Haunted Attraction Network

We’ll learn about how CalHaunts created “Midsummer Estates,” the immersive entryway experience for this year’s Hall of Shadows at Midsummer Scream. Midsummer Scream stands out from other conventions because of its Hall of Shadows. The ‘Hall of Shadows’ is where local haunts set up walkthrough experiences to preview the upcoming Halloween Season. This year, CalHauntS created the entry portal into the Hall of Shadows from the show floor. This year’s entry was called “Midsummer Estates” and featured a small neighborhood with 8 homes decorated for the community’s annual Halloween Festival. Today we’ll hear about the process and learn more about each home from member Kate Thien. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Part walk down memory lane and part exploration of art – we’ll sit down with the creators of Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre to discuss their past 30 years. We’re continuing our Midsummer Scream coverage with another panel recorded live from this year’s show. This panel “30 years of Zombie Joe’s Underground” took place on Sunday July 31st and was moderated by Norm from Horrorbuzz. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Coming up, it’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus! We’ll hear from the cast as they reflect on the movie’s legacy. It’s been 29 years since Hocus Pocus was released and 30 years since the Filming. The film originally was a bit of a dud, but over the years has gathered a massive following. Today, we’ll learn about the filming and discover more about the film’s legacy with two of the cast – Vinessa Shaw and Omri Katz. Vinessa played Allison and Omri played Max in the film. Jeff Depaoli from Dizney Coast to Coast conducted this interview LIVE on stage during midsummer scream. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Idaho Halloween & Horror Con is this weekend, August 12-14, 2022, in Boise, ID; Registration is OPEN for TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show 2023; Guests at Universal Studios Florida can get their photo etched onto a mausoleum monument in the Halloween Tribute Store; The Universal Monsters Gallery of Legends allows hotel guests an extra experience corresponding to the "Universal Monsters" Legends Collide" house; The Walt Disney World Resort has revealed the food for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2022 at Magic Kingdom; "WITCH!" an immersive experience based on the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, opens Friday, August 19 at Heritage Square Museum; Frightworld Returns for its 20th year; Attack of the Rotting Corpses opens August 19th at Zombie Joe's in Hollywood; Deadmonton (Edmonton, AB) announced the themes for their 2022 haunted houses; Scare City (Manchester, UK) will open at the old Camelot Theme Park from September 30th; The SoCal Haunt List is now open for submissions through September 17. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Coming up, we’re discuss the earnings reports from Universal and Cedar Fair – plus changing ticketing policies at Tokyo Disney. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

We’re covering the top 13 cheap ways to promote your haunted attraction. On August 2nd, Brian and Philip taught a free class for the Haunter’s Toolbox Group members. This is the full recording of that class, covering the topics of Local involvement, Press releases, Media nights, Influencers, Email, Instagram, TikTok, the Google Business Suite, Website Optimizers, Facebook Freebies, Wristbands, Customer-generated content, and Direct Mail. Find Haunter’s Toolbox on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/123536027777548 ) or become a Haunt Master ( https://www.haunterstoolbox.com/main-pages/haunt-master-subscription/ ). Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Coming up, discover how music supervisors select tunes that appear in spooky TV shows, movies, and even commercials. This is the first 30 minutes of “Spooky Music in Visual” which took place on the 2nd Stage this past Saturday, July 30th at Midsummer Scream. For haunters especially, this provides insight you can apply when selecting media for your haunt. Featured in this panel are: Evan Bogart, Jennifer Smith, and Rebecca Rienks. . Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

