A Scott in the Dark

Back from oblivion, Scott was inspired by attending the Transworld Halloween/Christmas Show and has recorded the first new podcast in quite some time.  This topic is Learning to Teach a Workshop.  This is great for anyone who would like to submit to teach at a trade show or for those who would like to polish their presentation technique.  In this episode, Scott chats about preparing the submission, tips and tricks to keep attendees engaged and even ideas on promoting your session once approved.  He is thrilled to be back and we hope he can find time to do more episodes very soon.  

Scott shares moments from the Middle East Film and Comic Convention.  This podcast is the audio from the video version on YouTube.  It was recorded live at the convention and may be uneven in volume. 

Scott discusses pitching new ideas to both existing and new clients (using some awkward sports analogies) .

Here are Scott's thoughts on not being able to attend the Transworld show this year.

Scott discusses the benefits of haunting non-traditional spaces like Museums, Zoos, Aquariums and even Restaurants and Retail locations.  

After returning from a 7 day cruise, Scott shares how the design and activities he experienced onboard the Carnival Mardi Gras can inspire immersive and interactive haunts and other atmospheric entertainment. . 

In the wake of recent violence against performers, Scott discusses ways to keep performers safe this coming season. 

Scott discusses how he has handled quotes and contracts for goods and services within the Haunt industry.  NOTE: Scott is not a lawyer not is he an expert in contract law.  This episode is designed to share thoughts on what can or should be in a quote or a contract. SECOND NOTE: This episode is not really as boring as it sounds.

Scott discusses the importance of site visits and what to look for when evaluating a location for new haunts.

Recorded at the Transworld Halloween, Christmas and Escape Room show in St. Louis (with a recap recorded in Indianapolis a couple of days later) Scott shares his thoughts and experiences at the show. 

In this episode, Scott shares some of his suggestions about how to get the most out of a trade show.   

Scott discusses the importance and benefits of people in the Haunt Community joining and participating in various organizations.

Finally back behind the microphone, Scott shares his own resolutions for 2022 and how they could benefit other members of the Haunted Attractions Industry. 

During a recent trip to Philadelphia, Scott got to experience 3 very different experiences which just might appeal to the listeners of A Scott in the Dark.

Scott is joined by special guest Spencer Terry, the president of the Haunted Attraction Association, to discuss the changes planned for the HAA in the future.

At the end of episode 57, Scott mentioned the importance of staffing and retention for the 2021 season. This episode was inspired by that off-the-cuff comment and explores the issue in greater depth.

Since we have just passed the "Halfway to Halloween" mark for the 2021 season, Scott wanted to share some thoughts about time management. By working "time smart", your event won't creep up on you.

Scott shares his experience at the TransWorld Halloween, Christmas and Escape Room shows in St. Louis. This episode includes interviews with Scott's friends Matt Scott from Von Grimm Productions, Phil Raybourn with Raybourn Creative and Brian Foreman with Scareit Badges (and, of course, Haunt Topic Radio).

Scott shares his thoughts and ideas about coming out of quarantine and how Haunters can plan for this next transition.

Scott discusses the importance of brainstorming and shares his approach to generating new ideas.

Based on a suggestion from his Facebook group, Scott discusses ideas and creative options for Dark Haunts.

Scott discusses options that are both eco-friendly business savvy.

Scott discusses ways to "mash up" supposedly unrelated stories and locations to create a new and unique guest experience.

In celebration of the 50th episode of "A Scott in the Dark", Scott looks back to the initial reason for doing the podcast and forward to the opportunities it has provided. The show includes a few clips from previous shows, including a 2018 interview with the late Robbi LePre after she was awarded her Lifetime Achievement award from the Haunted Attraction Association at the Transworld Halloween and Christmas Show. Scott also discusses his new book, "The 13 Commandments of Haunting" (edited and published by Philip Hernandez) which never would have come about had it not been for the podcast. Enjoy this milestone with Scott and all of the A.S.I.T.D. listeners!

Scott discusses what haunters can be doing during the current season to plan for the next. He presents options for both those who are operating this year and those who are not.

Scott discusses the challenges and excitement of opening night at haunted attractions while paying homage to those who are unable or chose not to open this season. He then visits opening night at both "Creatures of the Night" at ZooTampa and "UNDead in the Water" at American Victory Ship in Tampa.

Scott discusses the importance of unity within the industry during the 2020 Halloween season.

Based on the recent announcements that several large haunted attractions have decided not to open for the 2020 season, Scott discusses the options for both haunters and haunt fans to keep the spirit or Halloween alive.

