HaunTopic Radio: Haunted Attractions | Haunted Houses | Halloween | Haunters: Recent Episodes
Brian Foreman & Darryl Plunkie: Haunters, Scare Actors, Haunt Owners
Have you always wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes of Haunted Attractions, Scare Attractions, and Halloween? We tell those stories here!
We capture the stories of the people behind the scary events and share tips along the way on HOW YOU can make your own Haunted House scary and effective...without spending lots of money to do it. We've done it and are still doing it.
Join us, Brian Foreman and Darryl Plunkie, as we pick the brains of the professionals that make up the Haunted Attraction Industry!
Vendor Spotlight: Haunt Dolls/Conjured Media Hosted by HauntersToolbox.com Before Haunt Dolls was even a thought, Alex Berland, who also runs Conjured Media, a marketing agency that specializes in haunted attractions, would get crochet dolls as holiday gifts for his clients of the characters his team would create with them. The dolls were so well received and cherished that in 2024 it became obvious that the next step would be to launch a project dedicated to making pieces that the public could get their hands on yet still be something special they could display proudly. Haunt Dolls is an art project that merges the worlds of creepy and cute together, bringing limited edition collectables to life in yarn. A Haunt Dolls collectable is a physical manifestation of an artist’s unique vision that you can proudly interact with and display. Check out Haunt Dolls: HauntDolls.com Market your Attraction: https://conjured.media/
Matthew Murphey is a Haunter and a trial attorney. Matt has worked in courtrooms since starting his legal career as a court-martial clerk in the United States Army in 1985.
He also knows Haunted Attraction's legal roadblocks.
We'll discuss: -Protecting yourself from legal battles
-How to start a non-profit attraction
-Employee contracts & applications
-Waivers: Good or bad?
-How to deal with local codes & laws
-Insurance & Liability
-Legal guidelines around your brand
-Do you own your characters?
-Advice for Home Haunters & HOAs
Matt has tried cases to juries in three states and five federal districts as counsel. Matt’s background in science coupled with his trial experience with prosecution agencies allowed him to transfer his trial skills to private practice fifteen years ago to complex patent and other intellectual property, financial institutions, and commercial litigation cases.
Start, grow, & scale your haunted attraction business at HauntersToolbox.com
Find Matt at themurpheylawyers.com
Philip Hernandez, the founder of the Haunted Attraction Network and CEO of Gantom, answers all of your marketing questions. He has experience in social media, marketing, video & audio, theme parks, haunted attractions, public relations, press releases, and much more. Find Philip at HauntedAttractionNetwork.com Start and grow your haunted attraction at HauntersToolbox.com Reward, Retain, and Recognize your haunt staff with ScareItBadges.com
Scott and Jewel Simonson answer all of your questions about creating killer videos and photos at your haunt, marketing on a budget, retaining your actors, haunt technology, and other questions you have about Haunted Attractions.
"Haunting Media was founded by experienced haunted attraction owners, who, much like you, understand the intricacies and importance of delivering a truly detailed and immersive experience. As we carefully crafted our own haunted attraction, it became apparent that our photos and videos should mirror this attention to detail.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Haunting Media ensures that our content creation services cater to your specific needs. Each member of our team is not only highly experienced in the haunting industry but also exceptionally creative. We understand that no two attractions are alike; therefore, we take great pride in tailoring our offerings to suit your unique vision." -HauntingMedia.com
Start or grow your haunted attraction at HauntersToolbox.com
Start, grow, and scale your Haunted Attraction at HauntersToolbox.com
In this episode, we discuss many things like Scare Actors, Safety, Timed Ticketing, Wall panels, Haunt Construction, Tent Haunts, Outdoor Trails, International Haunts, and more!
Leonard Pickel has over 50 years of themed attraction design and operations experience in year-round and seasonal installations, museums, and dark rides. Creating more than 300 original and innovative dark-themed attractions for major venues worldwide.
A few of Leonard's accomplishments:
-1987: created the industry’s first turn-key Haunted House “˜kits” and the first adaptation of the “Field Theory” for Haunted Attractions (The Triangular Grid System)
-1993 to 2000: Applied his October seasonal experience toward a summer seasonal haunted house with Mayhem Manor® in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
-1994 to 2009: Co-founded Haunted Attraction Magazine, the premier publication for the dark amusement industry.
-1997: Formed the Haunted Industry’s first trade association, the International Association of Haunted Attractions (IAHA).
-2004 to 2017: Launched the first national convention devoted solely to the Haunted Attraction Industry. The Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention (HAuNTcon®)
-2009: Awarded a lifetime achievement award from the International Association of Haunted Attractions and was honored with a question using his name in the Millennium Edition of Trivial Pursuit.
-2009: Appeared as an industry expert in several television programs including the Travel Channel special about Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida and America’s Best Haunted Houses.
-1976 to present: Constantly searching for new challenges and striving for new heights in his Haunting career, Leonard has 40-plus years of experience designing all types of commercial Attractions.
Contact Leonard Pickel at Hauntrepreneurs.com
Start and grow your Haunted Attraction at HauntersToolbox.com
Get Merit Badges and Name badges for your crew at ScareItBadges.com
2024 is over! What's in store for 2025??
We discuss many subjects in this episode. Topics like:
- Should you sell alcohol at your haunt?
- How to get free marketing
- Campfire rentals and selling S'Mores
- Concessions and merchandise sales
- Corn Maze Haunts
- Transworld Show preparations
- and a crap ton more Haunt Talk!
Don't be a scrooge...turn up that volume and share us with your entire crew! But don't wake the ghosts...
It stinks that we don't get to travel during October to visit haunted attractions because most of us are busy with our haunt businesses and projects.
Nick and Beverly Pappas have traveled thousands of miles yearly as Haunt customers and have seen things we haven't. Listen to their stories and get a peek at how Haunts are changing.
What are the trends coming for the industry? How do Haunts compare between now and then? Are you doing everything at your attraction to maximize your guest experience?
Become a Haunter's Toolbox member at HauntersToolbox.com
HauntPay created the annual Haunt Industry Survey because they needed reliable, recent data about the haunt industry. This is the fourth annual report and haunters revealed some surprising insights for the coming season!
Marketing efforts got more sophisticated and more robust this year, with haunters using digital and offline platforms to promote their attractions. Crowd sizes are growing modestly, but haunts remain an affordable activity compared with rising costs for other entertainment. And Haunters are using new strategies to manage the crowds on busy nights.
In this podcast, you'll find insights like: how small or large is the average haunted attraction these days? How much are they charging for admission? Which social media apps are most popular? What are the biggest challenges haunt owners face?
Thank you to all of you who responded to the 2024 survey! We quite literally couldn’t do this without your help.
Visit HauntPay.com for all of your ticketing needs. Visit HauntersToolbox.com for help starting & growing your haunt.
A complete walkthrough of the Sithon management platform for haunted attraction staff/actors, why communication with your team is important, and things you can do this season to keep your staff coming back every year! Things Sithon can do (all from your phone): -Custom Actor Recruitment -Scheduling -Actor/Staff Management -Costume Management -Time Tracking -Email & Text Notifications -Dedicated Personnel Line -Background Checks -Attraction Studio -Staffing Metrics -Awards Tracking -On-Demand Reports From Sithon.io : Recruit, manage and communicate with your actors and staff with Sithon. Developed by a veteran haunted attraction manager, Sithon is an easy-to-use platform that includes everything you need to make personnel management easier for you and your managers. Anytime. Anywhere No selling on this webinar. Just solid information that will help you be stress-free this season. Start and grow your haunted attraction business at HauntersToolbox.com
It's 30 minutes before the haunt doors open. You need a quick way to make some realistic wounds, cuts, and bruises that will stay on all night. We have those answers inside this podcast!
You can also watch the full video here: https://haunterstoolbox.com/sfx
Applying special effects makeup inside a haunted attraction is a unique skill. You have to be fast & efficient while creating a monster that the customers want to see. The best way to get started with special effects makeup is buy a few supplies then just start. Practice on yourself and watch your skills blossom as you learn along the way.
Join these Master Classes at HauntersToolbox.com
There are a few ways to make more revenue with your attraction: 1) Raise your prices 2) Get more customers 3) Sell more to your current customers
We will focus this master class on selling more to your current customers by using the space you already have. Things like themed dinners, private tours, and ticket upgrades allow you to charge more for unique experiences without needing extra space.
Shawn Lippert, the co-owner of Scarehouse Windsor, joins us to show how he increased the revenue at his attraction by adding interactive dinner experiences. We'll also share some various ways that you can earn more revenue at your Haunt this season.
To get more monthly Master Classes like this one delivered to your inbox and take your Haunt to the next level; become a member at HauntersToolbox.com
How do I get more people to attend my Haunt? What does it take to stand out in today's market? Are there creative ways to grab attention without spending too much?
We answer these questions and more in this Master Class with Laura Kilpatrick from FearWorm Hauntvertising.
Become a member at HauntersToolbox.com to join our next Master Class. Start & grow your Haunt today!
Visit FearWorm.com for your Haunt Advertising needs.
Creating realistic scenes requires detailed wall panels. But where do you start? Should you use a light base paint or black? What are simple ways to distress your sets? How do you make charred walls, peeling paint, bubbled paint? What materials do you need to create amazing sets? We answer these questions and more during this Master Class with Scenic Artist Rich Cimino from BentCirkus.com
Start and grow your Haunted Attraction at HauntersToolbox.com
Reward, Retain, & Recognize your employees with ScareItBadges.com
Let's talk about things that move in your haunted attraction. Yes, animatronics can be complex and scary to attempt by yourself. But what if animatronics weren't as scary as you thought? Join co-host & haunt veteran Ed Gannon as he breaks down some simple takeaways that just might change the way you look at animations.
You can also find Ed Gannon at Something Wicked Productions, Haunt Dawgs, and Haunt Fix.
Sign up to be a Haunter's Toolbox member (any tier) before May 7, 2024 to receive a video of this Master Class at HauntersToolbox.com
Join our next Master Class with Rich Cimino on Wall Textures & Paint Effects on May.14th, 2024. This is for ProHaunters & Haunt Masters only. Become a Exclusive Member here.
Inside a Haunted Attraction, it's all about the SCARE! But how do you pull it off when your audience gets braver every year? Learn the proper techniques to create that perfect scare that can be effective over and over again. We'll talk about Actor Tools, Set Design, & Scare Techniques.
To join us next time LIVE and get this video master class, become a member at HauntersToolbox.com
Sean Herman takes us through the Wicker Manor and tells us how he will transition from a haunt in his two-car garage into a permanent location. Wicker Manor was featured on ABC’s Great Halloween Fright Fight and also won Best International Haunt in an award show. To start your own haunted attraction business, visit our homebase at HauntersToolbox.com
Join the haunt community at HauntersToolbox.com and start your own haunted attraction or grow your current haunt business. Get instant access to haunt master classes, the haunt library, haunt vendor discounts, and haunt coaching.
Bart Butler from Terror in the Corn located in Erie, Colorado, shares his knowledge about building corn mazes, designing haunted houses, scare actor management, and how he changed his marketing strategy to drastically increase his attendance numbers.
Find Bart at TerrorInTheCorn.com
What can you do before next season to improve your brand, your marketing, and your attraction? Are you focused on the right things?
Philip Hernandez, from the Haunted Attraction Network, lets us in on a few things he noticed in 2023 that will be game-changers for the future of your haunt.
Find Philip here: Haunted Attraction Network
Start and grow a Haunted Attraction business here: Haunters Toolbox
Buy ScareIt Badges for your haunt crew and yourself here: ScareIt Badges
Music by The Crypt Keeper and Midnight Syndicate
What makes a Haunt a GREAT one? The Scare Factor reveals their secret list of what they look for as they review haunted attractions. What to do and what not to do. We all can improve our attractions, here's your list.
Become a member of The Haunter's Toolbox and make your attraction great.
Come with us as we tour a couple of haunted attractions in and around Hannibal, Missouri.
Haunted Hollows Haunted Trail
Warehouse of Nightmares
Don't forget your ScareIt Badges for your Haunt parties and to reward your haunt staff this season. Buy them here.
Hannibal's inaugural Halloween & Horror Con! October 7th 2023 ~ 1:00PM until 9:00PM Celebrity Guests, Vendors and Costume Contest. Kids 10 and under are free. Price of admission: $20.00 Guaranteed to be frighteningly fun Admiral Coontz Recreation Center ~ 301 Warren Barrett Dr.~ Hannibal, MO. 63401
More info: https://www.facebook.com/wickedfest
Don't forget the ScareIt Badges for your Scare Actors and Staff. NEW badges this season! See our entire collection at ScareItBadges.com
Get your Haunt started at HauntersToolbox.com
Japes Palles, a scare actor manager and scare actor, shares many tips and tactics to build a strong team and how to make your haunted attraction one to remember.
We cover things like queue line acting, creating zones, actor safety, handling rude customers, how to scare someone using the word BOO! (yes, it's true), and lots more...because Japes loves to talk about acting!