In this episode you’ll learn about the history, process, and musical challenges behind some of the most iconic horror film soundtracks of all time. This is the full panel presentation “COMPOSERS OF THE APOCALYPSE” from the Main Stage this past Sunday, July 31st. This was a 90-minute presentation featuring talented musicians that have created iconic horror film scores and famous themes of films and shows that have thrilled us for decades. Joining moderator Michael Kolence of Grimm Life Collective was John Massari (Killer Klowns From Outer Space, The Ray Bradbury Theater, The Wizard of Speed and Time); Harry Manfredini (Friday the 13th and sequels, The Swamp Thing, House); Holly Amber Church (Open 24 Hours, Ruin Me, Dark Light); Alan Howarth (Halloween 2-6, Christine, They Live); Richard Band (Re-Animator, Troll, Ghoulies); and Christopher Young (Hellraiser, A Nightmare on Elm Street 2, Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities). Also featured are the Midsummer Scream producers – David Markland, Claire Dunlap Gary Baker, and Rick West. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This week’s news: The Weeknd is joining forces with Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights to inspire all-new, terrifying haunted houses based on his record-breaking “After Hours” album. Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream (Tampa, Florida) has announced another haunted house for this year's event: The Residence will return for 2022 - but with a special holiday twist. Midsummer Scream took place this weekend and saw record-breaking crowds at the Long Beach Convention Center. Candy manufacturer Hershey has stated that the company will not be able to meet Halloween demand this year. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today we discuss the CDC lifting restrictions for Cruise Ships; Hong Kong Disneyland Resort enhancing cast benefits; GDP data fanning concerns about a U.S. recession; and why Meta’s Profit is down 36%. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Coming up, Scott Swenson explains why you should design easter eggs into your haunt to engage your superfans. Apply for our Hauntathon before July 29th ( http://hauntathon.info/ ) and Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

USH has added a section to the studio tour for the first time in a long time. Jupiter’s Claim is the actual set from Jordan Peele’s new movie NOPE, and it was added to the studio tour to correspond with the movie’s debut. Today, we’re joined by Horrorbuzz founder Norm Gibney to discuss the film and the in-person immersive event that universal put on to launch the film. Apply for our Hauntathon before July 29th ( http://hauntathon.info/ ) and Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today we’ll hear from three haunters at San Diego Comic-Con 2022 vending. Featured in this episode: Garner Holt, President of Garner Holt Productions; Doug P'gosh, Creative Director of Retro-a-go-go; Tabitha Barron, Composite Effects. Apply for our Hauntathon before July 29th ( http://hauntathon.info/ ) and Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Midsummer Scream takes place this weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center; Reaper's Realm Haunted Farm and Trail is set to reopen for 2022; The new horror escape room "The Weeping Witch" comes to Cross Roads Escape Games this August; House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree returns this fall with new characters, new locations, and new cocktails; Spookslot Haunted Castle in Efteling theme park will close on September 4th; Spookers haunted attraction has been sold to Armageddon Expo; SeaWorld Orlando announces the first of their new and returning haunts, scare zones, shows, and themed bars; Halloween Horror Nights Orlando set facades appearing in parks. Apply for our Hauntathon before July 29th ( http://hauntathon.info/ ) and Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Scott and Philip go on an extended discussion about chaperone policies at your attraction and preparing for violence in the Fall Season. Then, we discuss the ICON park theme recall and the new Halloween announcements from Universal Studios Japan. Apply for our Hauntathon before July 29th ( http://hauntathon.info/ ) and Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Within Our Walls mixes voyeuristic horror theatre with haunted house-style sets and effects to create a new experience in Glendale. Created by Sam Kellman, a young home haunter, the experience is open through July 30th, 2022. Today we’ll learn about the show’s design and creation. Get your tickets online ( https://www.withinourwalls.show/ ). Our book “Follow The Story: The Foundation of Every Great Attraction” is available on Amazon ( https://amzn.to/3PNjB3H ), and you can Subscribe to all our offerings here: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This past December, Midsummer Scream presented a new event – Season’s Screamings - complete with a Hall of Yuletide Spirits. Like the Hall of Shadows at their signature event, this was a dark showfloor with holiday-themed haunts and displays. Today we’ll speak with creators from 5 of those displays. Midsummer Scream is next weekend and everyone we speak to in this episode will be involved, making this the perfect preview. This episode features Tim Fowler of CalHaunts, Rix Fowler of Fear Farm, Cameron McGuinness of Insane Haunt Productions, Joshua Roa St. Pierre of Reichland Asylum, and the Dreich Society. Season’s Screamings returns to Pasadena on December 2-4, 2022. Midsummer Scream ( https://midsummerscream.org/ ) is happening July 29-31 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Apply for our Hauntathon before July 29th ( http://hauntathon.info/ ) and Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The Texas Haunters Convention was this past weekend in Mesquite, and we went on location to find out how it went. Scott Freeman and Culley Franks explain why this year was the best yet for the show. Apply for our hauntathon http://hauntathon.info and Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Valley Fright Nights opens at LA Pierce College this weekend; Land of Illusion's Haunted Scream Park announces 2022 Entertainment Schedule; Southern Screams is coming to Holy City Brewing September 30th - October 31st; Escape the Madness opened in Frankfort, New York this past weekend; Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group presents "The Horror", a one-man performance; The Nightmare Chamber Haunted House cancels its 2022 pop-up event; Halloween Meltdown returns to Oakland, CA October 8th - 9th; Boixi Park Lake Nona celebrates Summerween this weekend; Dark Nights adds chills and thrills to Hersheypark Halloween Event; Monsters will take over Legoland resorts this Halloween season; Saw: The Experience escape room to open in London this Fall; Auditions & Casting Calls for SHAQTOBERFEST, The Dent Schoolhouse, Stalker Farms, and Southern Screams; Walmart and Lowe's debut their own 12' tall Halloween props; Spirit Halloween teases "Experiment 1031" with a mysterious countdown to July 20th; Rubies is bringing Ben Cooper to San Diego Comic-Con. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This week: Hersheypark announces Dark Nights Halloween event with haunted houses and Scare Zones; Legoland's Lego Monster Party returns; Nope Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This episode, courtesy of The Scare Factor, is all about Customer Service Pet Peeves that these professional reviewers see at haunts. Listen to hear what they are and tactics for how to address them. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