Scott discusses the three basic phases of post-crisis recovery and how they apply to the Haunt Industry...its more fun than it sounds. PLUS He announces his new email newsletter, "A Shout in the Dark". To join visit ScottSwenson.com and click on the "Click Here to Subscribe to Scott's Newsletter" link. New subscribers get a free gift!

Scott discusses how diversity, in every sense of the word, can improve the creativity and financial success of your haunted attraction.

Scott chats with his old friend and colleague, Alex Crow, about working together at Howl-O-Scream, his career after Busch Gardens and the future of the seasonal attractions industry. Enjoy their poignant observations and silly stories.

Scott discusses ways to think differently in the face of changing times. This episode is dedicated to those who are concerned about their professional, personal and artistic futures.

Recorded on March 16, 2020, Scott shares his thoughts and opinions about how the COVID-19 situation can and should affect the Haunted Attraction Industry.

During part of a long car journey from Orlando to Tampa, Scott talks about the important topics to discuss at the first meetings of the season (aka "The February Meetings"). By identifying challenges and changes early in the year, haunt owners and operators can avoid being caught off guard in the Fall.

Hear Scott's observations from the 2020 HAuNTcon trade show in New Orleans. Also included in this episode is a round table discussion about the importance of creating a team with cast members from Dark Woods Haunted Attraction ( www.darkwoodshaunt.com ) and a really fun interview recorded at The Vampire Bar on Bourbon Street with Deanna and Phil Raybourn of Raybourn Creative ( www.raybourncreative.com )

Scott has assembled his recorded musings from the years largest gathering of Theme Park professionals. The IAAPA Expo takes place in Orlando FL every year and draws visitors from around the world.

Based on a suggestion from the "A Scott in the Dark" Facebook group, Scott uses his visit to ChristmasTown at Busch Gardens Tampa to discuss the similarities and changeover process between Halloween and Christmas Events. This episode was recorded on opening night of ChristmasTown 2019.

Scott shares ideas to recognize and celebrate the cast between haunt seasons...let's keep the after dark family together!

A collection of recordings done over the Halloween Weekend 2019. Scott talks to SpOoOoky Steve, the winner of the 2019 Trick or Tweet story telling competition at Tampa Theatre, gives his view of Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa, chats about closing night at Undead in the Water at The American Victory Ship and reads a piece from his newest book, Awake in the Dark.

In this episode Scott discusses the power of using REAL paranormal investigation as an additional element to your haunted attraction. Scott interviews Jill Witecki, Director of Marketing at Tampa Theatre and Jeremy Rettig with Genesis Paranormal Services.

Join Scott at Midsummer Scream in Long Beach CA. This episode was recorded August 2-5, 2019 and includes information about the trade show, interviews with vendors and even a shout out from the wonderful people who attended Scott's class on "Communicating Fear".

In this episode, Scott discusses the elements involved in starting a Haunted Attraction for the first time. He discusses everything from budgets to location to staffing to preparing for the unexpected.

Another episode based on suggestions from the "A Scott in the Dark Listener's Group" on Facebook.

Scott talks about his experience as a vendor and presenter at Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show...NOW WITH CHRISTMAS in St. Louis! Listen to his interviews with Quan Gan from ZTAG 2.0, Sharon Aguillen from TCB Productions and a "reverse interview" with Drew Badger from The Big Scary Show. This episode closes with a bleary eyed and broken voiced monologue from the airport where Scott shares his views of the 2019 show and why these shows are so important to the industry.

Members of the Facebook Listeners Group submitted a list of topics for discussion...and here are some of them. This is the first of several episodes based on listener input. Thank you Patrick, Austin, Matthieu, Tater, and Wicksey for your suggestions. More topics from more listeners coming in future episodes. If you would like to join the A Scott in the Dark Listeners Group, please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/164321370768323/

Scott recorded a great (and often silly) conversation with his friends Rick West from Midsummer Scream and entertainment icon J Michael Roddy. He also recorded a "simulcast" with Johnny Bronto and Haunt Scene which aired live via Facebook Live. This is what Haunt conventions are all about, checking in with friends friends and "talking haunt stuff".

Hear Scott's thoughts and observations about The Special Event Tradeshow 2019 in San Diego California.

Since Haunters never really stop haunting, this episode discusses what to keep an eye out for all year long so that when the season arrives, you will have everything you need to tell a terrifying story.

While making a transfer in the Huston airports, Scott shares some of his experience installing his most recent haunt project, "Dark" at Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton Alberta Canada. He also discusses a couple of other great Haunts this season...be patient while listening.

Scott discusses the importance of treating other haunters and other attractions with respect, especially in the world of social media. He talks about finding the right forum to share suggestions and the importance of professionalism.