Find Japes at https://www.lostsoulschicago.info/
Check out the Haunt Hour every Tuesday and their LIVE program for Haunters at https://www.facebook.com/haunthour
The tables have turned! We get drilled by the team at Haunt Hour. Everything from how we got started in Halloween, who we would choose "Dan or Troy"??, and what is going on with ScareIt Badges...
PLUS a ton more questions and BS from the Haunt Hour crew. These people are funny and informative. We love the energy over there. You might too! Let us know what you think.
To get some ScareIt Badges for your scare actors and staff, go here: Buy ScareIt Badges
Join our Facebook Group, The Haunter's Toolbox
Join our membership community at HauntersToolbox.com and talk with the Haunt professionals each month.
Leonard Pickel shows you how to design your haunted attraction for people with disabilities so that they can enjoy your show as well. Not only wheelchair accessibility but other disabilities as well.
Contact Leonard Pickel at Hauntrepreneurs.com
Would you like to have more control over your queue line? Would you like to know how many people are going to be there for the entire night before you even open?
Implementing a virtual queue line can let your customers be entertained the whole evening while they spend more money at your event. Timed ticketing can let you streamline your ticket sales and fine-tune your throughput.
Alex Linebrink from HauntPay.com explains how you can add these solutions to your attraction.
Justin Hill (Haunted Hills Haunted Attractions) uses some of these ticketing solutions in his attraction and explains how you can do it too. Plus, his customers are happier and they are spending more money at his haunt!
To start a Haunted Attraction or grow your current one, start here: Haunters Toolbox
To start rewarding and retaining your team, check out ScareIt Badges here.
The Haunted Attraction Network interviewed 5 new board members from the Haunted Attraction Association about their experience in the haunt industry and picked their brains. You get to enjoy their tips & strategies!
To check out the Haunted Attraction Network, go here: https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/
To learn more about the Haunted Attraction Association, go here: https://hauntedattractionassociation.com/
To learn HOW to start or grow your haunted attraction, go here: https://www.haunterstoolbox.com/
The word "Consultant" can leave a bad taste in your mouth if you've ever been burnt by someone who promised to make your attraction better but didn't. Or if you think that you can do everything on your own, without professional feedback.
It doesn't have to be that way. Choosing the right Haunt Consultant doesn't have to be scary. Scott Swenson explains what makes a great consultant, things to avoid when it comes to hiring the right one, and why you might not even need one.
Plus, we always sprinkle Haunt Tips & Tricks throughout our conversations.
To join these LIVE monthly sessions, become a Haunt Master member at HauntersToolbox.com
We'll be at the Transworld Halloween & Attractions show in St.Louis, MO between Feb.2-5th, 2023 at booth 1443 at the ScareIt Badges booth. Stop by and say hello. Mention that you're a podcast listener and receive a special gift.
We'll also be holding a contest if you're at the show. Take a photo of ScareIt Badges in the wild and be entered to win (2) $50 Gift Cards. Make sure to play!
More info on the show: https://www.haashow.com/
(even if you don't plan on using TikTok. There are useful social media tips & tricks inside this episode) Why you should NOT use TikTok at your Haunt Have you been wondering HOW to use TikTok the right way at your Haunt to attract customers? Is it worth starting an account? Is TikTok on the way out? Philip Hernandez tries to talk you out of it using it, but watch this video and decide for yourself: https://brianforeman.wistia.com/medias/47a5ayjete To join these LIVE Haunt Master Classes, join at https://haunterstoolbox.com
To join these Master Classes live, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com Have you ever opened your attraction for Christmas? What's it take to do it successfully? Do you have to change everything? We learn how with Sir Henry's Haunted Trail, Asylum X Haunted House, and Insanity Haunted House. They've done it. Listen in... Happy Holidays from us to you!
How did your Haunt Season go?? We had some ups & downs. And some BIG changes are in store for 2023. Some of our Haunt Master members share their experiences and give you a sneak peek behind their businesses.
In this podcast episode you'll learn:
- How marketing varies greatly depending on where you live
- How to overcome burnout and choices you can make to help
- Steps to set a goal for each new haunt season
- Ways to help reward actors & staff
- Clarifying your brand to help customers find you
- and LOTS more! Just click "PLAY"
To join us in these monthly sessions, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com
Haunted Attractions mentioned in this episode:
- Terror Isle
- Deadmonton Haunted House
- Grey House Haunts
- Country Dream Farms
- Dead Factory
- Haunted Hallows
To get new episodes and listen to our archives since 2012, subscribe to ANY podcast player or visit HaunTopic.com
| Our 2022 Halloween Special with Lesley Bannatyne! She knows a lot about Halloween and shares some spooky tales about October traditions, the beginning of Halloween, and the evolution of haunted attractions. Plus, we throw in some tunes to get you in the Halloween mood. About Lesley: Lesley Bannatyne is an American author who writes extensively on Halloween, especially its history, literature, and contemporary celebration. She also writes short stories, many of which are included in her debut collection Unaccustomed to Grace, released in March, 2022. One of the country's foremost authorities on Halloween, Bannatyne has shared her knowledge on television specials for the History Channel ("The Haunted History of Halloween," "The Real Story of Halloween"), with Time Magazine, Slate, National Geographic, and contributed the Halloween article to World Book Encyclopedia. In 2007, she and several compatriots set the Guinness World Record for Largest Halloween Gathering, a title they held until 2009. |
Whether you're a Home Haunter or Haunted Attraction, we all need patrons to show up after the construction is done and the actors are in their spots. But how do we get customers while stretching our budget? Here are 13 different ideas to try this season.
To get access to our Haunt Master Class video library, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com
In this episode, Tyler Barnett from FearWorm discusses ways to increase your attraction's attendance, creative ways to use the space you already have, and things you can do today to improve your marketing.
To get all of the bonuses that come along with this episode, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com
Hiring & Training Actors – From Application to Opening Night
You have advertised and recruited, and the actor applications are piling in. Now what?
You’re wondering how to audition, hire, sort, train, cast, and schedule all of these applicants so that opening night isn’t a completely disorganized mess?
In this seminar, Alyssa Schipani, will take you through a step-by-step process of hiring and preparing your actors with group auditions, actor training workshops, and orientation. She will not only discuss WHAT to do but HOW and WHY, lots of actor exercises included!
Whether you are planning to open a haunt, are a small-staffed haunt, or are a large-staffed haunt with 150+ actors, this time-efficient and cost-effective process will have your actors excited, motivated, confident, and fully prepared for the season – making your job a lot less stressful and creating an overall better experience for your actors and management staff!
Find Ally at DesignByAly.com
Craig Watt, from Terror Isle in Texas City and a 20-year veteran as an insurance agent, explains Haunt Insurance in simple terms and reveals that the coverage you have may not be covering what you think it does.
To get this full episode, instant access to our class library, and monthly live exclusive masterclasses; become a Haunt Master member at HauntersToolbox.com
One of the biggest hurdles that Haunters face is preparing your attraction for the fire marshal. This podcast episode will get you ready for your inspector and help make your Haunt safer, for your customers and staff.
To hear this full Master Class and get the video, become a member of The Haunter's Toolbox. Join here.
Thanks to Guy Buck Burdick from Fear Asylum and Station 5 Productions.
Cynthia MacDonald from Zombie Farms in Athens, Georgia shares her experience from start to finish on how she started their outdoor trail and how you can start one too.
To get access to this entire Master Class, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com
Some tips in this podcast:
- The pros and cons of outdoor haunts
- How actor management is different in the woods
- Where to find cheap & free materials to build
- ohh...and sooo much more....
Things you'll find in this Haunt Master Class * How to save money and time when designing your attraction. * How to be more creative. * Prepare your mindset for this next season. What do you really need to focus on? * ...and lots more things on Haunt Mindset!
To listen and view this entire Master Class, become a Haunt Master member at HauntersToolbox.com
Scott Swenson is the Creative Director and Attraction Specialist at Scott Swenson Creative Development, LLC.
We discuss the Haunt Industry trends of 2021 and what you need to focus on in 2022. Special Guests Philip Hernandez from Haunted Attraction Network and Alex Linebrink from Haunt Pay.
- Where to focus your time & money in 2022
- How customers are changing for the best and worst
- What happened to Haunted attractions in 2021
To sit in on these monthly Master Classes LIVE, join us at HauntersToolbox.com
We dive into Halloween with The Crawford School of Terror teaching you lessons in fear, Midnight Syndicate drops some new tracks, and Terror Isle stops in to share his experience as a brand new haunted attraction.
In this Master Class we get Allen Hopps from Dark Hour Haunted House and Drew Badger from The Big Scary Show to discuss Scare Actor tips and tricks.
Where to find them, how to hire them, ways to train them, and when to let them go.
Get all of our master classes at HauntersToolbox.com
In this BONUS episode we talk to Jan Knuth, the author of Not Afraid To Slay, about her journey writing the book and what she learned in the process.
We also talk about her Haunt, Grayhouse Haunts.
Buy her book here.
Become a member of the HauntersToolbox here.
Matt Scott breaks down the psychology of fear and how you can create scarier sets and creepier characters inside your Haunted Attraction.
To attend these LIVE Master Classes become a member at HauntersToolbox.com
Changes are coming to the Haunted Attraction Association. The new president, Spencer Terry, explains the future of the HAA and how BIG changes are coming. Are you a member?
This original podcast episode was recorded by https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/
Part 2 of our Transworld Halloween & Attraction Show interviews.
Go support the people heard in this podcast. :)
Graphitti FX: https://graffitifx.com
Psychotic Circus of Savannah: https://youtube.com/c/ThePsychoticCircusofSavannah
Demski Creations: http://www.demskicreations.com/
ScareIT Badges: https://www.scareitbadges.com/
Swag Smart: https://screamshirt.itemorder.com/sale
Maximus Bryant does all the work on this one! Max gets some of the show vendors, actors, and creators on this podcast from the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show.
He chats with:
- John Moran from Brimstone Haunt
- Creature Corps
- Mask-R-Aid
- Polaris BreachFX
- Mia Demaree from Grim Trails
- Fred Hearn from Hell's Dungeon
- Franken Fab
- Paul Lerner from Haunter's Against Hate
- Dead Rabbit Studios
Follow Max at the Dent Schoolhouse, The Ohio Haunter's Association, or Fright on Fountain.
Start and grow your Haunted House in our exclusive membership at HauntersToolbox.com
Designing and building your Haunt will be one of the most time-consuming tasks that you'll do. That's why it must be done right or you'll spend valuable time doing things over.
Leaonard Pickel, from Hauntrepreneurs.com, explains why designing it right is important and how to avoid those common mistakes many Haunters do.
To see this full Seminar become a member at HauntersToolbox.com
Steve Koci is having some medical complications currently, so we decided to dust this Master Class off and let you listen to the words of an Animatronic Master!
Steve gives great advice on building your own animated props, doing stuff on the cheap, and simple projects you can do yourself.
Make sure to check out his
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKKBTwYyVYxkpa0_9pqQ13A
His book The Ultimate Guide to DIY Animatronics: https://www.addicore.com/The-Ultimate-Guide-To-DIY-Animatronics-p/ad514.htm
Get well soon Steve!
Join in our conversations at: HauntersToolbox.com
UK Haunters is a vlog style documentary that explores the UK Haunt scene from the POV of filmmaker Dan Brownlie as he opens up the UK haunt scene for the world to view.
While shooting a feature film at the London Tombs scare attraction (entitled 'The Tombs'), director Dan Brownlie got a peek into the inner workings of how scare attractions work and some of the tricks of the trade. Bowled over by the ingenuity and inventiveness he decided he needed to know more.
After searching for more information, Dan found there were no documentaries covering the huge UK scene, so he decided to take a year to document what he found.
Heavily inspired by found-footage horror films, this documentary has an often unique visual style that mirrors the diverse nature of the industry it's representing.
What he found was shocking, amazing, heartwarming and inspiring. Want to know more? You'll have to watch and find out.
Watch: https://www.amazon.com/UK-Haunters-Andy-Cookie-Rawlings/dp/B08HW1Y7MS
We host a Master Mind with our Haunt Master members and discuss what's going on inside our Haunt Operations. We talk about queue lines, scare acting, running a Haunted House, how to pivot your business, and lots more!
If you want to sit in with us next time, join us at HauntersToolbox.com
Special Guests: Scott Swenson from Scott Swenson Creative Development, Spencer Terry from Fear Factory, Darryl Plunkie from Deadmonton Haunt.
Shawn Morse, from Shawn Morse FX and Stalker Farms, takes you through his procedure on keeping his guests and staff safe in a world full of germs. Whether it's COVID or the seasonal haunt crud, we should always take precautions when applying makeup.
Join our next Haunt Master Class at HauntersToolbox.com
Learn from the mistakes and accomplishments of the Fear Factory in Salt Lake City, Utah, and how they opened their attraction in the middle of a health pandemic and successfully did it!
Here's a link to their Contingency Plan to help you do it.
http://fearfactoryslc.com/contingency-plan/
If you want to join us in our next Live session, join here.
https://www.haunterstoolbox.com/main-pages/haunters-toolbox-membership/
This is the year of COVID cancellations and many Haunted Attractions are closed for 2020. Those that will be opened are doing things a little differently.
