HaunTopic Radio: Halloween | Haunted House | Haunted Attractions | Home Haunts

In Episode 25 of HaunTopic Radio we chat with Damon Carson of Fright Masters Props and House of Fright. Damon has loved Halloween ever since he was a little boy & has turned his passion into building props for other Haunters. We discuss Things You Can Do To Keep Volunteers Coming Back, a few Classic … Continue reading "Fright Masters: Scare Acting, Keeping Volunteers, & 20% OFF Your Next Prop"

In Episode 24 of HaunTopic Radio, we finally get Eric Lowther on the phone from Haunted Overload to get some advice on the steps from Home Haunting to Haunt Owner and How To Grow Your Haunt Business the Smart Way. Haunted Overload is an outdoor Haunted Attraction located in Lee, New Hampshire that Eric built & … Continue reading "Haunted Overload: No Halloween or Haunt Project is Too Big for Eric Lowther"

  In Episode 23 of HaunTopic Radio we chat with Erick Gyrion & Dan Doble from the Oblivion Haunted House and get some helpful advice for operating  your Haunt & a small peek into their lives as Haunters. After a few laughs & stories of their journey, we dive deep into a few topics any … Continue reading "Oblivion Haunted House: A Behind-the-Scene Interview with Erick Gyrion & Dan Doble"

In Episode 22 of HaunTopic Radio, me & Darryl talk about outdoor events that Haunters can participate in this summer throughout the year. We find more information about Haunters Camping Trips, Zombie Walks, Hearse Rallies, Zombie 5K Courses. We also include a couple interviews from the Oblivion Haunted House about the outcome of Haunter’s Camping … Continue reading "Zombie Walks, Zombie Races, & Camping Trips for Haunters"

  In Episode 21 of HaunTopic Radio we talk to Mark Cline, the man behind The Haunted Monster Museum & the professional sculptor of many large foam & fiberglass creatures. His masterpieces can be found in theme parks, haunted attractions, & in many popular locations all over the country. Everywhere Mark goes he leaves his thumbprint. His creations are so popular that he has been listed on Roadside America, interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, and waiting on an approval for a reality show. Make sure to watch the slideshow below while you listen to this audio episode. It shows off many of Mark’s awesome foam & fiberglass sculptures. If that doesn’t satisfy you, then make sure to visit the links listed below. We found more articles & pictures from around the web. If you stick around on this show’s audio interview, you might learn a few tricks for your next paper mache project. LISTEN TO EPISODE 21 OF HAUNTOPIC RADIO HERE: We also discuss the fire that devoured The Haunted Monster Museum in April and what the future holds for Mark. His plans have changed a bit but he still remains confident about where his journey is taking him. You might get some opportunities to learn from Mark on a more personal level in one of his classes. DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE CONTEST: Listen. Remember the question. Submit your answer to contest@hauntopic.com. Win a prize. A FREE CD from Prelude to a Nightmare (Dark Ride) & 2 Issues of Fright Times Magazine. [slideshow id=2]  FIND MORE ABOUT MARK HERE: Mark’s Home Website: Enchated Castle Studios.com Roadside America’s Article on Mark

In Episode 20 of HaunTopic Radio, we interview Kristy Noble from Noble Manor & The Arizona Haunter’s Association about her insights as a Home Haunter for the last 10 years. We discover Why She Loves Halloween, Some Simple Prop Tricks You Can Use Today, & Where to Find Ideas for Your Next Halloween Project. Each month we announce the winners of our monthly contest in our episode on the 26th. These are the lucky winners this month. 3rd Place (Fright Times Magazine): Lee Alder 2nd Place (Fright Times Magazine): Kevin Lancaster 1st Place (6 CDs Midnight Syndicate): Cyndi Noyes Listen to Episode 20 with Kristy Noble Here: Find More of Kristy Here: Home Haunter.net- Kristy’s Website Kristy on YouTube– Over 310 videos of Haunting Goodness Arizona Haunter’s Association- Cool place for Haunters in the Arizona Area to Meet Up     Websites Kristy Recommends for All Haunters: Shadow of Palms– Come Chat With Other Haunters Haunt Project.com- Over 1,000 Prop How-To’s & Tutorials for FREE Monster List– Huge List of Halloween/Haunt Projects to Keep You Busy All Year Long StiltBeast Studios– Join Allen Hopps every Wednesday on YouTube for some Haunt Fun!     If you want to get more information about The Haunter’s Camping Palooza on August 3-5, 2012 in Green Bay, WI– CLICK HERE  

