New Haunted House Theme

[Chris]

So, let's just say, hypothetically, that there are going to be new haunts in Denver this year. What type of theme are you most interested in seeing. Some names may rope you in to a specific theme, but if the name was fairly open to interpretation, what themes do you like best?

Chris

[Skelterbet]

I'd like to see a good, old-fashioned, Gothic/Victorian style Haunted House. I'm talking about a Haunt that, from start to finish, maintains the atmosphere as if you are walking through Dracula's Castle, or through the House of the Long Shadows, or even Hill House.

There's nothing that ruins the atmosphere more than switching themes midway. For example, there is a local haunt that has a set theme...and it is ruined when a chainsaw wielding fiend jumps out at you when you are supposed to be in a place (like a motel....) in a time (like the 20's...) when chainsaws didn't exist.

Don't get me wrong - I'm one of those guys that like to see my friends (or strangers, for that matter) run around screaming in fear, so most Haunts deliver what I need. But for my Dream Haunt? I'd like an all-immersive Haunt experience....that also has my friends (and strangers) running around screaming in fear.

[Luv2BScared]

I'm with you 100% Skelter!! Nothing would thrill me more than to creep around in an old run down house that holds theme inside and out. There's a couple places in Boulder like that, they would be PERFECT for haunts! There used to be an old house up near Tiny Town that was deserted and it was CREEPY! We used to go up there just to get scared andthat place never failed to deliver! That's a whole other story.

The run down Russian farm house in The Abandoned is pretty close to my dream haunt. Love that set design!!

[Skelterbet]

I wonder...

When you are looking to start a new Haunt, what process do you go through? I think approaching it with the theme firmly established is a great idea. Having gone to a few of the local Haunts, I'd say that it doesn't look like many of them have a theme that they stick with throughout the whole Haunt.

I'm also curious how we (the Denver metro area) rate to other cities in regards to the number of Haunts and the quality of those Haunts (I'm not referring to how we compare to the "big" shows like Rocky Point; I'm thinking more in general terms).

Anyone have any thoughts or experiences they'd care to share over either of these?

[Luv2BScared]

Based on the movie projects going on I have been scouting potential haunt locations. We started off with a theme in mind, however looking at different locations reveals different potential for each one. We have a set design idea of a true haunted, abandoned house and have looked at many spots. Some were perfect for creepy farm haunt, or industrial haunt, so we have had to change gears and our search. Location is key to sticking with the theme...if you're in a mall it's tough to pull of a haunted mansion. There are a couple of abandoned houses that we have looked at that fit the bill perfectly and would be very easy to keep with the theme.
Been to a few haunts in other places, east coast whoops Denver in terms of great haunts...some are on the same level we are here...just depends where you are.

[WelchWitch]

Too bad you couldn't find a place where maybe a murder was committed in to add to the affect. Or a place where bad things happened to people. Or atleast make it up like it had and use that for the suspense.

[Luv2BScared]

A couple of the places we have scouted up North have just that look to them. It would be very easy to drop a homicide story into them and it would be believable. One of the houses has KKK all over the inside and it says, "Leave while you still can" in a couple of places. Not sure who's been squatting there but they did a great job creeping the place out for us!
The other place we're looking at has Ed Gein's place written all over it. It looks like a true TCM set...creepy even in daylight!

[WelchWitch]

Those are the kind of places that I love. More realty then make believe always works. Having KKK on it wouldn't scare me though. Being from the south, those people just make me laugh. They are funny looking and not scary. Maybe cover that up with a demoniac symbol or something to match better with the leave while you can markings. Maybe add some kids toys with blood on them and some shoes and glasses. Have one shoe missing and the glass broken in the glasses. Oops, my brain is already going, god I can't wait till October. I gotta figure out where I am going to work this year. Its getting close!! But for you...I would so go if you do it!

[Hellraiser15]

First off, where have I been? i didnt even know we had a forum going on this. second, skelter, i agree with you. ifeel as though no haunts in denver have made a truly great haunted..well..house. on the topic of the KKK house. That would be a bad idea. Some people may take it differently than scary. some people cannot seperate false realities with true ones. Some people may find it as offensive and purposeful. Im not trying to be negative or a pessimist but there are people out there who could find it offensive. thats just a thought and i might be wrong. Second, a run down farm would be a great haunt set. Farms freak me out. Frightmare used to be like that but i feel like the have changed to more scattered, less scary themes. Now given that i have never been to murry's massacre, i also feel like there are no truly great Farm haunts in Denver/CO.( also note that i have yet to visit Terrr in the corn,however...PIRATES ARE NOT SCARY!!! AND NOT WORTH MY 15 $$.) I especially fnd this hard to blieve given the place and agriculture everywhere around us. Another great theme that i really think would fit fit Colorado is a haunted mine. Let me know what you all think about that because i believe that that could be an awesome haunt IF it capitalized on claustrohobia. Last, (*Phew* this is the longest post i think ive ever written) what about a haunt centered around the theme of hell? kind of like a dark demonic place full of histories historic killers and demons. Just a thought. anyway any criticism whether it be constructive or just, that idea sucks, is very acceptable and welcome. Thanks for reading.