The Haunt Master members of the Haunter's Toolbox share their thoughts on this year's operational plans and how you can safely open your attraction or home haunt.
Join us next time by becoming a Haunt Master Member at HauntersToolbox.com
Steve Koci, many of you know him as Halstaff on the webs, is the author of The Ultimate Guide to DIY Animatronics.
In this podcast, learn the best way to get started in moving props and how to animate many different types of props...Halloween Style.
- Steve's Book: The Ultimate Guide to DIY Animatronics
- Check out Steve's YouTube Channel
Papa VooDoo Animated Prop What are DIY animatronics? The animatronics that we're talking about in this podcast are the ones you can build and use inside your haunted house or haunted attraction. Stuff like moving zombies made from windshield wiper motors. Using small motors to make small props move to scare your attendees. And create your own 3 Axis Skull that you can program to say or do anything you want.
Steve Koci shares his tips and methods on building Haunted House props and how you can make your own. Whether you're just getting started on building props that move or you're looking for something more advanced; Steve covers many aspects of animatronics inside this podcast.
https://youtu.be/TuMleDaibuk The Ultimate Guide to DIY Animatronics Book The Ultimate Guide To DIY Animatronics (adapted from the popular SERVO Magazine series "DIY Animatronics" by Steve Koci) explores the fascinating world of animated character creation with the home hobbyist in mind.
There’s no need to be an expert as anyone with a curious mind and a will to learn can create their own amazing designs.
The goal of *DIY Animatronics* is to provide a process that is easy to understand, follow, and reproduce. Whether you’re creating a holiday decoration, school project, or something to be used in your business; the procedures demonstrated in DIY Animatronics will guide you through the entire process and get you building your own "Hollywood Style" animatronic characters.
When a global crisis happens, like COVID-19 and similar contagious pandemics, haunted attractions and entertainment venues can suffer. Customers can become fearful to attend close-quarter events like concerts and attractions.
State regulations may be different for your event this year and they'll probably keep changing weekly. You may be feeling a bit uncertain about what this year's season will actually hold for you.
This doesn't mean you can't open up (unless your state says you can't) or that you can't provide the best and safest show ever. You'll just need to do some extra planning and brainstorming this year.
How do you stretch your money for marketing and create a safe environment for your customers? You can be smart with your overall budget and still focus on your marketing plan. Highlighting your brand identity can show your customers that your event can be trusted. Getting creative with your advertising will help you make a bigger impact on your audience.
Here is how to be successful with your marketing plan, stretch your budget, and keep your customers trusting your brand.
Tyler Barnett, from Fear Worm Hauntvertising, helped spark many of these marketing ideas. Plus, we added a few viewpoints of our own. Make sure to listen to this podcast episode to learn more about marketing your Haunt.
Prepare for the best. Expect the worse. Most of your customers want to return to their normal lives and go back to things that excite and entertain them, like your Haunted House. Some will be scared to venture out so soon.
In many states, there may be longer restrictions in place that may affect how you operate your Haunt business. In most instances, attractions will have to take precautions to keep customers and staff safe.
Expect your attendance numbers to be down this year, and if they're not, then you've done a great job being prepared. You must run a leaner business this year.
Stay updated from trusted resources. News and important business updates are currently happening by the second. What is true and regulated at the time of this article will most likely be completely different when we open the doors to our Haunts. There's a lot of fake news websites out there, stick to the ones you trust.
Are the days of a cramped queue line over? Keep officials & customers updated on your safety plan. Pay attention to your State, City, and County restrictions. Communicate with your local officials and let them know the precautions you are implementing. It's better to be ahead of the game and show them that safety is a priority. Your customers must feel informed and safe as well.
Think about slowing down your queue line. Keeping groups smaller. Removing items like claustrophobia tunnels, push doors, and stuff that touches the customer's face. Possibly provide masks with your logo, hand sanitizer stations, and large signs listing your safety plan. Update your website as well with your latest safety protocols.
Double down on your marketing. Advertise even if you open your doors or not, your customers must know what you are doing differently this year. Let them know what to expect.
If you'll be closed this year, publish some ads explaining why and when they can experience your attraction again. Maybe create some unique content behind-the-scenes or with your characters.
If you are open, let your customers know what safety precautions you have put in place. Make a Press Release and send it to every local media outlet that will help spread the word.
Don't slack off on advertising and marketing. Spend the same or more. Your customers can't spend money at your attraction if they don't know you're open.
Save money by eliminating unimportant things. During times of uncertainty, it's best to focus on what you really need this year. Maybe put off getting that expensive animatronic or those fire cannons that shoot 25 feet in the air. Get creative with the money you currently have or maybe trade some props with another attraction which could save you both money.
Focus on your marketing message and make your customers feel safe. Improve scenes with budget-friendly upgrades with a huge impact. Changing up your lighting or running your attraction backward might save you some money.
Focus on customer experience and perceived value. Create everything around your customer's perception and infuse more value into their ticket purchase. Since many haunted attractions might be changing their V.I.P. experiences or removing them, your customer should feel that they are getting $30 worth of value for $20. In other words, give them more than what they paid for.
Maybe throw in some free swag with their ticket or use a stair-step price system (7 pm it's $15 and goes up a dollar each hour) it's all about experimentation. Find the gaps in your attendance and offer better deals to get them to come early or another slow night.
Timed-ticketing may also help keep your queue line thinned out and help your customers feel safe in smaller numbers.
Pricing is always a balancing act. Don't be afraid to test out small experiments with your customers and product bundles. Invest in your customers.
Place advertisements in front of your audience. Start with social media. Choose social platforms you understand and test your marketing with your target market. Boost posts with a small budget, experiment with different social locations, and plan out your marketing campaign before the season starts.
You can also hire a firm like Fear Worm that specializes in Haunted Attraction marketing.
This too shall pass. No matter when you're reading this, national emergencies happen all the time. There have been other viral pandemics. Weather conditions have destroyed entire attractions over the years. Some have had to close down early due to other emergencies.
Many of these haunted attractions overcame their struggles and grew even bigger the next season. They focused on their main priorities, their customers, and everyone's safety. They came out on the other side stronger and better.
We'll see you on the other side.
Bonus resources from this podcast * Fear Worm: a marketing agency specializing in themed attractions * Scare More People: a Facebook group all about Marketing managed by Fear Worm * Wait While: a queue line management app that may help you keep your customers safer * Haunt Pay: a ticketing and queue line solution designed for haunted attractions
Become a member of the Haunter's Toolbox. It's free!
"Remote" brings you into a horror experience without leaving your house. But you'll feel like you're there. Learn how a"Remote" type of interactive digital experience can be used with your customers. Each year we always try to add something unique to our Haunted Attractions. Sometimes we need to think outside of the box so that we can prepare for the experiences customers want and crave...they just don't know it yet.
That's where a mobile horror interactive game could bring extra revenue to your haunted house business or any entertainment event.
Think about this. Creating episodic content (emails, texts, videos, etc) for a series of days created around the story of your attraction. Mystery combined with scary. Interactive with Improvision. Then charge for it.
This also builds your brand and keeps your customers interested offseason. And they can interact with your show without leaving their house.
Listen to this podcast to learn how to incorporate immersive horror in your haunt.
At the time of this article, most of us are quarantined in our homes. Digital experiences are a good way to incorporate more story into your attraction and still providing an event for your customers. Even if you don't follow a full fledged remote experience; we can still use email, videos, texts, images, etc to bring our customers on a haunted journey.
Haunted Hills Estate Scream Park teams up with Shock Theater to create "Remote", an interactive mobile horror experience. Live in a world of horror and choices...all from the comfort of your couch.
Other things in this podcast: * How an interactive mobile experience can earn you revenue while social distancing. * Marketing ideas to keep your customers glued to your brand. * Using the National Media to help you get leverage in your market. * Is immersive horror right for your haunt business?
Where to find these guys: * Haunted Hills Estate: Aidan Finnegan * Shock Theater: Will Wakefield * Immersive horror website - Haunting.net
We ask Bart Butler and Michael Edwards from Terror in the Corn about their preseason preparation, scare acting, timed ticketing, surviving a pandemic, outdoor haunting, and more Haunt stuff!
This was recorded from our LIVE virtual prepared summit. You can find more trainings and master classes at HauntersToolbox.com
Follow Terror in the Corn at https://terrorinthecorn.com/
One of the biggest issues we found when we asked you "What is one of your biggest challenges as a Haunter?" We kept seeing this answer: time and money.
In this podcast episode, we cover ways to save time AND money as you start and grow your haunted house.
This was recorded LIVE during one of our Master Classes. You can find all of our past seminars, classes, and workshops at HauntersToolbox.com
Grab a seat to our next LIVE Online seminar at HauntersToolbox.com/class
Don't forget to Share the Scare! :)
Special effects tips inside this podcast: * The best clay sculpting tools to use to make your own molds and masks. * A great technique to save time and money when applying prosthetics and appliances to your scare actors in a Haunted Attraction. * A NEW type of foam latex prosthetics that have different scents and colors.
Where to find Jeff West: Jeff West is a makeup artist from Wichita, Kansas. He moved to Los Angeles with the goal of becoming a makeup artist and attended Makeup Designory in Burbank, CA in 2001.
West is an 18-year veteran of the entertainment industry. Seeing the opportunities available to entrepreneurs in the Halloween and Haunted Attractions industry, West transitioned into a role as Creative Director for Halloween consumer products brand Woochie, a leader in Halloween latex and foam prosthetics.
- Sign up for classes and buy products: https://www.westfxinc.com/
- Follow West FX on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westfxinc/
Watch the entire video with Jeff here. https://youtu.be/RtS9I09EX9I This podcast was recorded as a live video. Watch the entire thing here.
When operating and owning a Haunted Attraction, you must evaluate your recent season and make notes on what is working and what needs changed.
Listen to this audio recording of our private master mind session. You can join these sessions and become a member at HauntersToolbox.com
Join us on December 13th, 2019 at 7:30pm-9pm CST in this LIVE Online Master Class.
Grab your ticket at HauntersToolbox.com/class
We'll go over ways to save you time so you can get more things done, save money so you can focus on the right things to buy, and finally start your Haunted Attraction or improve the one you have.
See you there!
What is HAuNTcon? HAuNTcon will push your attraction business out of its comfort zone and introduce you to game-changing new products, ideas, and concepts. Improve your Haunted Attraction, start a new Haunt related business, or get ideas for next season. It's more than a tradeshow, it's an innovative experience where the haunt community creates the future of the industry.
Click here to get up to $35 off your tickets. The Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention (HAuNTcon) will be hosted once again in the historic city of New Orleans, Louisianna from January 17-19th, 2020. View their website here: HAuNTcon.com
A haunted couple in costume at the HAuNTcon costume party. What's new at HAuNTcon for 2020? * The Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention (HAuNTcon) will be hosted once again in the historic city of New Orleans, Louisianna from January 17-19th, 2020. View their website here: HAuNTcon.com
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NEW advanced educational seminars and workshops will help you prepare your Haunted Attraction or Home Haunt for success next season.
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NEW Halloween and Haunted House vendors will be setting up booths so you can be the first one to see the hot new products for 2020.
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If you're one of the vendors, a new digital way of capturing your customer's information is now in place. This also makes it easier for buyers as it streamlines the information you want straight to you.
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NEW entertainment but the same fun and FREE drinks for the first 3 HOURS at the Brewing, Boos, & Booze Costume Party. One of the best costume parties in the Haunt Industry! Get Your Tickets Here.
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NEW scares added to the 3 Mississippi Haunted Attractions (The Terror Test, Terror on the Coast, & Trail of Terror) that you'll experience on the bus tour on Thursday. Lights on and Lights off. 8:30 am-10pm
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a NEW Haunters to Watch award program that any Haunter can enter, or you can nominate another Haunter, for rising above and beyond in the industry. The prize package includes a paid 2-night stay in New Orleans, a FREE VIP ticket to HAuNTcon, and a bunch of recognition in the industry. Hosted by the Haunted Attraction Network.
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And many NEW offers plus the Fashion Show, the Networking groups, the streamlined flow of the showroom floor, and lots more!
How to prepare for HAuNTcon before and during the show. * Plan your education track before you go. All of the seminars and workshops will be listed on the website HAuNTcon.com before you leave, create a plan of attack and pencil in back-up classes just in case you change your mind. There are many classes...all included in the ticket price.
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Save money by going with friends. If you team up, a few people can split the cost of a hotel room. You can also split up and attend different seminars then compare notes after. Divide and conquer.
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Dress comfortably. There is much walking in New Orleans and the convention center is HUGE! Bring comfortable shoes, possibly a coat or jacket (we needed one last year), and a shoulder bag large enough for catalogs/T-shirts/small merchandise.
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Respect the vendors. HAuNTcon offers many cool products for your Haunted Attraction, Home Haunt, or your Halloween lifestyle. But be aware of other people waiting to chat with the vendors too. Ask your questions and move on to the next booth. Come back when they're not as busy (usually early morning or right before close).
