HaunTopic Radio: Haunted Attractions | Haunted Houses | Hallow...

"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

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 

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

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

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.

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.

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)

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