HaunTopic Radio: Haunted Attractions | Haunted Houses | Halloween | Haunters

Matthew Murphey is a Haunter and a trial attorney. Matt has worked in courtrooms since starting his legal career as a court-martial clerk in the United States Army in 1985. He also knows Haunted Attraction's legal roadblocks. We'll discuss: -Protecting yourself from legal battles -How to start a non-profit attraction -Employee contracts & applications -Waivers: Good or bad? -How to deal with local codes & laws -Insurance & Liability -Legal guidelines around your brand -Do you own your characters? -Advice for Home Haunters & HOAs Matt has tried cases to juries in three states and five federal districts as counsel. Matt's background in science coupled with his trial experience with prosecution agencies allowed him to transfer his trial skills to private practice fifteen years ago to complex patent and other intellectual property, financial institutions, and commercial litigation cases. Start, grow, & scale your haunted attraction business at HauntersToolbox.com Find Matt at themurpheylawyers.com

Philip Hernandez, the founder of the Haunted Attraction Network and CEO of Gantom, answers all of your marketing questions. He has experience in social media, marketing, video & audio, theme parks, haunted attractions, public relations, press releases, and much more.   Find Philip at HauntedAttractionNetwork.com   Start and grow your haunted attraction at HauntersToolbox.com   Reward, Retain, and Recognize your haunt staff with ScareItBadges.com

Scott and Jewel Simonson answer all of your questions about creating killer videos and photos at your haunt, marketing on a budget, retaining your actors, haunt technology, and other questions you have about Haunted Attractions. "Haunting Media was founded by experienced haunted attraction owners, who, much like you, understand the intricacies and importance of delivering a truly detailed and immersive experience. As we carefully crafted our own haunted attraction, it became apparent that our photos and videos should mirror this attention to detail. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Haunting Media ensures that our content creation services cater to your specific needs. Each member of our team is not only highly experienced in the haunting industry but also exceptionally creative. We understand that no two attractions are alike; therefore, we take great pride in tailoring our offerings to suit your unique vision." -HauntingMedia.com Start or grow your haunted attraction at HauntersToolbox.com

Start, grow, and scale your Haunted Attraction at HauntersToolbox.com In this episode, we discuss many things like Scare Actors, Safety, Timed Ticketing, Wall panels, Haunt Construction, Tent Haunts, Outdoor Trails, International Haunts, and more! Leonard Pickel has over 50 years of themed attraction design and operations experience in year-round and seasonal installations, museums, and dark rides. Creating more than 300 original and innovative dark-themed attractions for major venues worldwide.  A few of Leonard's accomplishments: -1987: created the industry's first turn-key Haunted House “˜kits” and the first adaptation of the “Field Theory” for Haunted Attractions (The Triangular Grid System) -1993 to 2000: Applied his October seasonal experience toward a summer seasonal haunted house with Mayhem Manor® in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. -1994 to 2009: Co-founded Haunted Attraction Magazine, the premier publication for the dark amusement industry. -1997: Formed the Haunted Industry's first trade association, the International Association of Haunted Attractions (IAHA). -2004 to 2017: Launched the first national convention devoted solely to the Haunted Attraction Industry. The Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention (HAuNTcon®) -2009: Awarded a lifetime achievement award from the International Association of Haunted Attractions and was honored with a question using his name in the Millennium Edition of Trivial Pursuit. -2009: Appeared as an industry expert in several television programs including the Travel Channel special about Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida and America's Best Haunted Houses. -1976 to present: Constantly searching for new challenges and striving for new heights in his Haunting career, Leonard has 40-plus years of experience designing all types of commercial Attractions. Contact Leonard Pickel at Hauntrepreneurs.com

Start and grow your Haunted Attraction at HauntersToolbox.com Get Merit Badges and Name badges for your crew at ScareItBadges.com 2024 is over! What's in store for 2025?? We discuss many subjects in this episode. Topics like: Should you sell alcohol at your haunt? How to get free marketing Campfire rentals and selling S'Mores Concessions and merchandise sales Corn Maze Haunts Transworld Show preparations and a crap ton more Haunt Talk! Don't be a scrooge...turn up that volume and share us with your entire crew! But don't wake the ghosts...