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Pace yourself. HAuNTcon + New Orleans can be lots of fun! But you need to survive the weekend and get the most out of your stay. Try to get enough sleep so you have the brainpower to retain your seminars, stay hydrated to keep you going, and enjoy the cajun cuisine...carefully.
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Stick to your gameplan. Know roughly where you want to focus on before you go. What costumes, equipment, and props do you need? What do you need to learn for the next Haunt season? What is your budget for 2020?
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Enjoy your stay. New Orleans is a very historical city. Take advantage of after-hour tours and events.
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For more HAuNTcon Tips Listen to this Haunt Weekly episode all about New Orleans Tips for Haunters.
It's getting harder to get people to hear about your haunted house. You've got an awesome haunted attraction but your attendance isn't growing. There are so many channels like social, radio, TV...where do you spend your marketing money for your Haunt?
We interview Alex Berland and Nick Levanti with Conjured Media and pick their brains about marketing your haunted house in today's market, where to focus your advertising budget, and how they can help you save time and money.
Haunt season is here. Do you have your marketing and advertising started yet? Bust your butt these next 3 months and then take a breather in November. Yes..you can try to do the marketing all yourself or hire an agency to help. I've done both.
Here is a little about Alex & Nick and what you'll hear inside this podcast. Reach out to them if you have any questions.
Who is Conjured Media?
"Our mission is to elevate the haunted attractions industry by ushering in a new era of growth, achieved with high quality creative and cutting edge digital marketing. The core to our philosophy is our business first approach. We work with our partners to identify what their business needs to grow and how to best implement those solutions through a marketing lense. We don’t like to look at our clients as clients, but rather as partners. For us, success is built on a strong foundation of trust and accountability."
Conjured.Media
What's inside this podcast? * How to get more customers to see and remember your Haunted Attraction * Where to spend your marketing dollars online * Why customer relationships are important * Marketing and Advertising Your Haunt Checklist * Bonus Haunt Consulting Interview
One of their clients. Schmitts Farm. Visit them here. Our other website. HauntersToolbox.com To help improve your haunt.
"An attraction is most effective when it follows a path, when it takes guests on a journey. The story determines an attraction’s physical layout, character development, and technical design. It also points the way for clever marketing, merchandising, and branding. This book gives you the tools to develop a story and to use that story as a blueprint for your attraction's development." -Follow The Story Book
Buy this book on amazon $9.99 In this podcast episode, we ask Scott Swenson all the different ways that you can use your attraction's back story and why it's important today more than ever.
If you are a Haunted Attraction that has never used a back story with your theme and sometimes you feel that something is missing from the overall experience, creating a unique story around your characters may just be what you need to take your attraction to the next level.
Today's attraction customer wants more than just a scary walk-through; they're looking for memorable moments, a story they can tell their friends, and an evolving theme that changes each year. Creating a back story immerses your attendees in a world that they will remember and come back to see what happens with your characters next time.
Follow the Story: What's inside this podcast * Why having a story behind your attraction is important. Your guests will remember it. You can plan your entire theme around it. It can save you time and money by doing it. * How to use your story in your marketing. Using your main characters in your advertising and following the story will help your attendees have a better experience which will make it an easy choice to come back to your attraction for more story. * Simple ways to start your story right now. You don't have to change up everything. Here are a few simple and low-cost ways to start weaving your story throughout your haunted attraction, no matter what stage of operations you're in. * What makes great Haunted Attractions great. The attractions that understand where their stories are evolving can stay ahead of the game. They can plan easier for next season, have off season events around their story, and save money by using materials they already have. Large or small...you can start using your back story to help make your attraction better.
Where to find Scott Swenson * Scott's website: Scott Swenson.com * Get "Follow the Story" Book: Buy this from Amazon * Meet Scott and get your book signed: Midsummer Scream
What people are saying about Follow the Story “Scott provides a much-needed jolt of storytelling energy in a compact, readable form. This is a true ‘blood and potatoes’ approach to the many facets of haunted-attraction storycraft, which should help any designer ensure they’re taking full advantage of the tools at their disposal.”—David Ruzicka, Co-Artistic Director for JFI Productions
"Scott is a true master architect of immersive horror experiences, using the classic tools of story and conflict to create blueprints for some of the most influential (and some of my all-time favorite) haunted attractions ever. This guide is mandatory reading for experiential designers of themed attractions."—Scott Simmons, Creative Director, ScareHouse and The Basement
Buy this book on amazon $9.99 People who helped make this book: Author: Scott Swenson For over 30 years, Scott Swenson has been bringing stories to life as a Writer, Director, Producer and Performer. His work in Theme Park, Consumer Events, Live Theater and Television has given him a broad spectrum of experiences. Co-creator and Creative Leader for the first 15 years of the “Howl-O-Scream” event at Busch Gardens Tampa, during which time he wrote and implemented over 50 haunted houses, shows and scare zones.
Foreword: Ted Dougherty Ted Dougherty, has created projects for Halloween events in Southern California including Knott’s Scary Farm, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, & Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. His specialties focus on themed entertainment and immersive/multi-sensory environments through creative storytelling, production and direction.
Publisher: Philip Hernandez Philip Hernandez is a freelance writer, speaker, producer, and marketer specializing in Seasonal Attractions. Since 2014 Philip has published Seasonal Entertainment Source magazine (SES), a quarterly print publication. Philip operates the Haunted Attraction Network (HAN), the largest global media entity for the haunted attraction industry.
Cover Artist: Doug Schaefer Doug Schaefer has been creating effects, props, masks and artwork for haunted attractions, theme parks and collectors for over 30 years. By day Doug designs and builds effects, puppets and illusions at Robot Monkey Lab, Inc (VFXcreates.com). And on evenings and weekends Doug makes even more monsters, in his home studio (ArtGuyDesigns.com), creating a variety of horror and creature art.
Banshee Manor Haunted Attraction is in Fayetteville, Arkansas is located inside a family fun park called Lokomotion.
Buying Ghosts is a audio drama series in the form of a podcast available everywhere you find podcasts.
Jonna Summers is the one orchestrating both of these fun Haunt projects. You'll have to listen to this podcast to hear how these two projects are similar.
Banshee Manor Story The McCraulic Clan is notorious for being ruthless, barbaric and pure evil. Rarely would anyone enter the manor’s walls without being brutalized, tortured or murdered, often for sport more than for punishment of perceived crimes.
The Banshee’s constant screams and cries often shattered the silence of the night foretelling of yet another death and as she mournfully shepherded the poor soul to the other side. The Banshee grew weary of the McCraulics’ and their evil ways and all the death. Oh, so much death.
The Banshee decided to punish the McCraulics and tortured them with her constant keening, driving them mad. And as her final punishment, she no longer led their souls to their final resting place, instead, imprisoning them with their victims inside.
To learn more about the Banshee Manor in Arkansas go here: Banshee Manor Website
Buying Ghosts Podcast Buying Ghosts is the story of Annie Seals and her family, who embark on a business venture of owning a Victorian Bed and Breakfast rumored to be haunted.
Annie hopes to capitalize on the paranormal crowd looking for ghosts. Little did she know the rumors are real and now her family finds themselves trapped with the previous tenants.
To start listening to this audio story now go here: Buying Ghosts Podcast
Jonna Summers Jonna Summers To contact Jonna email here here: Send an email to Jonna
Start your own Haunt, or grow the one you have, in our Haunters Toolbox membership. It's FREE!
In this podcast we interview Edward Douglas (aka Aleister Rigby) and Gavin Goska and get these key takeaways:
- What Type of Haunt Music to Use in Your Haunted Attraction
- How Midnight Syndicate Got Started in Gothic/Horror Music
- The Reasons They Keep Playing Live at Cedar Point in Ohio
- Which of Their Soundtracks is their Favorite Ones
Midnight Syndicate is a Gothic - Horror - Haunt musical group that has been producing "soundtracks for the imagination" since 1997. Many Haunters use their music as ambient landscapes inside and outside their Haunted Attractions.
You can find Midnight Syndicate playing LIVE at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio in 2019. If you're reading this after that, check the schedule on their website. MidnightSyndicate.com
A Chamber of Commerce is a network of business owners whose goal is to further the interests of businesses and grow stronger together. It serves as a spokesman and representative of the industry.
This is where The Chamber of Haunters comes in.
Imagine a Chamber of Commerce that stands to represent you as a Haunter, a Haunted Attraction Owner, and your interests within the Haunt Industry. This is the mission that the Founder, Robert Nulton, wants The Chamber of Commerce to become. A place for a helpful community, a resource for Haunters, and a representative for the entire Haunted Attraction Industry.
Yes. There are great Haunt Associations that already exist. The biggest one around is the Haunted Attraction Association, which for a membership fee you can join an existing community of Haunters and tap into the benefits of this association.
However, The Chamber of Haunters will be a bit different. Think of your local Chamber of Commerce with local and long-distant benefits. Unique events tailored for attractions who want to be part of a growing community. Guidance for haunt businesses that need more information on starting and growing a safe haunted attraction. And ways to keep your business doors open every year.
All wrapped up in a Chamber of Commerce type of atmosphere. Supplying the help you need and representing you along the way.
Here are a few things you'll learn in this podcast: * How to make your Haunted Attraction stand out and be the best that it can be. * The advantages of being a member of an association and community for your Haunt related needs. * How you can help by supporting the Chamber of Haunters by being an Advisor for your Region.
Listen to this podcast episode here.
In this podcast episode, we chat with Tony Brueski on How to Get More People to your Haunted Attraction and valuable Tips that you can implement this season.
Tony also hosts two podcasts about real ghosts stories, so of course we had to discuss a few of our favorite paranormal encounters. Have you ever had any experiences with any ghosts?
Haunted House Marketing Tips Inside * Why your Haunted Attraction needs to be different in today's competitive market for attention. How can you tell your story? * The best times of the day to use radio advertisements and how to get the best price for commercial slots. * Where to spend your marketing budget for the most effective creative advertising. * Tony makes Haunt Radio & Television Commercials too! Check out his media masterpieces at HauntedHouseRadioCommercials.com
(Visit this blog post to watch a video with Tony's professional Haunted House commercials) Some of Tony's Haunt audio commercials. Real Ghost Stories Online Podcast * If you're up for listening to some goosebumps and hair-raising true ghost stories, Tony has two of the most listened to Paranormal podcasts in the world! * RealGhostStoriesOnline.com real ghost stories Tony and his co-host read to you or guests call in to tell what happened to them. * TheGraveTalks.com An interview based podcast with stories of the paranormal and the people who are passionate about chasing ghosts for fun.
Learn more marketing tips & tactics inside our free membership community The Haunter's Toolbox
The Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show is the largest trade show that features products focused directly to Haunted Attractions, Themed Attractions, and Escape Rooms. This was the first year that a Christmas Show was added into the show.
The TransWorld Halloween and Attractions Show is currently located in St.Louis, Missouri at the America's Center.
Who is inside this podcast episode: * Dark Stitches (Tessie Cunningham): Easy-to-wear Scare Actor costumes handmade by Scare Actors. * Z-Tag 2.0 (Quan Gan): The NEW improved Z-Tag which is a close proximity game that lets you be a zombie, human, or doctor. * Fright Farm (Roger Rund): A charity based Haunted Attraction in Minnesota that has been open for over 20 years. * Woochie (Jacquie Lantern): Foam latex appliances and makeup that you can use to create unique characters. * Gothika (Jonathon Popphan): A trusted theatrical lens company that makes safe and effective contact lens to make your character stand out.
Dark Stitches Costumes for Scare Actors What you'll learn inside this podcast: * The importance of having quality costumes inside of your haunted house. * Things you can add to your attraction to get more revenue. * How to start and operate a charity haunted house. * Makeup tips to create a custom character. * The NEW rules for buying contact lenses and how you can sell contacts at your business.
Fright Farm in Minnesota What else you need to know. * Need help starting up your Haunted Attraction but don't know where to start? Join The Haunter's Toolbox for FREE videos and information about low cost ways to start your own Haunted House. Learn more here.
- Need a way to keep your actors and reward them for their unique skills? ScareIT Badges is a merit system for your Scare Actors, different wearable badges and buttons given to motivate and keep your actors interested. Check out our designs here.
Women do exist in the Haunted Attraction Industry. They are Haunt Owners, Haunt Business Owners, Designers, Special FX Artists, Scare Managers, Scare Actors, Haunt Moms, Security, Maintenance, Ticket Takers, Parking Lot Attendees, and just about anywhere you'd find a man.
Female Haunters bring unique perspectives and creative energy to many different positions within this crazy industry. And these ladies discuss all of this inside this podcast.
Here are the women that joined us in this month's Master Mind Webinar: * Sylvia Vicchiullo: Nightmare Nomads- a traveling scare actor troupe that will travel to your Haunt…just give ’em a call. * Melissa Winton: Haunt Shirts- Haunt and Halloween apparel for everyday of the week. Haunt Swag too! * Jan Knuth: Grey House Haunts-a Haunted Attraction in rural Nebraska. Go see it! * Suzie Flesik: Crawford School of Terror- a Haunted Attraction inside an old abandoned School House in Pennsylvania. Have YOU been a good student?
