7 Nights: The Jerome Experiment

The Jerome Journal - Jerome, AZ July 12, 1963

Twenty seven miners were trapped today when the entrance to the mine they were working in collapsed. Authorities are unsure of the cause of the collapse but workers have complained for some time about the unsafe working conditions in and around them. One of the longest running copper mine operations here in Jerome Arizona, this stands to be the most tragic accident in its almost 80 year history. Devastated family members were nearby as they waited for recovery efforts to begin. Donations and items for the affected families are being accepted at this time.

The Jerome Journal - Jerome, AZ July 18, 1963

The final missing crewman, Charles Naylor's body was recovered today at 4:30 AM. After a difficult removal from the mine, his body was promptly delivered to nearby waiting family members. At 18 years old, he was believed to be the youngest member on Arthur's crews. Sadly, no survivors were found in this terrible and what some say avoidable accident.

The Jerome mine infamously referred to as "Arthur's Pride" after its late owner Arthur King Jr. had been cited for more than 18 safety infractions in the last 2 months by the US Bureau of Mines. Arthur was said to have ruled with an iron fist and complete disregard towards safety in his efforts to maximize profit.

This Jerome landmark, one of the most profitable copper mines of Arizona's history has been indefinitely closed pending a full investigation by the US Department of the Interior.

45 Years Later.

After learning of the tragic incident that befell "Arthur's Pride" in 1963, shock reality host Jeremiah Quimby decides that this will be the perfect launching spot for his new paranormal reality show The Fear Effect. Overconfident, conceited and ill informed he launches an internet driven contest where voters will select 7 participants that are willing to be sealed into the mine for seven nights for a chance to win $500,000.

With major networks and funding secured and an over the top media advertising campaign hyping the sordid history of Arthur, the mines and its reported ghosts, Jeremiah prepares to make television history by broadcasting the event simultaneously over the internet and on all major cable and satellite networks around the world.

After a broadcasted winner's party celebration, the seven contestants are flown to Jerome Arizona to begin the competition. Each contestant is given a miners head lamp, camera, a night vision camcorder, a small supply of food and water and a GPS "panic" device that can be activated if for any reason they need to exit the mine. However use of the device results in immediate forfeit of the competition. Each contestant is placed at different entrances to the mine; each determined that they will win.

With cameras rolling and an unprecedented audience tuned in, the final contestant enters the mine, sealing the fate of everyone involved.

Genres: Horror, Suspense