It stinks that we don't get to travel during October to visit haunted attractions because most of us are busy with our haunt businesses and projects.  Nick and Beverly Pappas have traveled thousands of miles yearly as Haunt customers and have seen things we haven't. Listen to their stories and get a peek at how Haunts are changing.  What are the trends coming for the industry? How do Haunts compare between now and then? Are you doing everything at your attraction to maximize your guest experience? Become a Haunter's Toolbox member at HauntersToolbox.com

HauntPay created the annual Haunt Industry Survey because they needed reliable, recent data about the haunt industry. This is the fourth annual report and haunters revealed some surprising insights for the coming season! Marketing efforts got more sophisticated and more robust this year, with haunters using digital and offline platforms to promote their attractions. Crowd sizes are growing modestly, but haunts remain an affordable activity compared with rising costs for other entertainment. And Haunters are using new strategies to manage the crowds on busy nights. In this podcast, you'll find insights like: how small or large is the average haunted attraction these days? How much are they charging for admission? Which social media apps are most popular? What are the biggest challenges haunt owners face? Thank you to all of you who responded to the 2024 survey! We quite literally couldn't do this without your help. Visit HauntPay.com for all of your ticketing needs. Visit HauntersToolbox.com for help starting & growing your haunt.

A complete walkthrough of the Sithon management platform for haunted attraction staff/actors, why communication with your team is important, and things you can do this season to keep your staff coming back every year!   Things Sithon can do (all from your phone): -Custom Actor Recruitment -Scheduling -Actor/Staff Management -Costume Management -Time Tracking -Email & Text Notifications -Dedicated Personnel Line -Background Checks -Attraction Studio -Staffing Metrics -Awards Tracking -On-Demand Reports   From Sithon.io : Recruit, manage and communicate with your actors and staff with Sithon. Developed by a veteran haunted attraction manager, Sithon is an easy-to-use platform that includes everything you need to make personnel management easier for you and your managers. Anytime. Anywhere   No selling on this webinar. Just solid information that will help you be stress-free this season.   Start and grow your haunted attraction business at HauntersToolbox.com

It's 30 minutes before the haunt doors open. You need a quick way to make some realistic wounds, cuts, and bruises that will stay on all night. We have those answers inside this podcast! You can also watch the full video here: https://haunterstoolbox.com/sfx Applying special effects makeup inside a haunted attraction is a unique skill. You have to be fast & efficient while creating a monster that the customers want to see. The best way to get started with special effects makeup is buy a few supplies then just start. Practice on yourself and watch your skills blossom as you learn along the way. Join these Master Classes at HauntersToolbox.com

There are a few ways to make more revenue with your attraction: 1) Raise your prices 2) Get more customers 3) Sell more to your current customers We will focus this master class on selling more to your current customers by using the space you already have. Things like themed dinners, private tours, and ticket upgrades allow you to charge more for unique experiences without needing extra space.  Shawn Lippert, the co-owner of Scarehouse Windsor, joins us to show how he increased the revenue at his attraction by adding interactive dinner experiences. We'll also share some various ways that you can earn more revenue at your Haunt this season. To get more monthly Master Classes like this one delivered to your inbox and take your Haunt to the next level; become a member at HauntersToolbox.com

How do I get more people to attend my Haunt? What does it take to stand out in today's market? Are there creative ways to grab attention without spending too much? We answer these questions and more in this Master Class with Laura Kilpatrick from FearWorm Hauntvertising. Become a member at HauntersToolbox.com to join our next Master Class. Start & grow your Haunt today! Visit FearWorm.com for your Haunt Advertising needs.

