feel compelled to go to more haunted places now??
Sam Duncan: Yes I want to go to every location that was on scream test. I’m already going out to Windsor again with a Sydney ghost hunter group they have invited Debbie and I to go with them and I will go to every location I can think o f

Interviewer: TLT: Did you worry that any of the spirits would continue to haunt you after you left the location?
Sam Duncan: Yeah, but what they didn’t' show on air was before we left Studley park Ruth performed a cleansing ritual on the contestants and the crew. I have heard of some of the other contestants having spirits following them home and I know Ruth and max helped them

Interviewer: Peta: How did you find out about the competition??
Sam Duncan: I heard it on TodayFM, a Sydney radio station and rang up and applied but I believe one of the contestants saw the add in the deaths notice column in the local newspaper

Interviewer: Clisby: will u eva be like scared when you’re alone in a dark room because of all the spirits
Sam Duncan: No I don't think I will be, knowing what I know now, I know how to protect myself more

Interviewer: Ash666: can fans of the show visit the various haunted locations or are they all off-limits to visitors? Do you think that the locations will become popular after the show like Burkittsville Maryland - the location of the blair witch project - ?
Sam Duncan: Yes I do believe it will become popular. Some of the locations do run ghost tours. I know Camden Golf Course privately owns Studley and I do think it would be in their best interest to start running ghost tours, as there is a lot of money in it

Interviewer: LOCOLATINO: were there any funny smells???????
Sam Duncan: I didn't smell anything at Studley but at the grand final location yes, and everyone smelt something different

Interviewer: solsticenoosa: The show on TV shows the rooms all out of sequence. Is that how it was done -or did you each wait in turn to enter the rooms in a set order?
Sam Duncan: We never saw each other the whole night. We were kept separate and the sequence you see on the show is almost what we were taken to from room to room, it was really well done as they got everyone’s reactions without us being able to talk to each other throughout the night

Interviewer: Db: Sam, have you tried to contact any of the spirits you encountered since leaving Studley park?
Sam Duncan: No I haven’t. If I went out there again I probably would but when I went back there during the day I knew there was a presence, he knew me, and didn't want me there

Interviewer: hithere: prior to the recording, did they give any special instructions like don't talk to "them" etc?
Sam Duncan: No they didn't give us any instructions, we were told by the producers to record what we were feeling and to say what we wanted on camera

Interviewer: tearle: my grandfather used to say only be scared of the living, what would you say to that?
Sam Duncan: Yeah I would agree to that but another freaky thing that happened to me, when my grandfather died all the clocks stopped in the house he died in

Interviewer: freaked: were there times when you just felt like you wanted to get out of there?
Sam Duncan: Yeah there was heaps of times I felt like that but I’m a very stubborn person, as I said on the show "their not going to beat me"

Interviewer: nat_t: did you try to tell yourself that all the effects are staged, so you can try and keep calm?
Sam Duncan: Yes *laughs* we knew that nothing bad was going to happen to us but fear gets the better of you and you throw reality out the window

Interviewer: Elmo_13: Sam was the grand final location really really scary ??? and how scary may I ask ?
Sam Duncan: I think they left the best for last and I knew the history of the grand final location once I got there, and I’m in no hurry to go back there now

Interviewer: yen: did u guys keep awake all night long during the shooting of the series?
Sam Duncan: On our shooting night yes, we were awake the whole night most of us worked that afternoon and then went and filmed the episode and collapsed the next day OK Last questions guys

Interviewer: Db: do you plan to cleanse your house and move the spirits on?
Sam Duncan: Yes I do, debs going to help me do it

Interviewer: Thanks for your time Sam; do you have any final comments for the fans?
Sam Duncan: Thank you all for your support, hopefully I can count on your vote for the grand final winner........ "yours in screaming".... Sam *laughs*