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Author: Brian Foreman

Dan Krein: Creator of Souls Of The Forsaken

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When I first saw Dan Krein’s video of Souls of the Forsaken I had to replay it several times just to catch all the detail he had put into his Home Haunt! His haunt ranked among the few who made it to the top of the Home Haunter’s Association for Top Home Haunts of 2010. You can feel his passion for Halloween just by reading this interview. And passion is what really keep us going into the next year anyway, right? I know that is what keeps me typing, podcasting, blogging, and haunting. Passion is contagious and I’m starting to feel a bit like attending a trade show or something. I can relate to Dan and plan on grabbing a beer with him at TransWorld this year. If this interview with Dan doesn’t spark a bit of passion in you then pull the dagger out of your heart, close down your Haunt, and go watch a Justin Bieber video.

Congrats on making the Top 15 at the Home Haunter’s Association!

It was an honor to be listed in the Top 15 Home Haunts for the HHA contest. There are many great home haunts out there and to be considered as a finalist was such an honor. I hope that this will bring more attention to my haunt and get my haunt noticed by the professionals. My plan is to open my own professional haunt in the very near future. I feel that I am ready and can’t wait to go pro. It’s my dream.

How did you get started in Home Haunting?

I started small with a few Halloween props in the front yard. My wife had purchased some gory items on Ebay and we displayed them in the front yard and garage. She found out about Transworld while looking up Halloween related stuff on the internet. She asked the supplier of our first props, Jeremy from Creepy Collections (who was just starting out his business), to help us get into the show . He did and so in 2007 we attended our first Transworld in Chicago. This was “the moment” when all things changed. I entered the show and all hell broke loose. I was reborn as a Home Haunter!!!!!

How many years have you been converting your home into a Halloween playground?

2011 will be my 6th year as a home haunter. Over the past 2 years I consider myself to be an extreme home haunter. The difference I believe is in the addition of my backyard walk through haunted house. So not only do I display and have an attraction in my front yard and garage. But I also have a fully constructed 7 room haunted house with actors consuming my entire backyard.

What are the good/evil sides of Home Haunting?

The Pros: seeing all the visitors that come out each year and enjoying themselves. Having a great community function that all can attend. I love to hear screams and laughs from everyone. I know when that is happening that all the blood sweat and tears I put into the haunt is well worth it.  I love the positive feed back that the visitors tell me. I can hear them talking about the haunt as they are getting back into their cars and you know they enjoyed themselves. Each year there are hundreds of repeaters- this is awesome. Last year I joined “Haunts Against Hunger” and raised over $5,000 worth of food for my local food pantery. The other pro is that I am doing what I really, and I mean really love! This is my passion and I believe that I finally have found my calling.

The cons that arise start with not being able to spend a lot of time with my family while getting the haunt ready each year. Everyone is involved with the haunt when October rolls around but otherwise I don’t see enough of them with the haunt and a full-time job.  I hate having to take it all down. I have no real place to store it. And have not been able to park in my garage in years, eat in my dining room, or finish my basement due to all the props. A lot of things around the house get put on the back burner due to time and funds that are not available.   It takes 2 months to put up the haunt and a month to take it down. I really spend 365 days a year planning, designing, constructing then building the haunt.

 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJP6eZpea0&w=480&h=390]

Do you build or buy most of your props?

Most of the props are purchased while attending the Transwold show. I do make my own props now and am learning all the time and expanding my collection. I design the layout , decorate and highly detail the haunt each year. My favorite vendors are Ghost Ride Prod, Unit 70, Creepy Collections, and Distortions. There are so many others but too many to list. I love them all.

What is one Halloween memory that motivated you and led you here?

My vivid memory comes from Brookfield JC’s haunted house. I look back upon it as a terrifying experience for a young boy. But I enjoyed every minute of it. Chainsaws have a particular place in my heart…

Word of encouragement for those aspiring Haunters out there?

Always enjoy doing it.  Always try to surpass your own expectations. Challenge yourself to make it better each year. And always try to help out a fellow Home Haunter..