In Episode 19 of HaunTopic Radio we get the Haunt Godfather Leonard Pickel back on the mic where we discuss many of the obstacles that Haunters face in today’s world of constant challenge. How to Save Money While Building Your Haunt, Why Stories are Important to the Success of Your Attraction, & How to Beat the Conga Line Effect By Changing Your Design are just a few of the topics we cover in this episode. You also get some get background on how he got his start as a Haunter and some of the lessons he learned along the way. Just save yourself a few years of learning and push play on that little audio player above. Information you can’t afford to miss….   I was going to try to summarize Leonard’s experience in a paragraph but there is no way to squeeze all of his accomplishments in just a few sentences. I decided to make a list instead. Here is just a few things he has done in the Haunt Industry: Produced his first commercial haunted house in 1976 as a fundraiser for the dormitory he was living in. In 1982 he volunteered his horror production expertise to the local March of Dimes Haunted House and became chairman of the charity Halloween Event a year later. In 1986 Leonard formed the basis for what later became known as the “Pickel Theory of Haunted Houses,” a high startle, low gore, high throughput, & low theatrics approach to dark amusements. He applied his October seasonal experience toward a summer seasonal haunted house in 1993, with Mayhem Manor® in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina which lasted 7 years. In 1994, Co-founder & Editor in Chief of  Haunted Attraction Magazine, the premier publication for the dark amusement industry. In 1997, Leonard took on the task of forming the Haunted Industry’s first trade association, the International Association of Haunted Attractions (IAHA). In 2000, Philip Morris of Morris Costumes in Charlotte, North Carolina, contracted Leonard  to facilitate the creation of a muli-element October seasonal Haunted Attraction. In 2004, he launched the first national convention for the Haunted Attraction Industry. The Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention (HAuNTcon)  In 2009, Leonard was awarded a Life Time Achievement award by the International Association of Haunted Attractions, (IAHA). He has designed over 80 original and creative Haunted Attraction designs for major venues including Madison Square Garden, Universal Studios Florida, Six Flags, Kentucky Kingdom, SCREAMS Terror Park and the Kandy Halloween Party at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, CA.   Check out Leonard’s Training Programs on Haunted House Design & Getting Started in the Haunted Attraction Business   If you want to find out more about Leonard Pickel or contact him for more Haunt Consulting check out these links: Hauntrepreneurs.com– Leonard’s Home Platform Leonard on facebook Leonard on Twitter

Do you love Midnight Syndicate music and have always wanted to know more about the creators behind the tracks? We interview Edward Douglas & Gavin Goszka from Midnight Syndicate and get them to open up a bit about their journey as Dark Composers. If you have never heard of Midnight Syndicate then you have a few years of music to catch up on. They are the composers of some of the best Gothic, Halloween, Horror Music over the last 15 years. Their songs can be found in video games, movies, concerts, haunted attractions, home haunts, & some new places you may not know about. Here is a quote from their site: “Often referred to as the first Haunted House band, Midnight Syndicate is the industry standard for the world’s top haunted attractions and amusement parks. From Siberia and Hong Kong to Europe and the United States, whether it’s a costume store, neighborhood celebration, Sirius XM’s Halloween Channel, or even a Halloween themed-cruise, Midnight Syndicate’s music has become synonymous with the many people’s celebration of the holiday.”   We also announce the rules for the July Give Away. If you want a chance to Win a 6 Pack of Midnight Syndicate Music (a $90 Value) then you must listen to the rules in this podcast and send in your answer to contest@hauntopic.com. You can’t win if you don’t play. Find More Midnight Syndicate Here: Midnight Syndicate Website Midnight Syndicate Music Videos Midnight Syndicate Facebook Page   What is your favorite track from Midnight Syndicate? Please leave your comment below.  

In Episode 17 we talk with 5 Haunt Vendors from the Transworld 2012  Halloween & Haunt Show about: How to Sell Your Tickets Online Without Start Up Costs What is the Real Difference Between Fog Liquids New Products for Your Home and Your Haunt  Where to Find Efficient & Reliable Printing An Easier Way to Control Your Props Without Programming We also introduce a NEW Haunt Project that is trying to grow wings and fly; but will need your help to get it off the ground. If you use any type of animatronic & prop controller, you’ll want to check this new company out!     Listen to Episode 17 of HaunTopic Radio by clicking the play button below:     Here are the websites to the Product Creators we highlight in the show: Ticket Leap: Set up an account, sell your tickets online, & get more customers now! Ticket Leap has been a trusted brand with Haunted Attractions for years & now it is easier than ever to start your ticketing with no start-up cost! (If you use this link then we will receive a small commission for each new account we help get started.) HauntBox on Kickstarter: Support this project on Kickstarter! The Hauntbox is a prop controller and automation machine that is browser-configured, open source and Arduino-compatible. It’s cool because you can automate inputs and outputs with no programming. Master Fog: Master Fog simply brings you the finest in theatrical effects fluids. They specialize in a wide variety of fog and haze fluids all at a reasonable price. Made in the USA. Skeletons & More: Items such as skeletons, masks, props and custom made props. They specialize in creating our own unique custom designed skeleton and bone props; such as skeleton chandeliers and skull wall sconces. Jak Prints: Specializes in custom full-color offset printing, apparel printing, and sticker production. Their state-of-the-art equipment and an expert staff with over 25 years of collective experience in the printing industry allows them to offer the highest quality products and best service anywhere while still offering the industry’s most competitive prices. Fright Catalog: Online Halloween store since 2000 that caters to the Home Haunter & Halloween Fans. If you can’t find it anywhere else- check here! The winners of this month’s contest are: James Schuppe- Fright Times Magazine Matthew Hampel- Fright Times Magazine Dana Abbitt- Prelude to a Nightmare (Dark Ride) CD Image donated by http://epitome.wikidot.com/chocozombie   Who are Your Favorite Suppliers, Makers, & Vendors of Halloween/Haunt Products?