Topics discussed inside this podcast episode: * How to get started starting your own Haunted Attraction. * Why are there more women in the haunt industry today? * Advice from Haunter female role models. * The obstacles that women face starting their own businesses * and lots more Haunt Talk.
Start your own Haunted Attraction with our help. It's free!
HAuNTcon (co-located with the Halloween and Party Expo) is one of the nations's fastest growing conventions for Haunters, Halloween buyers, and Haunted Attraction Owners. HAuNTcon stands for Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention. IN 2019, it was hosted in New Orleans and will return in 2020. It is scheduled to be held in Dallas, Texas in 2021.
Haunters inside this podcast episode from HAuNTcon 2019:
- Haunter's Tale
- Scared of My Shadow
- Haunt Pay
- Midsummer Scream
- When Hinges Creak
- Scares That Care
- Mindtrap Creations
- Ticketleap
- Fright Find
- Black Moth
In this podcast episode, we discuss our time during the haunt convention, being a vendor and partner, and what we did when we weren't at the show.
Listen in to also find out about how ScareIt Badges was received at the booth.
We'll see you at our booth next year!! Come say HI.
The Epic Home Haunts Documentary The Epic Home Haunts Documentary is a movie that shares the lives of four Home Haunter families and how they get ready for Halloween each year. Setting up realistic Haunted Attraction events in their yards, garages, & properties..all for free for their communities.
We get the Haunters on this podcast and talk about: * How to start a Home Haunted Attraction at your house * The real meaning of being a Home Haunter * Behind-the-Scenes of the movie and stories never told before!
The Haunters we interviewed on this podcast. These are the Home Haunts that were in the documentary Epic Home Haunts. Listen to the Haunters tell their stories of preparing for Halloween each year. Here's a brief description of where to find them and more about them.
Josh Quillin Producer, writer, editor, and director of Epic Home Haunts. Co-founder of Saga Studios, LLC. Watch Epic Home Haunts here.
"...the dedication that Haunters have for the ART is mind-blowing to me."
Rotten Apple 907 (Diane & Preston Meyer, Melissa Thompson) Home Haunt started in 1990 and is a complete walk-through Haunted House located at 907 N California St-Burbank, California. They change up the theme of the attraction each year.
Beware the Dark Realm (Christian Sivley)
Home Haunt that is nestled behind a two-story castle facade. Located at 28621 Sugar Pine Way-Santa Clarita, California.
Legend of Boot Hill (not interviewed) Over-sized yard haunt started in 1996. A western style theme based around an old mine town. Located at 16 Goldenrod-Irvine, California. Restless Souls Manor (Greg Packard)
A Haunted Mansion style theme that evolves the story each year. Time Travel was the theme for 2018. Located at 38143 52nd St E-Palmdale, California.
Music in this episode by Sam Haynes.
What's inside this podcast episode? Liz Irving joins us from HAuNTcon: Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow & Convention to let us in on what's going on this January 25-27th in New Orleans.
Brian and Darryl discuss their Haunt Season..some highlights and some lessons learned at The Dead Factory in Missouri and Deadmonton House in Canada.
HAuNTcon 2019 Updates: Interview with Liz Irving * NEW vendors, sellers, and buyers! The size of both the HAuNTcon show floor and the Halloween & Party Expo floor have both increased to hold more awesome Haunt products for you to buy...right from the booth. Yes! MORE cash & carry items. * Training & workshops have been moved closer to the show floor so you don't have to walk very far to attend a class. Less time walking...more time browsing. * Different Haunted Tours around New Orleans and a trip to Terror on the Coast to go behind-the-scenes. Get new ideas straight from the experts. * Nightlife and Networking. More opportunities to talk to your friends...or meet new ones. * SAVE 10% Off your weekend pass! (CODE: HAUNTOPIC) Order here: https://hauntopic.com/10
What happened at The Dead factory & Deadmonton Haunted house in 2018? (part 1) * Lessons learned with Scare Actors, Design, and Safety. We share some personal stories from our Haunt Season as Owners and Operators. What we're doing different next year. * NEW attractions and ideas for 2019. The Dead Factory plans on added more for 2019...hmm...maybe you'll get an inside look. Deadmonton House has some new ideas too. * Deadmonton on Facebook * The Dead Factory on Facebook
Music in this podcast by Kyle cheuvront
Haunt Marketing: How to get more customers to find your attraction
If you have a difficult time getting customers through your Haunted Attraction, you're not alone. All of us struggle with it. Slowly trying to up the attendance, trying to retain your current customers, & finding your exact type of customer.
In this audio podcast you will learn some of techniques that I have personally experimented with and have researched from other haunt owners that work for them.
A few things you'll learn in this podcast:
- Low cost effective marketing ideas
- Time saving social media tricks
- Start up checklist you should be doing
- Rules for legal contests on social media
- Local advertising techniques to try
- Where you should spend your money
- and MUCH MORE!
In this informative session, I will present some of the marketing and advertising methods we have used in the past that have gotten customers through our doors and continue to get attendee engagement. Most of my methods are budget friendly and can be scaled to meet your budget funds. Just plug and play.
We also play tunes from Verse 13, Sam Haynes, and Gore-Galore!
What was included in this LIVE Master Class:
- Live video with presentation and Questions asked throughout
- Video and Audio replay included after master class
- Get ideas with other Haunters in the exclusive Chat Room
- Answers to every question you have. It's a Seminar!
- If you can't make, you still get to watch it.
- All resources and powerpoints included.
Watch our FREE "Start Your Haunt Without Spending Lots of Money" Video Master Class Replay!
A little about me. Brian Foreman.
4th year Co-owner of the Dead factory Haunted House in Mexico, Missouri and lover of all things SCARY. Small town haunt with big soul..and a tiny budget.
I've been a Home Haunter, Scare Actor, Manager, Designer...and most things in between, but I'm always learning. Maybe I can share a thing or two with you!
One of the most difficult things for a Haunted Attraction Owner is to find quality Scare Actors and Staff to help make the attraction come to life.
Having your Scare Actors not show up is one of the biggest complaints we hear as haunt consultants...from the bad reviews from your customers to the other actors who have to cover those spots and pull double duty on a busy Saturday night.
These are some of the things we have tried in the past. We now have over 40 scare actors inside our haunt The Dead Factory.
Join us in this LIVE ONLINE MASTER CLASS on Hiring Employees and Recruiting Volunteers
Here are five things you can start doing now to recruit and hire new scare actors for your haunted attraction.
- Reach out to family and friends. Use social media to let others know you're searching for help. People aren't mind readers so you gotta put it out there. I know it's tough to ask for help, but it determines the success of your show.
- Create an Ad on Facebook. Create a business page on Facebook..yes, they still work. Boost a post or create an ad directly focused on your local area (maybe a 15 mile radius around your location) and interests like Horror Movie Fans, Theater/Plays, Haunted Houses.
- Team up with your local theater or high school drama club. Many of my scare actors have come from the local theater. My son was also in the drama department at his high school. You might be able to cross-promote with them by sharing staff members or even hanging banners in each others queue lines.
- Ask strangers. Allen Hopps, from The Darkhour Haunted House, carries pre-made business cards specifically for Scare Actor auditions. He carries them everywhere! I usually get a feel for a person and then ask them if they'd be interested in helping work behind-the-scenes of a Haunted House.
- Ask your current Actors/Staff for referrals. Sometimes your current helpers don't know you need more help. Ask if they have a friend that may want to try it out as a test run. Once they get that first scare..it usually lights that fire inside. It's either for a person or not...don't try to force it. You'll get a better quality of actor by letting the good ones come back for more.
Treat your scare actors and your haunt staff like family. Have food and drinks if it's in your budget. Make them comfortable as possible. Make their time with you fun and enjoyable so they'll want to come back and bring a friend.
Happy Haunting!
In this PODCAST EPISODE, we chat with the organizers of SEHEC (Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention) and the Haunted Attraction Leadership Symposium.
Philip Hernandez: Business Director for Gantom Lighting and Controls, a reputable company in the attraction space known for their quality lighting and controls.
William Ramsay: Also known as Dr. Terror Eyes, has taught his Haunting skills in various conventions all over the United States.
Haunted Attraction Leadership Symposium The Seasonal Attraction Leadership Symposium is the one event for industry professionals in Southern California where you can learn and network with the best and the brightest in the themed entertainment industry.
Philip Hernandez
The 2nd Annual Leadership Symposium is *July 30th, 2018, aboard the historic and haunted Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. The theme of this year’s event is “First Impressions*.”
Besides presentations by leading industry professionals on this theme, the day’s activities will include a tour of the Queen Mary and a preview of the upcoming “*Dark Harbor*” Halloween event.
*Dive Deep into the Theme with Industry Experts & Moderators*
*Crafting Memorable First Impressions using the key elements of Elevation, Insight, Pride, and Connection*** is the touchstone for presentations at this year’s event.
Added to this year’s symposium will be discussions following each speaker’s presentation. During these discussions, attendees will meet and share their thoughts about what they just learned and use workbooks to integrate this into their experience and vision for their own attractions.
Deepening the learning using the discussion and workbook format assures the information goes home with the participant and becomes part of their reservoir of knowledge.
*Experience The Queen Mary*
Enjoy an exclusive preview of "Dark Harbor" and Q&A with the team.
Plus, tour the ship with The Queen Mary attractions team and enjoy the opportunity to discover more about the ship's operations directly from the team.
*Not Convinced? Watch the Talks from for Last Year*
Last year’s Symposium, titled, “Innovation in Interactivity,” was held at Knott’s Berry Farm on August 1.
Watch the trailer here.
This symposium featured keynote talks by:
Ricky Brigante of Pseudonym Productions
Jon Cooke and Ken Parks of Knott’s Berry Farm
Quan Gan of Gantom
Sociologist/Author Dr. Margie Kerr
The Queen Mary’s Brian Luallen
Industry Veteran Scott Swenson
Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention (SEHEC) The Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention (SEHEC) is both a Halloween fandom-based educational event and a charitable fundraiser dedicated to the largest portion of Halloween-lovers: the Halloween Enthusiast. It's for folks who share their love of Halloween (and the Paranormal) with others and just wait until October!
CHARITABLE CAUSE: A portion of the event’s proceeds go to the Tampa Shriners Hospital for Children to help pay for necessary medical care for afflicted young patients.
HISTORY: Born out of eight years of make-n-take (instructive prop building) gatherings so popular, they outgrew the venue! SEHEC is the next masterful step to bring Halloween enthusiasts together to learn, share and grow their love for all things Halloween. This event features a variety of educational seminars (Halloween-related and Paranormal), instructional demonstrations, Make-n-Take courses (learn-how-to courses where you bring home the creation you made with guided assistance), guest speakers, product vendors, master artists – even from hit television shows, and provides a welcoming atmosphere for Halloween socializing.
SEHEC’s producer and Halloween zealot, Dr. TerrorEyes, has been involved with Halloween and prop creation for 44 years. He has been a presenter at all major Halloween industry conventions since 2010. This includes popular conventions such as: HAuNTcon, TransWorld, Midwest Haunters Convention, HauntX, Halloween Extreme, ScareLA, National Haunters Convention, West Coast Haunters Convention, Halloween & HauntFest, Canadian Haunted Attractions Conference, Midsummer Scream, Chicago Frights, Lakeland ZombieFest, and Florida Haunters Annual Ocala Make-n-Take/Social.
LOCATION: The SEHEC show is in Central Florida and is conveniently located about 75 miles from Universal Studios, Disney World and Sea World.
THE EVENT: -Friday night: Ocala Ghost Walk Tour: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM and away from the event venue. - Saturday day is the Convention Show and Courses: 8 AM to 6 PM -Saturday night is the "Haunted Eye Ball" adult costume party with food, freshly-brewed beer and local vineyard-produced wine, 8 PM to Midnight. - Sunday in the Convention Show and Courses: 9 AM - 2 PM.
REGISTRATION: - Registration will only be available ONLINE at www.SEHEC.com - AFTER JUNE 30th, ALL prices are at-the-door purchases and are higher at the venue. - No 2018 T-shirts will be available for ordering after June 30, 2018 as they are a Limited Edition run. - You will receive one T-shirt (valued at $20) with your paid admission ticket purchase online. You'll receive it upon check-in at the show on July 14th/15th.
Coming Jan.25-27, 2019 in New Orleans. HAuNTcon!
Black Market Escape Rooms presents "Murder Co": a R-rated escape experience BLACK MARKET ESCAPE ROOMS, a new immersive-based attraction company, announces the opening of MURDER CO, a permanent escape experience aimed at turning the attraction industry on its head.
Location: 1220 W 9th St. | Upland, CA 91786 | 909-920-9902
Moonlighting from their day gigs, a handful of theme park professionals have thrown the proverbial gloves off by thrusting guests into an adventure far too severe for the family-friendly confines of an amusement park.