Creating realistic scenes requires detailed wall panels. But where do you start? Should you use a light base paint or black? What are simple ways to distress your sets? How do you make charred walls, peeling paint, bubbled paint? What materials do you need to create amazing sets? We answer these questions and more during this Master Class with Scenic Artist Rich Cimino from BentCirkus.com Start and grow your Haunted Attraction at HauntersToolbox.com Reward, Retain, & Recognize your employees with ScareItBadges.com

Let's talk about things that move in your haunted attraction. Yes, animatronics can be complex and scary to attempt by yourself. But what if animatronics weren't as scary as you thought? Join co-host & haunt veteran Ed Gannon as he breaks down some simple takeaways that just might change the way you look at animations. You can also find Ed Gannon at Something Wicked Productions, Haunt Dawgs, and Haunt Fix. Sign up to be a Haunter's Toolbox member (any tier) before May 7, 2024 to receive a video of this Master Class at HauntersToolbox.com  Join our next Master Class with Rich Cimino on Wall Textures & Paint Effects on May.14th, 2024. This is for ProHaunters & Haunt Masters only. Become a Exclusive Member here. 

Inside a Haunted Attraction, it's all about the SCARE! But how do you pull it off when your audience gets braver every year? Learn the proper techniques to create that perfect scare that can be effective over and over again. We'll talk about Actor Tools, Set Design, & Scare Techniques. To join us next time LIVE and get this video master class, become a member at HauntersToolbox.com

Sean Herman takes us through the Wicker Manor and tells us how he will transition from a haunt in his two-car garage into a permanent location. Wicker Manor was featured on ABC's Great Halloween Fright Fight and also won Best International Haunt in an award show.   To start your own haunted attraction business, visit our homebase at HauntersToolbox.com

Join the haunt community at HauntersToolbox.com and start your own haunted attraction or grow your current haunt business. Get instant access to haunt master classes, the haunt library, haunt vendor discounts, and haunt coaching. Bart Butler from Terror in the Corn located in Erie, Colorado, shares his knowledge about building corn mazes, designing haunted houses, scare actor management, and how he changed his marketing strategy to drastically increase his attendance numbers. Find Bart at TerrorInTheCorn.com

What can you do before next season to improve your brand, your marketing, and your attraction? Are you focused on the right things?  Philip Hernandez, from the Haunted Attraction Network, lets us in on a few things he noticed in 2023 that will be game-changers for the future of your haunt.  Find Philip here: Haunted Attraction Network Start and grow a Haunted Attraction business here: Haunters Toolbox Buy ScareIt Badges for your haunt crew and yourself here: ScareIt Badges Music by The Crypt Keeper and Midnight Syndicate

What makes a Haunt a GREAT one? The Scare Factor reveals their secret list of what they look for as they review haunted attractions. What to do and what not to do. We all can improve our attractions, here's your list. Become a member of The Haunter's Toolbox and make your attraction great.

Come with us as we tour a couple of haunted attractions in and around Hannibal, Missouri.  Haunted Hollows Haunted Trail Warehouse of Nightmares Don't forget your ScareIt Badges for your Haunt parties and to reward your haunt staff this season. Buy them here.

Hannibal's inaugural Halloween & Horror Con! October 7th 2023 ~ 1:00PM until 9:00PM Celebrity Guests, Vendors and Costume Contest. Kids 10 and under are free. Price of admission: $20.00 Guaranteed to be frighteningly fun Admiral Coontz Recreation Center ~ 301 Warren Barrett Dr.~ Hannibal, MO. 63401 More info: https://www.facebook.com/wickedfest Don't forget the ScareIt Badges for your Scare Actors and Staff. NEW badges this season!  See our entire collection at ScareItBadges.com

Get your Haunt started at HauntersToolbox.com Japes Palles, a scare actor manager and scare actor, shares many tips and tactics to build a strong team and how to make your haunted attraction one to remember.  We cover things like queue line acting, creating zones, actor safety, handling rude customers, how to scare someone using the word BOO! (yes, it's true), and lots more...because Japes loves to talk about acting!  Find Japes at https://www.lostsoulschicago.info/

