As the Halloween season approaches, one of our favorite things, haunted attractions, are beginning to advertise. But have you ever wondered what goes into creating the haunted attractions that we love so much? A new documentary, titled Haunters: The Art of the Scare, delves into the lives of those who spend their time creating some of the biggest and most amazing attractions. The good news is, the documentary has just announced its release date and it will be out in time for Halloween.
From the Press Release:
HAUNTERS explores the rise of fear as entertainment and escapism, by going behind-the-screams and into the lives of Shar Mayer, legendary scare actor, Donald Julson, a traditional boo-scare maze designer, and the infamous Russ McKamey, as he creates the most controversial full-contact haunt of all time… in his own backyard. Also featuring John Murdy (Universal Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights), Jon Braver (Delusion), Josh Randall (Blackout), Eric Lowther (Haunted Overload), Bruce Stanton (Reign of Terror), Sylvia & Jen Soska (American Mary & GSN’s HELLEVATOR), Jessica Cameron (Truth or Dare) and many more talented artists.
The documentary was directed and produced by Jon Schnitzer, who has directed and produced 3D art, VR and interactive experiences for Tim Burton, TASCHEN Books, YouTube RED Studios and President Obama’s 1st Halloween Party at The White House.
Schnitzer explains, “I was honored to have incredible access to film so many amazing haunters over so many years, but there was no way to fit them all into one movie. So, I decided to pack the Blu-ray with a ton of bonus features, as a big thank you to everyone who helped make Haunters a reality. I cut 7 featurettes as stand alone mini-documentaries that showcase the biggest names in the industry.”
Haunters: The Art of the Scare will arrive on Blu-ray and DVD on October 3, 2017, but you can pre-order your copy now.
Special Features include:
- Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights: The John Murdy Story
John Murdy shares his journey from his first Star Wars home haunt in the ‘70’s to Creative Director of Universal Studios HHN, the most glamorous job in the haunt industry with the budget of a major studio behind it.- Knott’s Scary Farm: Scare School
Find out what it takes to become a monster at Knott’s Scary Farm, and watch as the haunt designers direct and inspire their cast of scare actors.- The Soska Sisters: Cosplay
Cult horror twins Sylvia and Jen Soska share insights and photos of their lifelong love of Halloween, horror and cosplay.- Haunted Overload
Meet Eric Lowther and Wallace Valley, the lovable haunters behind one of the most massive and beautiful haunts in the world. Haunted Overload won first prize on ABC’s Fright Fight and after watching this, you’ll agree that they really deserved it.- Delusion: Creating Interactive Horror
Get a backstage pass to the groundbreaking Delusion Interactive Play, with innovator John Braver who combines storytelling with role playing games and epic Hollywood stunts.- Blackout Meets Blumhouse
Hear the untold – and surprising – genesis story of Blackout and how the co-creators teamed up with Jason Blum on a live horror experience of The Purge.- Ten Thirty One Productions: LA Haunted Hayride
Watch the creative process of the most popular hayride in America, run by Melissa Carbone of “Shark Tank” fame who closed the biggest deal on the show ever.