In Episode 16 of HaunTopic Radio we get The Bloodshed Brothers on the line & get their advice on How to Be Successful Your First Year in the Haunt Business, Using Social Media to Get Noticed in the Haunt Industry, and Where to Find Cheap Props for Your Haunt. Jeromy & Zach Ball are well known for their YouTube Videos (818 Videos at the time of this post); which highlight their adventures as Haunters, give you a sneak peek at their normal lives, & led them to be noticed by a local Haunted Attraction as two passionate Haunters. Passionate enough to be selected to design & manage The Field of Screams Haunted Stadium in 2011 & this year too!     Listen to Our Recent Interview With the Brothers Here:        Here is a written Interview with the Bloodshed Brothers that I wrote back in 2011. I met them at Transworld for the first time this year & felt a bit “Star Struck” as I interviewed them in person on the show floor. I know they are just normal guys that like to Haunt with over 1,400 Subscribers on YouTube. I know they have only been publishing videos since 2009. I also know that they were easy to talk to as they spoke openly about their journey as Haunters. But what I don’t know is how can anyone not feel a bit ‘star struck’ after seeing their faces on over 800 videos?    The Field of Screams Haunted Stadium is located in Lake Elsinore, CA and will be open for the 2012 Season.      Find The Bloodshed Brothers Here: The Bloodshed Brothers on YouTube The Bloodshed Brothers on Facebook The Bloodshed Brothers on Twitter The Haunted Stadium Website Another Article about the Bloodshed Brothers     What Advice/Questions Do You Have About Starting Up Your Own Haunt?    

In Episode 15 of HaunTopic Radio we chat with Kyle Snow, Owner & “Head” Skull Maker at The Skull Shoppe. He explains how he molds & makes 100’s of skulls, the inspiration behind the creative process, & what it really takes to operate a successful vendor business. If you thought every skull was made the same, you might want to take another look. These skulls are about as real as it gets. Molded from Real Human Skulls these craniums will put that creepy touch to your haunt, your next prop, or just sitting on your desk. Listen to our interview with Kyle here:     Here are what a few Haunters are saying: “Just wanted to let you guys know I got my skull today and its completely awesome!! Thanks again” “The absolute best product you will find at any price. Skull Shoppe can’t be beat, fantastic work.” “Love the skull we got at the WCHC, it was the one we had won from Hauntcast!” This is also our first podcast of the month so our contest question will be in this episode. Submit your answer to contest@hauntopic.com for a chance to win a Dark Ride CD from Prelude to a Nightmare or (2) issues of Fright Times Magazine. You will have until June 26th to enter. All winners will be announced on the July 6th episode.       Contact The Skull Shoppe: Skull Shoppe.com Skull Shoppe Facebook Page     How Do You Make Your Skulls & Do You Own a Skull Shoppe Skull? Please Leave a Comment Below…  

In Episode 14 of HaunTopic Radio we spin our new segment “Spyder’s Web” where we wrap up with a few of our favorite bloggers, facebook groups & pages, and talk about the real trauma Darryl has suffered over the past few days. Halloween & Haunt Bloggers are those passionate few that really enjoy sharing their dark adventurous lives with the rest of the world. Running a website/blog is a very demanding task if you are not enjoying what you are writing. That may explain why 95% of all bloggers stop writing or posting within the first 90 days. You must be willing to help others, enjoy sharing your daily/weekly experiences, and stay dedicated to your craft. These bloggers we have listed are just a few of our fellow friends who have influenced us in one way or another. They are all definitely worth a few minutes just to see if they can help you discover new ideas or maybe you can relate to their passion for all things scary… Hallowdean’s Haunt & Haunt Blog Davis Graveyard Strange Little Girl Blog My Ghoul Friday Justine’s Halloween Haunter’s Digest Grimlock Manor Steve’s Haunted Yard Facebook Groups & Pages provide updates, ideas, & relationships. Here are the ones we tend to hangout at and a few of our picks where you can find information about Haunting, discover new friends to link up with, & join small communities that share ideas with each other. (We mentioned many on the podcast that are not listed here.) The HaunTopic Facebook page The Haunter’s Toolbox The Haunted Attraction Industry Haunt Ventures Halloween Prop Builders Halloween-L Haunt Vloggers & Halloween Videos Halloween Haunt Calendar Congrats to the winners of this month’s give away! Robert Dean wins a Copy of Fright Times Magazine & Mark Sloat wins a copy of Dark Ride from Prelude to a Nightmare. Make sure to play next month, we’ll be giving away more prizes. What are Your Favorite Groups, Favorite Blogs & Websites, & Favorite Places to Hang Out?