Contact Dan Krein:

Website: http://www.soulsoftheforsaken.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SoulsOfTheForsaken

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18383019@N04

Email: [email protected]


How To Get More People To Find Your Haunt

I stumbled across a hidden gem while working on my own business. A FREE way to get your Haunt ranked high in Google in just a few easy steps! No ad-words, no fees, no catch! Follow these simple steps to have your Home Haunt or Haunted Attraction reach out and get everyone’s attention! Let me show you how.

  • First, you need a Google Account. Most of the horror geeks out there already have a google account but I really didn’t use mine until a few months ago. You can use your existing email account to sign up for this account. I have a side local business that I own and decided to list my business. After these simple steps now it shows up at the top of google search page for places and maps. I have now done this with my home haunt. Here are some screen shots I captured as I was listing my home haunt. It’s really simple. Click Here to get started.
  • After you sign up for a free account-list your Haunted Hot Spot. Just follow the next few easy steps to get your business located. The phone number is not a real number so please don’t call it. My address is correct.
  • Use a unique phone number for your business. Only if you have another business listed on google with the same number. I haven’t tried to use the same number but I assumed that is why they verify your number with your account.
  • Sit back and let Google take care of the rest! I don’t remember getting a verification letter in the mail. I think they emailed me a link or something. Either way follow up with the instructions they give you. Do Not try to cheat the system with multiple business’ or names.  Be honest and you will be on your way in the top of your area! If you run into any problems email me at [email protected]

Photo donated by: www.cuomoz.com/ibmblog/

Steve Reeves: The Man Behind Steve’s Haunted Yard

I have never met Steve in person but I feel that I have known him my entire haunting journey. His YouTube channel is one of the first places that I checked out when entering this dark realm of horror and creativity. He has produced over 100 videos and keeps them informative and entertaining! He is the creator of Steve’s Haunted Yard (aka The Forgotten Cemetery) and 3rd place winner at the Home Haunter’s Association for Best Home Haunt in 2010. Whether you want to learn how to build a drop panel or see one of his kids being zapped by an electric chair prop (not real of course), go check out his channel and leave a comment, share it with a fellow haunter, or ask to be his friend. He’s that type of guy! He just got back from a visit with The Bloodshed Brothers but you’ll have to wait until next time to hear about them. That post will be coming soon. So subscribe to my spam-free posts which you’ll receive each time I write something new.

But you’re not here to read about them or me, your here to learn more about Steve Reeves and what makes him tick! So here is my interview with Steve.

What keeps you motivated for doing your Haunt every year?

I’m crazy and geek-ed out for building props. It’s as simple as that. My local haunt group TXFX also keeps me going along with the forums and of course the Garage Of Evil and Hauntcast.

What do you do when you’re not Haunting? Work/hobbies?

I am a full-time Soldier with the Texas Army National Guard. I am the Marketing Manager for the state Recruiting and Retention Command. The job is very demanding but very fun. As for hobbies well Youtube has really taken over as something I really enjoy doing. I have a Youtube channel called Yardhaunter5. I do not do a daily vlog but I would if I had the time. It is really fun and it seems to be growing in the haunt community. There are a few haunters that do a daily vlog. The Bloodshedbrothers and HalloweenHellmouth do a daily and recently Dionicia from Noble Manor has started a vlog. Hauntoween is another haunter that does a vlog at least once a week. If you are looking for prop building ideas Youtube has become a really good source.

How does your family participate in your Halloween obsession?

My wife lets me do it. I’m happy with that much. She could really give me a hard time but she lets me have my fun with my obsession “Thanks honey”. The wife does like to dress up in costume…oh yeah….. My daughters enjoy it and now that my oldest has more friends they helped in the haunt last year. She had about 5 friends as scare actors for 2010. My two little ones ask all the time “Dad, is it Halloween yet?” Just yesterday we went to Michaels to get some sculpting tools and clay and my middle one said “Is this the scary store Dad? Can we go to the scary store?” My kids are awesome!

How much time do you spend preparing/designing/constructing?

