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| Lighting
a Haunt |
Never underestimate the value of good lighting. Take a look at some props in the daylight, then at night and you'll see a difference...well...like night and day! When organizing a haunt, you are most importantly, setting a mood and lighting is crucial. Too much or too little, and you've spoiled it. (Also keep in mind that strobing lights can cause seizures or migraines and should be used with caution. Maybe confine the effect to a smaller area.) Check out these hand picked resources on lighting:
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| Themes
for a Haunt |
Themes are a lot of fun and evolve naturally, depending on the Haunt Owners interests. They can be anything from movies and books, to professions like (mad) scientists or medical professionals. How about spiritual effects like ghosts and séances? Maybe aliens are your forte. A vampire's lair? Anything can be done, but movies tend to be the most popular... |
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Props for a Haunt |
Here's the most interesting aspect of a haunt. Every haunter hand picks his or her favorite props to enhance their haunt. These are a LOT of fun to do. Two things to keep in mind: price and storage. Props always seem to need more money than you originally plan for. It's just like any home improvement job. So plan accordingly. The same goes for storage. I really wanted a nice mausoleum like Raven Manor, but we simply don't have the storage. So, we're doing a garage door mausoleum. Here are some great resources for prop building:
The Monster List of Halloween Projects(the best of the best for haunters) Doug's FCG instructions (every haunt needs one of these!) |
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Audio for a Haunt |
Sound effects are a lot of fun for a haunt and are relatively easy as well. They just add another layer to the experience. Files can be downloaded and compiled on a CD depending on your props and what you need for a totally custom audio setup. Or simply buy a Midnight Syndicate CD and you're done. Live actors in real time or via a speaker add a lot to a haunt. Makes it personal to each visitor, and is a riot of fun for the actor! Talking props are unexpected which adds to the fun and keeps you free to do other things as well.
ForbiddenCrypts (haunt-related sounds) ilovewavs.com (haunt-related sounds) FindSounds.com (miscellaneous sounds) |
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Fog for a Haunt |
My favorite special effect is fog. I think it totally pulls together a haunt. (weather permitting). Even on windy nights though, fog still adds atmosphere. It's not commonly seen so it's a treat for your visitors. Fog chillers are good because they keep the fog below eye level and don't cover up your props. Maybe rising fog is your goal. Either way, I think its a must have for a haunt. Especially if you have a graveyard...
GotFog? (general fog info) Halloween Online Magazine (general fog info) Halloween-L forum post on fog (general fog info) HauntedFog (to buy) FrightCatalog.com (to buy) Fog fluid (to buy)
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| Liabilities
and a Haunt |
There is always a chance that someone might get hurt at a haunt and maybe even sue. Although the chance is minimal, I suggest posting rules for your haunt. Try to keep your walkways clear and plenty of headroom and ample lighting for your visitors to see where they are going. Remember, they've probably never been to your house before and aren't familiar with that raised section on your sidewalk that you've just gotten used to stepping over...Just keep safety in mind as you plan. You'll be better off for it... |
These are just my "two cents" on the subjects. As I learn more tips, I'll post them here. As with any personal advice - take it with a grain of salt! |
General Haunting tips:
International Association of Haunted Attractions