The experience was created by theme park designer, Jon Cooke, who was looking to push the parameters set by the day-to-day requirements in his industry. In response to founding his new side project, Black Market Escape Rooms, Cooke says, “I saw so much potential story and show elements in escape rooms. I wanted to do something more so I went out and surrounded myself with some of the best experts in the theme park industry and we created this unforgettable encounter.”
Regarding Murder Co’s intensity is attraction writer and director Ted Dougherty, who confesses, “We had to go to some extremely dark places that definitely left a few emotional marks.” Although the attraction may not fall into the category of an “extreme haunt,” it does contain content best reserved for those not easily offended or disgusted.
Expect serious thrills as Cooke is no stranger to terrifying people based on his innovative haunted attraction designs for Knott’s Scary Farm. When conceiving Murder Co, he admits, “It’s what I have always wanted to see and do in an immersive attraction.” A living nightmare is one step away for those bold enough to cross into Murder Co.
JON COOKE has designed, art directed and produced some of the most successful haunted attractions for the world famous Knott’s Scary Farm, including “Special Ops: Infected,” “Paranormal, Inc,” “Shadowlands,” "Trick Or Treat: Lights Out" and “Dark Ride.” As vocalist for the deathcore metal band, Winds of Plague, Cooke has released numerous albums and toured extensively throughout the globe. Taking the two worlds of themed entertainment and live performance, Cooke has melded his experience into creating visionary ways to horrify the masses. www.plagueproductions.com
TED DOUGHERTY is a writer, producer and director having worked with Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights, Knott’s Scary Farm, Cedar Fair and Hollow Studios, including directing and co-writing Fear VR, the first 4-D virtual reality horror experience at a major theme park. www.lunarvisions.com
Special Guests Andy Russ and Susan Russ: Dark Forest Creations/ Burn Brae Mansion
National Haunter's Convention: HalloweenShow.com
Haunter's Toolbox: Our other website for starting and growing your own Haunted Attraction
In this podcast episode, we talk to Robert Nulton from The *Haunt Rater* about the elements that he feels makes up a great Haunted Attraction experience and how you can improve your show for next season.
The Haunt Rater has been reviewing and walking through Haunted Houses since 2008. They've seen the small town haunts and the nationally recognized ones. They also offer haunt consulting and try to make the haunted attraction industry better through all of their services.
If you want to get these guys to help you improve your Haunt or just reach out and say hi, visit The Haunt Rater website here.
Robert has also starting working on the Haunter's Association which is still in it's infancy, but he is searching for like-minded individuals who want to build a community around doing haunted attractions the right way. You can contact Robert at the Haunter's Association here.
Keeping your Haunted Attraction fresh, safe, and entertaining are just a few things you need each year to provide your customers with a great experience. Getting another experienced Haunter's point-of-view can help bring a new perspective to your venue, sometimes it takes someone from the outside looking in. Thanks Robert for taking your time chatting with HaunTopic Radio!
And don't forget we have our own Membership Community at the Haunter's Toolbox where we host monthly live online workshops to help you continue to improve your Haunted Attraction. The Haunter's Toolbox: You can become a member for FREE here.
In this podcast episode, we get Ed Roberts on to discuss what to expect at this year's West Coast Haunter's Convention in Portland, Oregon on April 13th through the 15th.
What: A haunters convention for all, whether you are a pro haunter, home haunter, or Halloween enthusiast. The West Coast Haunter's Convention is a 501(c)3 organization that gives grants to professionals who work with children with hearing impairments and/or autism.
Where: Double Tree Hotel | 1000 NE Multnomah St. | Portland, Oregon 97232
When: April 13th - 15th, 2018
Website: https://hauntersconvention.com/
Contact: westcoasthauntcon@gmail.com
Thanks to Philip Hernandez from the Haunted Attraction Network, Dan Doble from Haunt Collective, and Ed Roberts from the WCHC for participating in this audio conversation.
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In this podcast episode of HaunTopic, we get Benjamin Selecky on from Vampfangs to discuss:
- How to Properly Wear Theatrical Lenses and Why You Need to Choose the Right Ones
- Why wearing faux teeth can make your scare character come to life
- The new vision he and his business partner, Alexis Abare, have for Vampfangs after their acquisition of the company.
- Celebrate 25 years of Vampfangs! (discounts are on their website)
- All of the products for Scare Actors and Haunters his company has to offer
Vampfangs Celebrates 25 Years and Announces New Ownership Vampfangs is excited to announce that after nearly a quarter century, the Salem-born online retailer has changed ownership. Though formally announced in this podcast, the company officially changed hands in July of 2017. “We are thrilled about our recent acquisition,” commented Alexis Abare and Benjamin Selecky, CEOs of Vampfangs. “It is an honor to be at the helm of such a well respected and established brand. We are excited about engaging with Vampfangs followers and are eager to receive their feedback and input. We are looking forward to bringing the same commitment to quality and personal service to Vampfangs that are at the core of our other businesses.”
“This sale marks one of the biggest milestones in my life. After 25 years, it feels like I sent a child off to college,” said Scott Smiledge, founder and former owner of Vampfangs. “I know that Vampfangs is in the best possible hands I could have ever hoped to find. Alexis and Ben are great friends with incredible drive, fire, and vision.” “We are passionate about delivering value to our clients and customers.
Our purchase of Vampfangs has created monstrous synergy between all of our brands.” says Abare. “We are committed to creating a phenomenal experience for new and returning guests and are deeply grateful to our longstanding, loyal customers who have made Vampfangs a trusted, global brand.” Plans for 2018 include expanding their selection of GOTHIKA® Theatrical Contact Lenses to include custom creations as well as toric lenses for patients with astigmatism.
In addition to widening the corrective strength options on many popular styles, Vampfangs will also spearhead efforts to educate consumers on contact lens safety. “Safety of our customers is paramount. We are in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and are proud to be one of the largest sources for FDA Cleared FX contacts in the United States.” commented Selecky.
About Vampfangs Founded in Salem, Massachusetts in 1993, Vampfangs is a leading online retailer of custom fit vampire fangs, GOTHIKA® contact lenses, fragrances, and apparel. They pride themselves on exceptional customer support and offering unique, personal products. Vampfangs is proud to serve the Halloween, cosplay, vampire, gothic, occult, haunted attraction, and makeup/special effects markets.
Vampfangs is a wholly owned subsidiary of Iron Raven, Inc. and has two sister companies; Haunted Farms of America ( farmhaunts.com ), a service provider and support community for farms that produce Haunted Attractions and Agritainment; and Dark Alchemy ( shopdarkalchemy.com ), a newly launched Occult Lifestyle & Apparel Brand. For more information on Vampfangs, visit Vampfangs.com
This is a 30 minute segment of our full training we hosted on https://www.haunterstoolbox.com "Start a Haunted Attraction without spending tons of money"
Starting up your first Haunted Attraction as a business can cost you a lot of money if you don't know where to invest your hard earned cash. In this podcast episode, we give you our first 30 minutes of our hour and a half workshop we hosted on HOW and WHERE to spend your money so you can be successful each year.
Many Haunted Attractions close their doors before they get the chance to grow like they should. You DO NOT need tons of money but you do need to know the important places to put your money.
Here is the outline on what we talked about in our live training session:
- Where to spend your money in your first year open
- Cheap design ideas to look professional
- Material costs that will save you money
- Cost-effective marketing ideas for your brand
- Where to find scare actors and haunted house staff
To get this recorded training, become a HAUNT MASTER member at Haunter's Toolbox.com.
To sign up for our next live workshop, Ask the Haunt Expert Master Class, CLICK HERE.
About HAuNTcon HAuNTcon, the leading event for starting and growing haunted attractions, is a trade-only event that brings industry professionals together each year. Owned by Urban Expositions, the event provides a platform for sourcing, learning, and networking. The next event will be held in New Orleans, January 25-27, 2019. For more information, visit hauntcon.com
Our experience at HAuNTcon 2018 in New Orleans, LA We could smell the cajun cuisine as we entered the heart of New Orleans. A bustling city full of ghost stories and a rich history dating back to 1718. Some parts of the landscape appear to be stuck in time due to the preservation of many of the buildings. Just like we had remembered...
We have been to New Orleans several times, the last time being 2014, but never to a Haunted Attraction convention. This trip was going to be a little different for me. I had to think about travel logistics to the convention center, schedules, first-time vendor stuff, entertaining my wife (who opts out of many things Haunt related), meeting up with friends, staying safe in the French Quarter, the various food options, and maintaining enough energy for the 12 hour road trip back to Missouri on Sunday.
Our expectations were exceeded in every way. It was easy to get to the convention with the Haunt Shuttle and the friendly Uber drivers. Once I found the check-in area and our vendor booth, the show floor was easy to navigate. The HAuNTcon management team were very organized and made sure we had everything we needed. The host hotel, Staybridge Suites, was located next to the Harrah's Casino (which my wife appreciated) and there were plenty of quality eateries close by and free breakfast. And it seemed the French Quarter was much cleaner than last time we visited.
We also appreciated the over-the-top Costume Ball that had excellent finger foods, amazing entertainment & costumes, and FREE drinks until 11:00pm! This was the first year that the party was included with your general admission ticket. And those light-up ladies dancing on the stage!! WOW.
Granted, the HAuNTcon 2018 product and vendor area is only a fraction of the size of the Halloween & Party Expo area, HAuNTcon really shines when it comes to their educational workshops and demonstrations that focus on practical advice you can implement in any haunt. And it's all included in the ticket. All-you-can-learn haunt education.
Overall we had a great experience at HAuNTcon 2018 and plan on going back next January 25-27, 2019. This was the first year that the event was produced by Urban Expositions and they plan on expanding the event next year. Now that they have their first year under their belt, they can listen to the feedback of the attendees and continue to make HAuNTcon a yearly stop on every Haunter's list.
Here are the Haunters that we chatted with: * Nightmare Harvest * The Pumpkin Geek * Haunt Shirts * Scared of Your Shadow * Top Dog Halloween Madness * Woodley Special Effects * Haunted Attraction Network/Leadership Symposium * Gantom Lighting * Big Scary Show * Magic Wheelchair
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If you're like us, you never get tired of stories from Haunt Season. We never get tired of talking about it. Here are the highlights from our experiences as Co-owner of the Dead Factory Haunted House (Brian Foreman) in Missouri and Manager of the Deadmonton Haunted House (Darryl Plunkie) in Canada.
Deadmonton Haunted House (Edmonton AB Canada) "The first haunted house I've been to! Waited in line for a few hours but worth it! Actors walked around while we were in line to scare us, so awesome. The haunted house was so well done! Scared me so much, jumped so much, laughed so much. Well done!! So much fun! Well worth the price and the wait!!" -Kayla Bourgoin
"Wonderfully terrifying experience. Arrive early in the day to get a good place in line, unless you're willing to dish for speed passes. Crazy amounts of imagination go into this 45 minute plus experience. Try not to rush through, but be forewarned. . Do not walk to slowly either :/" -Kristine Lynn Bowman
Dead Factory Haunted House (Mexico, Missouri) "I’ve been through the super fancy haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights in Universal Studios - Orlando, and The Dead Factory blew those big budget houses away. The actors are superb, the scared are bone chilling, and you can feel the level of care that they put into their craft. This will most definitely become an annual tradition. A huge thanks to everyone who made this entertainment possible." -Charles Dallas Parrott
"We just got done going through the house and I am still shaking. I ran out of there as fast as I could and I am not going to have a voice tomorrow! So much fun! You can tell these guys love what they do! Awesome price awesome & people check it out!" -Claudia Holt
Get our podcasts & more Haunt goodies in your email. Visit Us at Booth 110 at HAuNTcon & use code HAUNTOPIC for a FREE Show Pass!
Everything you need to know about the HAuNTcon: Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention and The Halloween & Party Expo in 2018. Located at New Orleans, Louisiana on January 12-15 . Well...almost everything.
New Orleans...scary stuff....Haunters...costume ball...Haunt Tours...Haunt classes...oh and so much more! In this podcast episode, we go behind the scenes of HAuNTcon 2018 with Liz Irving, the Vice President of Marketing and wearer of many hats behind the show. We discuss new events for HAuNTcon, what's included with each admission ticket, the new tours in New Orleans, and much more.
If you've never been to a HAuNTcon gathering, then this will be a great opportunity for you to visit the history of New Orleans and get your Haunt On during the show.
To see the complete lineup of events and pricing go here HAuNTcon.com. (Use code HAUNTOPIC to get a free show pass)
Overview of HAuNTcon 2018: a Haunt Show for all Haunters * 3 days of HAuNTcon education. Learn from the best in the haunt industry. * HAuNTcon and Halloween & Party Expo trade shows. So much ground to cover. * Show floor networking events. Meet new friends. * Live hands-on demonstrations. Get messy and learn. * Thursday pre-show inspiration tour. See the heart of New Orleans. * Friday Costume Ball. Party with other Halloween freaks like you. * Saturday night lights off tour at the Rise Haunted House * Sunday Garage Sale. Buy at huge discounts! * Monday advanced workshops. Dive deep into one topic.