I plan all year-long. I put everything in my little haunt book. As I think of ideas I write them down. I don’t build anything until around January but once I get started I can’t stop. Last year was the biggest build year for me so far. This year I will be focused on reworking current props and adding more details. I have pretty much ran out of room for any new big props. Just like most haunters out there I am never done. I am pretty much building something up until opening night.

How many volunteers do you need to run your haunt?

For it to be really good about 10 would be great! But I have never had that many. I had a total of 13 last year but not all on the same night. I need to be more persistent this year on getting volunteers. I had business cards made this year to pass out so I hope that will help.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtrrmFzHsbQ]

What does winning the HHA 3rd place spot mean to you?

You know, I still can’t even believe I won! It is very unbelievable to me. I really owe it to the whole haunt community for sharing all their ideas with me. Everything I make was inspired by another haunter out there. I guess thanks to everyone and it also means there is room to make it better. And I am sure going to have fun trying.

One useful home haunting tip?

Garage sales are the best place to find props. Use your imagination and try to see how you can use something and make it into a prop. And I know you said only one tip but lighting is probably the very most important aspect along with sound.

One detail most people do not know about you?

I love Brussels sprouts with bacon

Words of wisdom for the aspiring home haunter?

Go to make and takes and get involved on the forums and subscribe to Hauntcast LOL! Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Email me YOUR questions to ask Steve and I’ll set up another interview with your questions. [email protected]

Thanks Steve for taking the time to answer a few questions. We’ll set up another interview soon! Congrats on your haunting success!

 

No excuses for not finding Steve:

Website:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/YARDHAUNTER5

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/yardhaunter5

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1227283772

Garage of Evil: http://www.garageofevilnetwork.com/group/deadtexans

The 5 Different Types of Scare Actors

As actors, we all search for new ideas and methods to scare the victims that go through our haunts. I came across an old article in HauntWorld magazine (Issue 3) by Ben Armstrong titled What’s Your Line that describes various methods that an actor can use to improve his skit. Reading this article sparked an idea for a post that many actors will find interesting . Here are some ideas to get your actors to improve their scares and they can always switch ideas up as needed.

    • The Sharer: Wants to give the patrons something horrible they do not want. “Wanna pet my snake?” “Here. Take this. Take IT! TAKE IT! NOW!” “I want to show you something…come with me. It’s a secret. I promise not to hurt you…” This also works great if you have nasty props that no one wants to touch. One year my brother was dressed up like a Mad Doctor trying to give the guests a shot with a huge sirenge. Most people do not like needles.

 

    • The Dominator: Tells the patrons to do something horrible they do not want to do. “Touch me….I want to touch you…they tell me if you touch me that I can touch you!” “Get in the coffin. Uncle Bud don’t need it no more..GET IN!” “Kiss the pig. Let me hear you squeal like a pig!” “Give me your shoes. I want your shoes!” Be prepared for your customers to follow your commands. Ben explains that one year they told people to get into giant cages and commanded that they couldn’t get out until they sang songs. 99% of them sang their scared little hearts out!

 

    • The Questioner: Asks patrons questions they do not want to answer. “What’s your name? What’s your friend’s name? Does she like dark places? Are you scared?” “What do your insides look like? Purple or red…let’s see!” You might have to tweek this one a bit because many people have their heads down just trying to get through. If you want them to answer you find a creative way to keep them in your area until they give you one.

 

    • The Pleader: Begs the patrons not to do something. “No. Don’t go in there! Please! Don’t leave me here!” “Don’t look at me..please I’m disgusting. Don’t look at me….” “Stay here with me. I’m scared. Please stay here..they want to hurt you…” This is the play on reverse psychology. You’re kinda letting them know that you warned them and BOOM! Let’s say you have a little girl or petrified old lady in a corner with a little ambient light. She tries to tell the crowd not to look at her bashfully. Then she jumps out and turns on the anxiety! And maybe she triggers a strobe or different color light as her mood changes. One year we had a little girl actor that worked this one perfectly!

 

  • The Threatener: “I’m going to _____you” “I’m going to find you in the dark…” Make sure when you threaten that something happens to them soon afterward. “I’m going to rip off your legs” and then have compressed air shoot up their legs! Instant spillage!