Check out the Haunt Hour every Tuesday and their LIVE program for Haunters at https://www.facebook.com/haunthour The tables have turned! We get drilled by the team at Haunt Hour. Everything from how we got started in Halloween, who we would choose "Dan or Troy"??, and what is going on with ScareIt Badges... PLUS a ton more questions and BS from the Haunt Hour crew. These people are funny and informative. We love the energy over there. You might too! Let us know what you think. To get some ScareIt Badges for your scare actors and staff, go here: Buy ScareIt Badges Join our Facebook Group, The Haunter's Toolbox

Join our membership community at HauntersToolbox.com and talk with the Haunt professionals each month.  Leonard Pickel shows you how to design your haunted attraction for people with disabilities so that they can enjoy your show as well. Not only wheelchair accessibility but other disabilities as well. Contact Leonard Pickel at Hauntrepreneurs.com

Would you like to have more control over your queue line? Would you like to know how many people are going to be there for the entire night before you even open?  Implementing a virtual queue line can let your customers be entertained the whole evening while they spend more money at your event. Timed ticketing can let you streamline your ticket sales and fine-tune your throughput.  Alex Linebrink from HauntPay.com explains how you can add these solutions to your attraction. Justin Hill (Haunted Hills Haunted Attractions) uses some of these ticketing solutions in his attraction and explains how you can do it too. Plus, his customers are happier and they are spending more money at his haunt! To start a Haunted Attraction or grow your current one, start here: Haunters Toolbox To start rewarding and retaining your team, check out ScareIt Badges here.

The Haunted Attraction Network interviewed 5 new board members from the Haunted Attraction Association about their experience in the haunt industry and picked their brains. You get to enjoy their tips & strategies! To check out the Haunted Attraction Network, go here: https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/ To learn more about the Haunted Attraction Association, go here: https://hauntedattractionassociation.com/ To learn HOW to start or grow your haunted attraction, go here: https://www.haunterstoolbox.com/  

To join us once a month in these LIVE Master Classes, be a Haunt Master Member at HauntersToolbox.com A business plan for your haunted attraction is necessary for keeping you on track with your goals and it helps when you need to get your permits or funding. Think of it like a "road map" or an "outline". It shows you how to get there and keeps you on the right road to success. Find Allie Stones at Heart of Horror Productions or on Facebook.

The word "Consultant" can leave a bad taste in your mouth if you've ever been burnt by someone who promised to make your attraction better but didn't. Or if you think that you can do everything on your own, without professional feedback.  It doesn't have to be that way. Choosing the right Haunt Consultant doesn't have to be scary. Scott Swenson explains what makes a great consultant, things to avoid when it comes to hiring the right one, and why you might not even need one. Plus, we always sprinkle Haunt Tips & Tricks throughout our conversations. To join these LIVE monthly sessions, become a Haunt Master member at HauntersToolbox.com

We'll be at the Transworld Halloween & Attractions show in St.Louis, MO between Feb.2-5th, 2023 at booth 1443 at the ScareIt Badges booth. Stop by and say hello. Mention that you're a podcast listener and receive a special gift.  We'll also be holding a contest if you're at the show. Take a photo of ScareIt Badges in the wild and be entered to win (2) $50 Gift Cards. Make sure to play! More info on the show: https://www.haashow.com/    

(even if you don't plan on using TikTok. There are useful social media tips & tricks inside this episode)   Why you should NOT use TikTok at your Haunt Have you been wondering HOW to use TikTok the right way at your Haunt to attract customers? Is it worth starting an account? Is TikTok on the way out?   Philip Hernandez tries to talk you out of it using it, but watch this video and decide for yourself: https://brianforeman.wistia.com/medias/47a5ayjete   To join these LIVE Haunt Master Classes, join at https://haunterstoolbox.com  

To join these Master Classes live, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com   Have you ever opened your attraction for Christmas? What's it take to do it successfully? Do you have to change everything?   We learn how with Sir Henry's Haunted Trail, Asylum X Haunted House, and Insanity Haunted House. They've done it. Listen in...   Happy Holidays from us to you!