-Come say Hi to us at Booth 110!- This will be the second time that the crew of HaunTopic Radio will be together and we want you to join us at HAuNTcon this year. We will be in Booth 110 grabbing sound bytes from Haunters and any attendee that wants to say Hi. We will also be floating around the show floor capturing video and audio interviews from cool people like you.
What is HAuNTcon? (watch this video for your answer) We hope to see you in New Orleans in January!
The forgotten audio recordings of the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show. We got so busy with Haunt Season that we almost forgot part 3 of our compilation from the Transworld Haunt Show. We've compiled the last remaining interviews and stories behind the Scares...just for you! And some Scary tunes too!!
What is the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show? Transworld is the largest trade show focused exclusively on Haunted Attractions, Corn Mazes, Escape Rooms, and Halloween. With hundreds of supply vendors, how-to classes, live demonstrations, and networking parties to meet other passionate scary people like yourself. Their website is http://haashow.com
Who is on this special audio podcast from the TransWorld Haunt Show? * Haunters Against Hate * Scott Swenson Creative Development * McKamey Manor * Don't Be a Monster * VFX Creates * Mad Monster Masks * Doomsday Haunt * Robot Costumes USA * Pale Night Productions * Missing Finger Productions * Little Jars of Horror * Sinister FX
Haunt Music played in this podcast: * "Building the Monster" -Midnight Syndicate * "Halloween Night" -Sam Haynes * "Dark Vesper" -Music for Haunts * "Grim Grinning Ghosts" -Haunted Mansion at Disney
Haunted Attraction Events coming up: * Legendary Haunt Tour - Philadelphia, PA - Nov.10-11, 2017 * IAAPA - Orlando, FL - Nov.13-17, 2017 * HAuNTcon - New Orleans, LA - Jan.12-15, 2017
More good stuff from HaunTopic Radio: * Training videos to Start and Grow your Haunted Attraction * Get our future podcasts..and a few oldies but goodies...in your email.
What Haunt or Halloween Shows Do YOU go to?
"Excellent Show! Lots of exhibits, friendly and scary people, good makeup demos, and an amazing body paint contest." -Mike Murray
| Dates: | August 26 & 27 2017 | | Location: | Mesquite Convention Center, Mesquite Texas | | Show Type: | Cash and carry consumer Halloween show | | Projected Attendance: | 3000 attendees | | Website: | www.HalloweenAndHauntFest.com |
In this podcast episode of HaunTopic, we get Steve Colberg on the mic to chat with us about his upcoming convention Halloween & HauntFest in Texas. We cover all things going on at the show in 2017 and dig a little deeper to find out the real story behind Steve and why he puts this event together for other Haunted House/Halloween junkies.
Thanks to Philip Hernandez (Haunted Attraction Network) and Tristin Pierce (Flatline Radio) for helping with this interview!
Inside the Halloween and Hauntfest: The Halloween & HauntFest Show is the premier Halloween event in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Halloween & HauntFest is a gateway event to the Halloween season. Guests will get sneak peeks of local Halloween attractions, the newest costumes and greatest decorations for the Holiday. This family-friendly weekend convention is open to the public. Convention elements include a vendor show floor, seminars and workshops.
The trade show will be a “cash and carry” show featuring:
- Local Halloween attractions and events
- Local artisans
- Decoration and costume stores
- Makeup
- Masks
- Creepy dolls
- Creepy contact lenses
- Day of the Dead merchandise
Education will have themed tracks:
- Making Monsters – Classes about makeup, costumes, scare acting and more
- Halloween Hosting – Learn recipes, mixology and decorating for the coolest Halloween parties
- Creep Your Crypt – How to decorate your yard and house for the holiday
- Terror Tech – Take your haunt to the next level! We’ll teach you how
- Halloween Preview – Previews and behind the scenes of local haunted attractions
Paid attendees will have free access to entertainment activities running continuously while the show floor is open. Entertainment includes:
- Celebrity guests
- Makeup demos
- Dance troops
- Body painting demos
Contact: Steven Colberg (949) 427-0255 Press@HalloweenAndHaunt.com
Are you a learner? Improve your Haunted Attraction with these Training Videos by our Specialists.
Midsummer Scream is a weekend full of Halloween and Haunted Attractions located in Long Beach, California. Interactive mini-haunts, classes to improve your Haunted House, celebrity guests, special events and parties, and over 225 exhibitors selling their products & services.
In this podcast episode, Darryl Plunkie and Phillip Hernandez chat with David Markland about the purpose of Midsummer Scream and the new things you can expect if you attend. Plus, we dive a little behind David's background before Midsummer Scream and how he spends Halloween night in California.
Where is Midsummer Scream? Midsummer scream is located at the Long Beach Convention Center at 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802. Special hotel rates and tickets can be purchased here at the Midsummer Scream Website. Check out the new classes and celebrity guests too!
What's NEW for Midsummer Scream 2017? * Bigger rooms and space for presentations and classes. * More expert panelists and presentations by the folks behind Halloween. * New topics and workshops to focus on specific challenges you may have.
What we would do if we were going to Midsummer Scream? * Go through the Hall of Shadows (14 mini-haunts)until they kick us out. * Stalk Elvira until she tattoos her name into our skin. * Sit, listen, and take numerous notes on every expert panel hosted...even if we have to be in two places at once.
A little about David Markland. * Check out his other Horror website Creepy LA: Creepy Happenings and Events around Los Angeles. * Stalk him on LinkedIn. * He's really excited about the Ben Cooper Costumes: Past and Future presentation at Midsummer Scream...since David used to wear the original Star Wars costumes when he was little.
We hope you can make it out to Southern California to attend Midsummer Scream one day. And hopefully we can meet you out there! Take advantage of the other great events coming to California within the month of August...listen to the podcast to find out where they are.
Having a difficult time recruiting and training Scare Actors?
Don't know where to start when it comes to Marketing your attraction?
Check out our Online Training Videos....Click Here to Learn More.
In this podcast episode, we chat with Michael Bolton from ScareCon Europe about what's new for UK's only Scare Attraction Convention and the future of the scare attraction industry. Plus ways to improve your Haunt Business.
ScareCON is Europe's ONLY show dedicated to the ever expanding scare attraction industry and is the highlight of the year for attraction owners, designers and scare fans alike. Whether you are looking to expand a commercial attraction, build a home haunt or whether you just want to celebrate the success of others, ScareCON has something for everyone.
This year's event will be held at the Alton Towers Convention Center and will include a dedicated program of workshops and seminars, the largest ever trade floor, access to one of the park's scare attractions, the ScareBALL costume party, live entertainment, evening meal and entry to the SCAR awards. Meet, socialize, network and learn from many of the industry's biggest names.
ScareCON will be held at the Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire in 2017 Stay informed with our FREE Monthly Newsletter. Click here.
Did you miss the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show this year? Don't worry. We were there and recorded a bunch of audio with Haunt Owners, Scare Actors, Vendors, and Haunt Marketers...and we unearthed some amazing value for you! And this is just Part TWO. Stay tuned for Part THREE as well. SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don't miss the next one.
Alright Haunters...I'm going to make this a quick post and just include a list and description of WHO we recorded during our trip to the Transworld Haunt, Halloween, and Escape Room Show in St.Louis, MO. (haashow.com) This is Part Two. Go here to listen to part one: http://hauntopic.com/transworld-2017
But first, I must thank my team of media partners once again that help record some great guests and brought a new perspective to these interviews!
Thanks Media partners and other interviewers! * Haunted Attractions Network: Phillip Hernandez * Gantom Lighting and Controls: Quan Gan * Flatline Radio: Tristin Pierce * Haunt Collective: Dan Doble * Haunt Collective: Kyle Krueger * Haunt Collective: Liz Mistele
WHO and WHAT is inside this podcast?? * Haunt House Tour: Finding your target market for your themed event. * Fear Worm Haunt-vertising: Advertise your Haunt on SnapChat and other social platforms. * Scareview Gradeschool: Great ideas and themes for your Haunted House. * Gantom: Using Z-tag to add profit to your Haunt Business. * Ticket Leap: Online ticketing for your haunted attraction or home haunt. * Allen Hopps/Haunt Dawgs: Scare acting resources and supplies for your haunt actors. * Madness Haunted House: Going from Home Haunter to Pro Haunter. * Immortal Masks: Silicone masks and accessories for Haunted House Actors. * Shadows Haunted House: How to operate a adult themed haunted attraction. * Fog It Up: Why it's important to use the right FOG in your haunt. * Poor Man's Props: Building props for your Haunt or Halloween event. * Gantom: The magic and value of Color Piano Lights.
A peek at Scare Factory Props in the Dark Zone: Interested in Starting or Growing your Haunted Attraction? Start learning with our Online Training Videos instantly. Click Here to view our training library.
Miss TransWorld? Listen to this podcast episode to hear the latest innovations within the Haunt Industry.
The West Coast Haunter's Convention is a Charity Haunt Show with vendors and education located in Portland, Oregon focused around Haunters of all types. Home Haunts, Halloween Fans, Haunted Attractions, Special FX Artists, Scare Actors, and anyone with a spooky side. Ask about the NERF WARS and staying the weekend on the 13TH FLOOR!
Who is on this podcast? Chris and Jeff Davis of the Davis Graveyard in Milwaukie, Oregon are directors behind the West Coast Haunters Convention (WCHC) and teachers in front of eager Haunters that are willing to learn. They explain how the WCHC is a unique Haunt/Halloween show that does things a little differently with a more relaxed atmosphere and a kick-ass costume ball. Dan Doble from Haunt Collective asks questions that Phillip Hernandez (Haunted Attractions Network) and I didn't cover.
5 Reasons to go to the West Coast Haunters Convention. * It's for a great cause. The WCHC is a 501(c)3 organization that gives grants to professionals who work with children with hearing impairments and/or autism. * It's affordable. You can get in for one day starting at $40. If you want the all access pass for the entire weekend plus costume ball ticket, daily buffet, Haunt Tour, and T-shirt for just $176. * You'll learn a lot! In person seminars hosted by specialists like Leonard Pickel and Jon Cooke from Knotts Berry Farm. Plus experts from all areas of the Halloween and Haunt Industry. * Free Beer. Go to the Meet-and-Creep on Thursday from 6:30 pm-9 pm to meet up with friends and enjoy beer on the house! * Stay the weekend on the 13th Floor. Yes...the Doubletree hotel has a 13th Floor. The WCHC reserves the entire 13th floor and has a decoration contest by judging those who wish to participate. There's also a bar just for this floor.
More links and information about the West Coast Haunters Convention: * All about the West Coast Haunter's Convention and the Nightmare Factory * The main website for the WCHC * The Nightmare Factory Haunted House
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Did you miss the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show this year? Don't worry. We were there and recorded a bunch of audio with Haunt Owners, Scare Actors, Vendors, and Haunt Marketers...and we unearthed some amazing value for you! And this is just Part One. Stay tuned for the next one. SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don't miss the next one.
Alright Haunters...I'm going to make this a quick post and just include a list and description of WHO we recorded during our trip to the Transworld Haunt, Halloween, and Escape Room Show in St.Louis, MO. (haashow.com) But first, I must thank my team of media partners that help record some great guests and brought a new perspective to these interviews!
Thanks Media partners and other interviewers! * Haunted Attractions Network: Phillip Hernandez * Gantom Lighting and Controls: Quan Gan * Flatline Radio: Tristin Pierce * Dan Doble * Kyle Krueger * Liz Mistele
WHO and WHAT is inside this podcast?? * Haunt Shirts: Shirts tailored for Haunters * Gantom: How Z-Tag and Piano Color Wheel can improve your Haunt * Find-a-Haunt: Get more customers to your Attraction or Event * Dan's Haunted House: A unique theme can make your Haunt stand out * Haunt on Williams St: Home Haunting Tips and Tricks * Crossroads Escape Games: Think outside the box when creating your escape game * Hammer Brothers Haunted Circus: A different way to shoot zombies * I Love FX Makeup: Innovations in the Special FX world * Voice from Hell: Taking care of your acting voice * Dare to Scare: An interactive app to entertain your customers * Mad Haunter Haunted House: Matching your Marketing with your Throughput * VFX Creates: Scare actor controlled props and puppets
- Venom VFX: Innovations with Haunt Lighting and Controls
A peek at Scare Factory Props in the Dark Zone: Interested in Starting or Growing your Haunted Attraction? Start learning with our Online Training Videos right now. Click Here to view our training library. Haunt Shirts with Tristin Pierce, Kyle Krueger, and Dan Doble
Special Announcement for Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show 2017
Would your Haunt Business or Haunted Attraction like to be heard & seen by 1,000s of Haunters from all over the world? We are hosting special audio spotlights, recorded video sessions, & LIVE streaming straight from the TransWorld show floor. All in one spot so you don't have to track us down.
These brief interviews will be shared across these popular Haunt Networks:
-Haunted Attraction Network
-HaunTopic Radio
-Inside the Haunt Industry
-Flatline Radio
-The Haunt Journal
Book your spot now before space runs out: http://hauntopic.com/interview
This will secure your session & help us streamline our days. Interview sessions will be no longer than 30 minutes. We will also be hovering around Booth 623 all day, but interview spots will be first come first serve. Stop by and say HI anyway!