Many of us experienced actors have probably used most of these methods at one time or another. However, when I’m running around like a headless chicken at haunt time and I’m at a loss for brain function-these are just what I need for my actors. I’m planning on creating a list on index cards for my actors with these ideas and some direct quotes I want them to use. Simple for them-easy for me. Enjoy!

Check out our Scare Actor Training Program by Allen Hopps Here.

My Story

I remember my first real Haunted Attraction when I was 16. Scared out of my mind! The old Liberty Theater. An abandoned theater built in the early 1900’s. Solid red brick construction with weathered white Jester faces staring down at me. They seemed to be laughing at my foolishness of being scared. The windows were all broken and the J.C’s had left the old candy trapped in the dusty display cases. The odor of mildew and coldness crept from beneath the heavy crimson drapes that divided the theater. I could feel history all around me as I was pushed deeper into the belly of the beast. I could feel my pulse in my throat- I knew I was going to die…

…after many Haunted Attractions later and growing wiser through the years, I decided that this was who I wanted to be when I grew up. I feel excited when I talk about scaring people. I turn on tunnel vision when I am acting, building, or writing. I am always teaching myself new ways of discovering the world around me. If the topic has anything to do with haunting, scary, or different…my ears usually perk up.

My first experience with scaring the crap out of people was unique. My cousin and I would deck out my upstairs bedroom of my parents 100-year-old house and force my brother and his brother to go through. I know…a bit mean but what else are you supposed to do with little brothers? They always liked dares anyway. We would make dummies out of stuffed t-shirts and wigs. Create our animatronics with a rocking chair and a shoe string. And projected shadows on the wall with a flashlight and action figures. After watching our little victims scream I knew that scaring people was in my blood.

Everyone got smart and stopped going through our haunted bedroom. No matter how much we pleaded. I lost that battle and began to fantasize about being a successful special effects wizard or a top mask maker. I rushed to the grocery school to purchase the next issue of Fangoria Magazine on release day just to be the first one to smell the pages. I dreamed about anything related to horror and the family around it.

Fast forward about 20 years and here I am. I graduated high school, served 5 years in the United States Navy Seabees, and now I am a letter carrier in Missouri. I was reaquainted with my childhood passion when I received the opportunity to act at my first real haunted attraction 6 years ago. It has been a raging fire since. I acted for 3 years at 13 Houses of Horror in Hatton,Missouri. Then my brother and I built and operated BackWoods Terror in Centralia, Missouri for 2 years. Last year I decided that I would not have the time to operate a pro-haunt so I took my creativity and decided to pimp out my garage. That was fun too! I have always liked creating my own props and sets because it gives me a way to support my ‘picking shit up out of the trash’ habit, as my wife calls it. Sometimes I feel like a borderline hoarder…

I will continue to keep posting all my new ideas, thoughts, and useful information on my blog. If anyone is interested in guest posting on my blog or would like for me to contribute to their site- contact me. I am that overly passionate type (or some call it OCD) that is always trying to improve or teach myself something new. As long as I am excited about Haunting then all my posts will be the same way. I do not want to feel like this is a job because I always want to keep this stuff fun.

I want my mission to be about educating you about my view on topics in this small but enormous tribe called the Haunt Community. I want to provide entertainment for the first time home haunters to the veteran mentors like Ben Armstrong. I will include interviews with top leaders, real-time action tips, and creative ideas to keep you on your game. Feel free to offer to guest post, offer ideas, and share current news that other haunters need to know. We are all united because we share a dark passion that a lot of others do not understand. So we tend to feel comfortable around other weird people who like to make scared people wet themselves. This is who we are. This is who I am…

Let me know who you are? Who are you that is reading my blog? If you made it this far then you must find something here that is interesting. If you want to support this post click that Share box. Comment on this post. Sign up to my RSS Feed. Or if you really enjoy my content take a few minutes to subscribe to my blog. I promise NO Spam and NO soliciting. Just my new weekly posts in your inbox.

This is how I feed my passion. How do you keep your haunting passion alive?


Other Website: http://hauntopic 

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ScaryVisions

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