How did your Haunt Season go?? We had some ups & downs. And some BIG changes are in store for 2023. Some of our Haunt Master members share their experiences and give you a sneak peek behind their businesses.  In this podcast episode you'll learn: How marketing varies greatly depending on where you live How to overcome burnout and choices you can make to help Steps to set a goal for each new haunt season Ways to help reward actors & staff Clarifying your brand to help customers find you and LOTS more! Just click "PLAY" To join us in these monthly sessions, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com  Haunted Attractions mentioned in this episode: Terror Isle Deadmonton Haunted House Grey House Haunts Country Dream Farms Dead Factory Haunted Hallows To get new episodes and listen to our archives since 2012, subscribe to ANY podcast player or visit HaunTopic.com

Our 2022 Halloween Special with Lesley Bannatyne! She knows a lot about Halloween and shares some spooky tales about October traditions, the beginning of Halloween, and the evolution of haunted attractions. Plus, we throw in some tunes to get you in the Halloween mood. About Lesley: Lesley Bannatyne is an American author who writes extensively on Halloween, especially its history, literature, and contemporary celebration.  She also writes short stories, many of which are included in her debut collection Unaccustomed to Grace, released in March, 2022. One of the country's foremost authorities on Halloween, Bannatyne has shared her knowledge on television specials for the History Channel ("The Haunted History of Halloween," "The Real Story of Halloween"), with Time Magazine, Slate, National Geographic, and contributed the Halloween article to World Book Encyclopedia. In 2007, she and several compatriots set the Guinness World Record for Largest Halloween Gathering, a title they held until 2009.

Whether you're a Home Haunter or Haunted Attraction, we all need patrons to show up after the construction is done and the actors are in their spots. But how do we get customers while stretching our budget? Here are 13 different ideas to try this season.

To get access to our Haunt Master Class video library, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com  In this episode, Tyler Barnett from FearWorm discusses ways to increase your attraction's attendance, creative ways to use the space you already have, and things you can do today to improve your marketing.   

To get all of the bonuses that come along with this episode, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com Hiring & Training Actors – From Application to Opening Night You have advertised and recruited, and the actor applications are piling in. Now what? You're wondering how to audition, hire, sort, train, cast, and schedule all of these applicants so that opening night isn't a completely disorganized mess? In this seminar, Alyssa Schipani, will take you through a step-by-step process of hiring and preparing your actors with group auditions, actor training workshops, and orientation. She will not only discuss WHAT to do but HOW and WHY, lots of actor exercises included! Whether you are planning to open a haunt, are a small-staffed haunt, or are a large-staffed haunt with 150+ actors, this time-efficient and cost-effective process will have your actors excited, motivated, confident, and fully prepared for the season – making your job a lot less stressful and creating an overall better experience for your actors and management staff! Find Ally at DesignByAly.com

Craig Watt, from Terror Isle in Texas City and a 20-year veteran as an insurance agent, explains Haunt Insurance in simple terms and reveals that the coverage you have may not be covering what you think it does.  To get this full episode, instant access to our class library, and monthly live exclusive masterclasses; become a Haunt Master member at HauntersToolbox.com   

One of the biggest hurdles that Haunters face is preparing your attraction for the fire marshal. This podcast episode will get you ready for your inspector and help make your Haunt safer, for your customers and staff.  To hear this full Master Class and get the video, become a member of The Haunter's Toolbox. Join here. Thanks to Guy Buck Burdick from Fear Asylum and Station 5 Productions.