We’re going on-location to Max’s Nasty House, a new immersive production from Ballview Entertainment held at the Brickhouse Theatre in North Hollywood. We’ll learn about the directing of this sandbox environment and the “All Inclusive” ticket options. These elements are something you can try incorporating. Max’s Nasty House shows Thursdays nights through August 18th, 2022 (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maxs-nasty-house-tickets-371890663987). This interview features Director Megan Colburn. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

“Man is the Warmest Place to Hide" opened June 25th at Sugarmynt Gallery to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Thing and pays tribute to the 1980s filmography of director John Carpenter. Today we’ll visit the exhibit to learn about John Carpenter’s legacy and what it can teach you about making monsters for your haunt. Featured in this episode are curators Mark Tavares and Erin Haggerty, plus artist Kevin Smith. This exhibit is open through July 17, 2022, at Sugarmynt Gallery in Pasadena (https://www.sugarmynt.com/currentexhibit). Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The Texas Haunters Convention takes place this weekend - July 16th & 17th; Son of Monsterpalooza returns to Burbank October 14th - 16th; The next Haunted Attraction Association Zoom Mixer takes place July 28th at 8:00 p.m. EDT; Applications are now being accepted for the Haunted Attraction Association's Top Haunts program; Disneyland Resort's Oogie Boogie Bash sold out in under one week; Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream announced their first returning maze for 2022; the Winchester Mystery House offers new daily Walk With Spirits Tour; Thrillvania Haunted House Park will open for a special Mid Summer Night's Scream event on July 16th; "Within Our Walls" immersive theater event opens July 14th in Glendale, CA; Tunnel of Terror Haunted Car Wash tickets now on sale; Tom Devlin's "Teddy Told Me To" enters post-production. Read the stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-news-july-12

This week we’re sticking to I-5 for a few stories including girl injured by flying cellphone, Oogie Boogie Bash has sold out, Universal Studios Hollywood adds ‘Nope’ Jupiter’s Claim set to Studio Tour, and United has expanded their pilot program. We finish with two stories and a word of caution from China. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, we have two lighting tips for you from Julia at Gantom Lighting. The first is how to add texture using what you already have; Texture gives your scenes depth and makes them look more natural. The second is lighting transitions. Transitions are needed to ease your guest’s eyes into and out of the experience. Signup for a 30-minutes free haunt lighting consultation with Julia at (gantom.com/demo). Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Coming up, a step-by-step process to prepare your scare actors for this season. No matter your haunt’s size, there’s something for everyone in this guide. This episode is from one of our Partner Stations – Hauntopic Radio – hosted by Brian and Darryl. Today’s episode is a recording from Brian’s Haunt Master classes; you can join those at haunterstoolbox.com. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, we’re going on-location to Paranormal Cirque II. Paranormal Cirque combines horror, acrobatics, and comedy to create a 2-hour experience that’s currently touring the US. We’ll learn about the creation and specifically about the scripting of this unique show. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Haunters Against Hate: The Event takes place this coming weekend; Midsummer Scream releases schedule and new app; Nosferatu returns to the Renaissance Theatre Company this Halloween season; All Saints Lunatic Asylum announces Halloween season schedule; New Casting Calls from The Haunted Harvest, Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, Thrillvania Haunted House Park, and Cutting Edge Haunted House; the Teaser Trailer for Hocus Pocus 2 has been released. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Coming up, we’ll discuss Bob Chapek’s extension, the closing of California’s Great America, and Pride Day celebrates inclusion at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Tips and Tricks to make effective lighting designs with what you already have at your haunt. Today’s show breaks down lighting terms and concepts for you using real-world examples from a panel of 4 themed entertainment lighting designers. If you have specific questions about lighting, signup for a free chat from Julia at Gantom at (Gantom.com/demo). Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

