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Category: Haunt Tips

Trying to start and grow your Haunted Attraction Business? These audio podcasts may have that help you’re looking for…

Mark Cline: Sculpting Foam Monsters & the History of The Monster Museum

 
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:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:04 — 55.0MB)

Subscribe: Apple

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.

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 FIND MORE ABOUT MARK HERE:

Kristy Noble Talks Home Haunting, Halloween, & Making Props

Twin StatuesIn 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:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:23 — 49.6MB)

Subscribe: Apple

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

 

How to Design & Build a Haunted House with Leonard Pickel

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:48 — 36.4MB)

Subscribe: Apple

How to Build a Haunted HouseIn 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:

What Can You Possibly Learn from the Vendors of a Haunt & Halloween Trade Show?

Halloween SuppliesIn 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:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:34 — 28.1MB)

Subscribe: Apple

 
 

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?

The Bloodshed Brothers: The Journey from Home Haunter to Pro & What are They Really Scared Of?

Home HaunterIn 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: 
 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:26 — 62.3MB)

Subscribe: Apple

 
 

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:

 
 

What Advice/Questions Do You Have About Starting Up Your Own Haunt?