Daily Events at Booth 623 (Gantom Lights/Media): -Book your interview now: http://hauntopic.com/interview
-PreShow LIVE Facebook stream hosted each morning before the show opens.
Go to the Haunters Toolbox Facebook Page at 9:30am CST on Fri, Sat, Sun. to hear our instant updates! http://www.facebook.com/groups/haunterstoolbox
-FREE Haunt Journal subscriptions & magazines.
-Flatline Radio LIVE on Friday 3-4:30pm.
-Home Haunting Tips by Dr.Terror Eyes on Saturday at 1-3pm.
-Daily free media opportunities to be seen & heard by Haunters across the globe & in your state.
Hope to See you there!!
The Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show is the world's largest trade show focused on Haunted Attractions and Escape Rooms. Place your orders for new Haunt Products, search out the new innovations for the industry, and meet up with like-minded people like you. Innovation within the Haunted Attraction Industry starts here!
Who is on this podcast talking about the Transworld Haunt Show? Shattered FX A premier silicone mask company that has been vending at the trade show for many years and believes in the magic that happens on the show floor. Jarred Alcala, the founder and owner, explains some great vending ideas for Haunters and How to survive a Halloween Convention. Plus, he explains the benefits between different types of silicone masks...just in case you want to buy one. Check them out at Shattered FX.
Mindtrap Creations/Mindtrap HauntedAttraction Bill Bornder, the mastermind of both of these companies, describes his reactions when he stepped on the trade show floor for the first time at the TransWorld Haunt Show. He also dives into the making of his Haunted Attraction Mind Trap and how he plans on spending his time for year two at the show. Find Bill's Haunt Mind Trap Here.
What is NEW at Transworld for 2017? * A larger Escape Room floor area and training classes for Escape Games. * An airbrush makeup class by Allen Hopps. * A Voodoo themed buffet and party * Midnight Syndicate workshops and anniversary. * Check out and register at HAASHOW.com
Why do you need to go? If you're wanting to start or improve your own Haunted Attraction Business, Escape Room, Themed Attraction, Halloween Event, Haunted House...then Transworld is the place to get a good grasp on what the Haunt Industry has to offer. Transworld has the most Haunt vendors of any of the Haunted Attraction Trade Shows in the world. Take advantage of the after-parties, community events, and free dinners. You'll gain so much knowledge from talking to other people and just listening. Now's the time to be a learner. Soak it all up. Take notes and LOTS of PICS!
Special training and meet up with Ed and Gavin on Saturday! We play their music in this podcast.
When and Where is the Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show? The Transworld Haunt Show is located inside the America's Center Convention Complex in downtown St.Louis, Missouri. Address: 701 Convention Plaza. For 2017 the dates are March 23th through March 26th. There are plenty of restaurants, grocery store, bars, and hotels (book now) close to the convention center.
Tips for making your TransWorld experience easier: * There is a Schnuck's grocery store 3 blocks from the America's Center. Great place to grab snacks and beverages. * Try to stay as close to the show as possible. This allows you to come and go with ease. Maybe a short afternoon nap? If you need to travel, use Uber or the transit. * Hang out in the lobbies and bars with other Haunters. This is a great place to find opportunities and friends. Just remember that classes start early. ;)
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In this one hour audio podcast episode, you will learn haunted house scare acting ideas from Darryl Plunkie (my co-host and scare actor at Dedmonton House) and pick up a few tips from (me) Brian Foreman on Managing the Dead Factory Haunted House in Mexico, Missouri.
Scare Acting Stories and Ideas from Deadmonton House Darryl Plunkie, co-host of HaunTopic Radio and Haunted House Scare Actor at Deadmonton House-Canada, knows his way around a Haunted Attraction. Passionate about Horror and Halloween most of his life, he has helped many themed events prepare before the big show by decorating and filling the rooms with a warm body whenever Scare Acting duty calls.
Darryl believes in not just scaring the patron walking through the Haunt but to ENTERTAIN the patron. "People are either paying with their money or their time....sometimes making them laugh can get them off guard just enough and sets them up for the next scare. If you can't scare them, make them at least remember you."
Darryl also throws in Things to Say as a Scare Actor, What to do in an Emergency, and Scare Tactics You Can Try.
Managing the Dead Factory Haunted House I have been doing this thing called 'Haunting' since I was a teenager but didn't really know it was a thing until around 2004. I started out as a volunteer Scare Actor helping my brother at a local area Haunted House. When that place closed down, we decided to build an outdoor haunt behind my brother's property called Backwoods Terror.
That lasted a few years until circumstances led for us to shut the doors on that haunt venture. I moved on to decorating my garage for trick-or-treaters (called Home Haunting) and practiced my decorating and scaring techniques for a few more years. This all led up to The Dead Factory in Mexico, Missouri. This is where I am Co-owner, manager, decorator, and wear many other hats as a Hauntrepreneur.
I go over Staying Flexible as a Haunt Manager, Where we are spending our budget next year, and a peek behind the doors of my Haunted Attraction- The Dead Factory.
Bonus Material in this podcast * Marketing ideas from Tyler Barnett and Phillip Hernandez (Marketing Monday-Haunted Attraction Network) * A sample soundtrack from inside The Dead Factory Haunted House. * 3 NEW Haunt Happenings from within the Haunted Attraction Industry
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HAuNTcon is a traveling Haunted House Convention that chooses a new city each year so that you have a chance to attend and so that new Haunted Attractions can be explored. With it's Haunt Tours, Educational Tracks, and Networking possibilities; HAuNTcon is a valuable resource for any level of Haunter.
In this podcast episode, we chat with HAuNTcon Speakers Scott Swenson (Scott Swenson Creative Dev.) and Todd Patton (Fear Connection) about their personal experiences at HAuNTcon conventions in the past and how HAuNTcon is a different show than many other haunt conventions. **Plus, we deep dive into creative ideas around Scare Acting, Haunt Marketing, and Local Competition.**
HAuNTcon 2017: Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow & Convention (website) * Where: In Nashville, Tennessee on January 26th through January 30th, 2017. At the Sheraton Music City Hotel and Conference Center. * Haunt Tours: Haunted Hell, Nashville Nightmare, Slaughter House, The Haunted Hospital, Raven's Cross Haunted Village, Skeleton's Lair Scream Park, Devil's Dungeon, Clarksville Zombie Hunters. * Educational Tracks: Actor Training, Haunt Business, Creative, Escape Rooms, and Live Demonstrations * Other Events: Costume Ball, Garage Sale, Trade Show, Networking
Haunted Attraction Tips Inside this Podcast: * Why local Haunted Attraction competition is a good thing for your business. * What benefits can be gained from attending Haunt Conventions and Shows. * Marketing ideas for your Haunted House or Halloween Event.
More about our guests: * Scott Swenson: Writer/Director/Producer at Scott Swenson Creative Development LLC
- Todd Patton: Director/Designer/Manager at Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern & Fear Connection
If you can't make it to HAuNTcon, search your area for local gatherings and meet-ups. There may be a local Haunter Group in your area. There may also be another Haunt Convention near by. Just get out of your Haunt, go take some educational classes to improve your Haunted Attraction, and meet other like-minded individuals like yourself. We're sure you'll find something great. We always have a great time at each convention we attend.
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Expect great things for HaunTopic Radio in 2017! Behind-the-scare interviews with professionals in the Haunted Attraction Industry, helpful advice to grow your Haunt from other Haunters, and a brand new website focused on those who want to start & grow their haunted attraction business.
Man!! What a crazy Haunt Season! How was your October?? I had planned to release more podcast episodes in September and October but the Dead Factory grabbed a hold of me and didn't let go. What started as a few small additions to our Haunt grew into over another 1,000 square feet of spiders and cemetery. We built more wall panels, added an effective spider area, and turned our small cemetery scene into a small indoor corn maze.
Now the Dead Factory is over 7,000 square feet! What originally started out as an idea quickly grew into a huge addition to our 20 minute walk-through. But we will have more episodes on that coming soon. As well as stories and highlights from our co-host Darryl Plunkie's adventures up there in Canada. Stay tuned for those podcast episodes coming soon.
What's NEW for HaunTopic Radio in 2017? Audio Episodes focused on starting and growing your Haunt: Whether you're a Pro Level Attraction searching for new ideas to take your Haunt to the next level or a Home Haunt that would love to be a bigger Haunted Attraction one day; you'll find some nuggets of wisdom inside our podcasts.
A NEW website focused on Starting and Growing a Haunted Attraction: I started HauntersToolbox.com last year and realized building this vision in my head was going to take a lot longer than I thought. This vision will be complete in 2017! This website will include a free membership for you if you want access to our Haunt Video Library and include a free Haunter Dashboard. This website will also have a paid membership feature that will grant you instant access to all of our Haunt Video Training Seminars, Live Training Seminars, and discounts on Haunt supplies and events. (Coming Soon)
An update to our email newsletter: Well...it's a bit more than just a newsletter. Once you sign up for our free newsletter, you get some of our favorite articles and podcasts that we have hand selected for you. You also get all of the new podcast episodes we release. We will also be adding newer articles, more helpful resources, and revamping most of our material. We are trying to add the most value to you- the Haunter that wants to instant results and guidance along the way. Email me at any time by replying to any of these emails. I will respond. You can subscribe for free here. We are looking forward to helping you be the best Haunter that you can be. And we thank you for sticking with us through the years and being a loyal listener to over 100 podcast episodes! You rock!!
3 Christmas Tracks from Midnight Syndicate in this podcast!
Keeping the sound contained in the rooms of your Haunt is a challenge. But with one simple material and a few tweaks to your layout, you can almost soundproof your haunt by absorbing lots of the noise. We say 'almost' because it's impossible to seal in all the sound but you can reduce noise overflow between areas. Listen to this podcast episode to learn more.
We all want our customers and attendees to experience an immersive environment when they walk through the mazes and rooms in our attractions and haunted houses but getting the atmospheres from blending together is a skill. We either use one soundtrack through the entire haunt and use smaller noises within each room or we try to create unique sounds for each area without blending the noises.
Ken Webster, from Sinful Audio (a sound design studio for haunts), explains that with a few simple design principles you can improve the sound experience in each of your rooms. And not spend much money doing it.
Here are 5 things you can try to help soundproof your Haunt: * Position your speakers up high and pointed down toward the center of your area. This helps shoot the noise to the center away from your exits. * Design your haunted attraction with angled walls. 90 degree angle walls are the worst for sound bouncing off of them. If possible, design walls or just one wall at an angle to deflect sound. * Hang pictures and add furniture. The more soft objects to absorb the sound the better. * Create sound absorbing panels with a fireproof insulation like Roxul or other sound deadening materials. * Add solid ceilings where possible. Without blocking sprinkler systems and still staying code compliant.
Listen to this episode where Ken explains ways to help soundproof your haunt.
Roxul Panels built by Ken to help soundproof any room. Creating Low Frequencies that you can feel. You can also use audio in your attraction that is such a low frequency that it can be felt and give your customers an eerie experience that they won't forget. This is called "Infrasound": which is sometimes categorized as low-frequency sound or signals that are lower than 20Hz in frequency. This also means that it is below the standard threshold of human hearing which is 20Hz – 20kHz. Read Ken's article on Infrasound here.
Final Thoughts: Experiment with different layouts with your rooms and areas. Set up your speakers, add furniture and sound panels, and test. Reposition walls if you need to. Set up your speakers a different way. Add more soundproofing panels. Maybe just turn down the volume while leaving the sound still effective.
We're pretty sure your attendees will still have a great show.
We made it to EPISODE 100! Thanks for being a loyal listener! In this podcast episode, we discuss our four years as podcasts hosts, what we have learned, and how you can use our past episodes as an extensive learning library.
We interview Philip Hernandez from the Haunted Attractions Network & Haunt Journal about how his free monthly digital Haunted Attraction magazine provides value to Haunters from beginners to experts. Including new phone apps, a new website, more podcasts, and the purchase of Haunt Nation Magazine. In Issue #5, Philip includes the article he wrote about my Haunted House the Dead Factory and what went wrong and what went right in my 2015 haunt season. A must read! Philip is lifting up the haunted attraction industry through all types of media..and it's all FREE. Learn more at HauntJournal.com
We also interview Jennifer Braverman from the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show on whats new at the trade show in 2016. More vendors, a larger haunt trade show floor, escape room training, and a few more rooms opened up if you need one! Transworld is the industry's largest trade show for Halloween & Haunted Attractions. Learn more at HAAShow.com We play some more tunes from The Night Keep and include Scene 3 of his dark story of Heretica. Daniel's cryptic tunes will definitely get you in the mood to scare. Learn more at NightKeep.bandcamp.com
Thank you for hanging out with us for 100 episodes and we look forward to the next 100!
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We just got back from HAuNTcon 2016, the Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow & Convention, and grabbed some great audio interviews from the show. We also discuss the highlights that we felt were the best parts of the convention for us. Plus, some new updates from the people and events surrounding the trade show.
Join Darryl and Brian as they share some ideas about the future of hauntopic Radio and leave a bonus track from Midnight Syndicate.