We’re going behind the Scenes of Urban Death Cannibal Corpse at Zombie Joe’s Underground in North Hollywood. Today’s episode is a recording from our first meet-up of the season which we did in partnership with Horrorbuzz. We often say that Haunt is theatre you walk through, and the line between haunt and theatre is especially close with immersive horror theatre like Zombie Joe’s. If you’re a fan, it’s a fantastic look behind the curtain. If you’re a haunter, it’s an example of partnering with IP to act as inspiration for your show. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This episode, presented by The Scare Factor, discusses the different types of haunted attractions, and helps you determine which you should go to. We know many of you listening are in the industry and are already familiar with this, but by listening to a reviewer perspective might help you understand how to describe your haunt.

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights announces "The Horrors of Blumhouse" house - inspired by "The Black Phone" and "Freaky"; Phantom Fall Fest comes to Adventureland Park September 30th - October 30th; the first-ever SHAQTOBERFEST comes to the Queen Mary this Fall; Evil Intentions owner Mike Fitzpatrick discusses the haunt's actor-centric approach and plans for 2022; Grandin Road releases their 2022 Halloween Haven Sneak Peek. Read the stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-june-27-2022

Today we discuss Disney’s new Abortion Travel Credit, 13th Floor Entertainment Group’s new event Shaqtoberfest, and the opening of Volkanu from Sally Dark Rides. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

They say that the best thing about cruising is seeing new places, but it turns out there's more than just scenery on a ship. In this video, Scott explores how the new ‘Carnival Mardi Gras’ ship has been designed with entertainment in mind using space and activities. We'll look at why their design is so successful and see if we can apply those principles to our own work. This episode is courtesy of A Scott in the Dark Episode 68 Lessons from a Cruise Ship.

We’re going on-location to Massacre Haunted House in Montgomery IL to learn about their 2022 season. Massacre is known for their large sets and dramatic yearly renovations. We’ll hear all about it from owner Ryan Burke. We visited Evil Intentions June 10th during the Midwest Haunters Convention Haunt Tour.

We’ll hear about creating the Goosebumps TV series with Executive Story Editor and Writer Dan Angel. Dan talks about what it was like to work on the series and the journey of adapting the series from the popular books. He also shares some behind-the-scenes stories from the show. This audio is taken from a Q&A Dan gave at Sugarmynt Gallery on June 18th, 2022. Moderated by Jeff DePaoli, the event was part of the ‘Spooky Kids Club’ exhibit which Jeff co-curated. Sugarmynt’s new ‘The Thing Tribute Exhibit’ opens June 24th and the info is here: https://www.sugarmynt.com/

Disneyland Resort announces more details regarding their Halloween season events; Midsummer Scream announces HHN Panel; Ohio Haunters Association will hold next meeting on August 15th at Carnage Haunted House; West Coast Halloween Convention addresses concerns about their non-profit status; CreepyCon Halloween & Horror Convention takes place August 26th - 28th; The new Ghosts of Summer Halloween Convention comes to Portland, Oregon on August 5th & 6th; Nightmare Dungeon Haunted Attraction opens on June 24th - 26th; Carnage Haunted House opens July 29th - 30th; The Boozy Cauldron tour continues around the county; Home Depot sells out of skeletons yet again; Go behind-the-scenes of the new "Spooktacular" documentary. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-news-june-20

Disney unveils a new luxury experience, Universal Orlando unveils escape rooms, Ghost Town Alive! and Forbidden Frontier are returning for the 2022 season, and Electric Ocean comes to SeaWorld Orlando.