Cynthia MacDonald from Zombie Farms in Athens, Georgia shares her experience from start to finish on how she started their outdoor trail and how you can start one too. To get access to this entire Master Class, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com Some tips in this podcast: The pros and cons of outdoor haunts How actor management is different in the woods Where to find cheap & free materials to build ohh...and sooo much more....

Things you'll find in this Haunt Master Class How to save money and time when designing your attraction. How to be more creative. Prepare your mindset for this next season. What do you really need to focus on? ...and lots more things on Haunt Mindset! To listen and view this entire Master Class, become a Haunt Master member at HauntersToolbox.com Scott Swenson is the Creative Director and Attraction Specialist at Scott Swenson Creative Development, LLC.  

We discuss the Haunt Industry trends of 2021 and what you need to focus on in 2022. Special Guests Philip Hernandez from Haunted Attraction Network and Alex Linebrink from Haunt Pay.  Where to focus your time & money in 2022 How customers are changing for the best and worst What happened to Haunted attractions in 2021 To sit in on these monthly Master Classes LIVE, join us at HauntersToolbox.com

We dive into Halloween with The Crawford School of Terror teaching you lessons in fear, Midnight Syndicate drops some new tracks, and Terror Isle stops in to share his experience as a brand new haunted attraction. 

In this Master Class we get Allen Hopps from Dark Hour Haunted House and Drew Badger from The Big Scary Show to discuss Scare Actor tips and tricks.  Where to find them, how to hire them, ways to train them, and when to let them go.  Get all of our master classes at HauntersToolbox.com

In this BONUS episode we talk to Jan Knuth, the author of Not Afraid To Slay, about her journey writing the book and what she learned in the process.  We also talk about her Haunt, Grayhouse Haunts.  Buy her book here.  Become a member of the HauntersToolbox here.  

Matt Scott breaks down the psychology of fear and how you can create scarier sets and creepier characters inside your Haunted Attraction.  To attend these LIVE Master Classes become a member at HauntersToolbox.com   

Changes are coming to the Haunted Attraction Association. The new president, Spencer Terry, explains the future of the HAA and how BIG changes are coming. Are you a member? This original podcast episode was recorded by https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/  

Part 2 of our Transworld Halloween & Attraction Show interviews. Go support the people heard in this podcast. :)  Graphitti FX: https://graffitifx.com Psychotic Circus of Savannah: https://youtube.com/c/ThePsychoticCircusofSavannah Demski Creations: http://www.demskicreations.com/ ScareIT Badges: https://www.scareitbadges.com/ Swag Smart: https://screamshirt.itemorder.com/sale

Maximus Bryant does all the work on this one! Max gets some of the show vendors, actors, and creators on this podcast from the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show. He chats with: John Moran from Brimstone Haunt Creature Corps Mask-R-Aid Polaris BreachFX Mia Demaree from Grim Trails Fred Hearn from Hell's Dungeon Franken Fab Paul Lerner from Haunter's Against Hate Dead Rabbit Studios Follow Max at the Dent Schoolhouse, The Ohio Haunter's Association, or Fright on Fountain.  Start and grow your Haunted House in our exclusive membership at HauntersToolbox.com

Designing and building your Haunt will be one of the most time-consuming tasks that you'll do. That's why it must be done right or you'll spend valuable time doing things over.  Leaonard Pickel, from Hauntrepreneurs.com, explains why designing it right is important and how to avoid those common mistakes many Haunters do.  To see this full Seminar become a member at HauntersToolbox.com

Steve Koci is having some medical complications currently, so we decided to dust this Master Class off and let you listen to the words of an Animatronic Master! Steve gives great advice on building your own animated props, doing stuff on the cheap, and simple projects you can do yourself. Make sure to check out his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKKBTwYyVYxkpa0_9pqQ13A His book The Ultimate Guide to DIY Animatronics: https://www.addicore.com/The-Ultimate-Guide-To-DIY-Animatronics-p/ad514.htm Get well soon Steve!

Want to join our next conversation? Join at HauntersToolbox.com