In Episode 13 of HaunTopic Radio, we mind travel to the West Coast and share a few moments with Ed Roberts; the man behind The West Coast Haunter’s Convention. It will be held in Portland, OR on June 1-3, 2012 at the Doubletree Hotel. This convention is open to all Halloween fans, Home Haunters, Haunt Owners, Vendors, Artists, and everyone else who loves the Dark & Scary. And it only costs $40 for the whole weekend. We’re talking Haunt Tours, Make & Takes, Pretty Hearses to look at, Haunters like You to talk to, Over 40 Classes, Tradeshows, a Costume Ball, and many other possibilities. Ed is also helping The Oregon School for the Def by using money earned from the Convention to support to those who need it most. Watch the video below: The Extreme Makeover comes to help out the school & their Haunt. All of this….all on the West Coast…and for charity? Oh yeah…he is offering all Home Haunters a FREE TABLE at the convention.    More Information About The West Coast Haunter’s Convention: West Coast Haunter’s Convention Website: Get Your Tickets & Learn Why You must Go West Coast Haunter’s Convention Facebook Page: Get Instant Updates & Specials The Davis Graveyard: See what Chris & Jeff Davis have going on this year & this Halloween. This is a Video about the Extreme Makeover at the Oregon School for the Def & their Haunt. Listen to Episode 11 to Enter The Contest for the month of May. Click Here.  

In Episode 12 of HaunTopic Radio, we sit down & discuss The Midwest Haunter’s Convention with Barry & Kathy Schieferstein. If you have questions about prices, classes, tours, events, or stuff to do at night…then turn this one up. The Midwest Haunters Convention is located in Columbus, OH on June 8-10 and is a weekend event planned for Haunted Attraction Producers, Actors, Makeup Artists, Technicians and Home Haunters. The MHC goal is to provide you with educational seminars and workshops with experienced presenters, a 75+ vendor tradeshow with the latest in haunt offerings, and a place to network with others in the industry during their fun social activities. If you are involved in a haunted house in any way then MHC is the place to be! Don’t forget to enter the contest. We are giving away a CD from Prelude to a Nightmare & another copy of Fright Times Magazine but you have to listen to Episode 11 to hear the rules. We’ll announce the winners on the Episode we release on May 26. The DEADline is May 24.   GO HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Midwest Haunter’s Convention Website: Sign-Up, Get Classes, Learn More… Midwest Haunter’s Facebook Page: Get Live Updates. Kristy Noble’s Saturday Class on Controllers : Using VSA and the Pololu Control Center from a Home-Haunters Perspective! The Complete List of Classes at the MHC: Learn & Share Your Ideas With Others.  

In Episode 11 of HaunTopic Radio we talk with Scott Karan, the man behind the creepy & whimsical sound of Prelude to a Nightmare. A new generation of Haunt Music has begun… Scott didn’t realize how massive the Haunt Industry was until he started composing music for a Haunt that he was trying to help out. One piece of audio flowed into another and before long his dark journey into the world of  horror began. Click here to listen to 3 Soundscapes of Scott’s Music & an Interview with the man behind it all.     Like any artist; we grab our tools, find our ‘place’, & go to create. Scott Karan does the same with his talent. Here are some of the nice things his customers have said about him:   “Showcases the same magical whimsy as a Danny Elfman Score…it definitely sets the creepy mood.” Rue Morgue “Spooky and atmospheric, it’s perfect music for your moldering sanctum!” Chad Savage – Pumpkincult.com “EVERYONE should have your Halloween album!” Zombie Hot Sauce via Twitter “If you’re a fan of music from folks like Midnight Syndicate or Nox Arcana then you’ll love the dark Gothic soundscape woven by Prelude to a Nightmare.” Raven’s Burrow   Listen to the podcast to find out Where Scott Finds Inspiration to Fuel His Creativity, How You Can Start to Make Your Own Haunt Music, & How To Win A FREE CD from Prelude to a Nightmare. Just click that play button (you know you want to)…….   Find More Here: Prelude to a Nightmare Website: Listen to 24 Tracks of FREE Music! Help Out Scott on Kickstarter: He only needs $200 more to go…and you get music & goodies.