Coming up - How to Effectively Manage Your Time When Running a Haunted Attraction. Scott Swenson explains how working "time smart" will prevent your event from creeping up on you.

We’re going on-location to Evil Intentions in Elgin IL to learn about their 2022 season. Evil Intentions is known for its ‘jungle gym’ rooms filled with actors choreographed to original music. Today we’ll hear from owner Mike Fitzpatrick about what makes the haunt successful and what they have planned for 2022. We visited Evil Intentions on June 10th during the Midwest Haunters Convention Haunt Tour. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/D1xzG9RT16I

Join Bryan (Team Skelegore) and Tiph (Team Terror Techies) to discuss different types of scares you will experience at haunted attractions.

The Canadian Haunters Association announces 2021 Home Haunters Awards; Get 50% off your Chamber of Haunters membership; The next Haunters Toolbox Haunt Master Class takes place Wednesday, June 22nd - "Hiring and Training Actors: From Application to Opening Night"; Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary seeks actors, performers, retail & customer service staff, and more; Halloween Horror Nights announces a new house based on the 1978 classic film, "Halloween"; After a 2-year break, Halloween Horror Nights will return to Universal Studios Singapore for its 10th event; Efteling theme park announces new dark ride, "Danse Macabre", to replace the current "Spookslot" haunted house; Filmmaker Nate Thompson seeks to create a year-round "Horror Town" at Michigan's Old West Stagecoach Shop; The National Council on Public History discusses how The Pennhurst Haunted Asylum creates a haunt that is respectful of the building's troubled past; Las Vegas Fright Nights will host their "Summer of Screams" preview event July 15th - 16th; The Haunted Dome announces new location for 2022; Read the stories:https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-june-13

In our first "IRL" episode, Scott takes us on-location to the Indianapolis Zoo for a construction update. Then, Philip speaks with Brian Morrow at BMorrow Productions HQ about the recession, staffing, upcoming projects, and working with IP.

A primer on preparing your haunt for guests with disabilities from Scott Swenson.

Find out all about Europe's only trade show for the scare attraction and horror industry, from the seminars and workshops to the awards and ball. ScareCON is the biggest European Scare Convention! Today’s episode is courtesy of our partner station ScareTrack – the UK's first podcast dedicated to showcasing the Scare Attraction & Haunted House Industry. Their team went on-location to ScareCON 2022 and this is a glorious compilation of all that European haunt and horror awesome.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Spooktacular, the new documentary about Spookyworld! This new film takes an in-depth look at one of the original horror scream parks and Halloween destinations in America. This video is taken from a panel the team gave Friday during Monsterpalooza 2022. You’ll hear from the founder of SpookyWorld, David Bertolino, along with the documentary producers. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/SSbkx6-_fho

This week: Midwest Haunters Convention takes place this weekend in Rosemont, Illinois; HauntX returns to the Pomona Fairgrounds for a weekend of scare-based learning, exhibits, and more June 11th - 12th; Mark your calendars for Creepie Con 2022 - February 4th - 5th; Dark 2022 is now accepting applications for Scare Actors; Reminder - Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Scare Actor Auditions are approaching on June 17th - 18th; Creepy Hollow schedules fundraiser event for June 18th; Scareventure's Fright Nights at Alesmith Brewing Company returns for 7 nights of frights this October; Madworld Haunted Attraction will open for their 12th year on September 9th; Terror Vault teases their 2022 Halloween theme: The Summoning; Perdition Haunt rebrands as The Haunted Harvest; Paranormal Cirque brings their circus/theatre/cabaret hybrid to California this June - July; Little Rascals Pumpkin Patch and Halloween Haunt announces 2022 dates; View this week's special events from SugarMynt Gallery; HauntPay's 2022 Haunt Industry Report survey is now available; Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood construction is well underway as shown through construction images; Spirit Halloween announces the grand opening date for their flagship location: July 30th.

Tiqets.com published “Must-Know Travel Industry Trends For the 2022 High Season” and we dig into the report and discuss some key takeaways. We also discuss the Shanghai reopening, Castaway Cove’s staffing, the live production of “The Greatest Show On Earth,” and new announcements from Matel Adventure Park. Download the report here (https://www.tiqets.com/venues/resources/high-season-travel-industry-trends-2022/) and read the show notes here: https://www.haunt.news/green-tagged-2022-summer-travel-trends