[Luv2BScared]

The KKK house would definitely not stay that way...the KKK and swastikas all over would have to go as I am not a supporter of that in any way. The house beyond that piece is crazy creepy!! It has all the elements of a great TRUE haunted house...old, abandoned, creepy, musty. lot's of outbuildings and sheds/garages that are scary, scary!

Hellraiser: there is the Haunted Mines down in the Springs...haven't seen it but it is supposed to be pretty good. They claim that there are places that are only 22 inches to crawl through...gonna have to make this a must se this year.

[Hellraiser15]

I did see that however when i looked on their site it looked like only a piece of it was a haunted mine. nonetheless i do plan on checking it out.

[Luv2BScared]

Yeah, it doesn't look like the whole thing is mines. Of course that's probably because of liability issues. I wanted to get down there last season and time just went by too fast. This year I'm gonna get down there.

[Hellraiser15]

I might try but colorado springs is a ways down there

[Luv2BScared]

It is a bit of a trek to get there....can't be any worse than the jaunt to Franktown for the Haunted Forest. That was pretty cool 2 years ago. I was bummed that they didn't do it again this past season.

[Shade]

I think my favorite "new" concept I've seen so far was The Dig a few years back. Poor execution, but great idea. It was something that I didn't feel like I'd seen five million times before. I would vote for something unusual and outside the norm kind of like that. Don't have an idea like that, but would like to see more ideas from that creative box.

Actually, "Afraid of the Dark" was another one that had a not-so-original theme but at least a creative explanation, which was a laboratory to research the most common phobias. Problem was the haunt sucked and they ditched their theme mid-way. Could have been cool, though.

I can tell you what I DON'T need to see more of: 1) Aliens. 2) Cornfields. 3) Clowns. 4) Movie monsters.

[Hellraiser15]

I agree with you on that shade. no more damn clowns. but im not sure what the dig was. could you sheed some light on the subjec for me?

[Luv2BScared]

No doubt Shade!! We have been innundated with that same tired line for years and we need something new!! We need fresh new ideas that really force us out of our comfort zones and allow us to feel the psychological thrill rather than rely on eye candy alone.

[Hellraiser15]

agreed. that is why i hate spider mansion

[Skelterbet]

So....Chris,

Since you started this topic a while back and then have recently announced the premier of The 13th Floor....what kind of theme can we expect from your new offering?

Skeleterbet ::drooling in anticipation of the juicy tidbits about the new Haunt::

[Hellraiser15]

ah yes, i would like to know the things you have thought up for it

[Luv2BScared]

I'm hoping for the rumor to come to life a bit....I want to be so scared that I really don't want to take another step. I want to be paralyzed with fear!!

[Skelterbet]

Oh the HORROR!

Skelterbet must be patient.....he HATES that!

Chris....a tiny tidbit, please?!?!

[Hellraiser15]

i would enjoy hearing just a bit about it...

[Luv2BScared]

But if we hear about it does that ruin the mystery and anticipation??? I'd almost rather not know anything and be all hyped up about it...

[Chris]

So sorry everyone, just noticed this thread or I would have responded sooner.

Come on now really? you guys think we're giving away any secrets? what fun would that be?

Let me think about it a while, maybe I can come up with something to leak here.

In the meantime, check out the website.

Chris

[Hellraiser15]

nice response. is the legend section up yet?

[Skelterbet]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Luv2BScared @ Aug 4 2008, 06:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=4137)</div>
But if we hear about it does that ruin the mystery and anticipation??? I&#39;d almost rather not know anything and be all hyped up about it...[/b]

No....it builds the mystery and anticipation!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chris @ Aug 4 2008, 07:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=4141)</div>
Come on now really? you guys think we&#39;re giving away any secrets? what fun would that be?

Let me think about it a while, maybe I can come up with something to leak here.

In the meantime, check out the website.

Chris[/b]

You cut me deep.

Okay, don&#39;t tell me where the scary people are going to jump out, but at least give us some tidbits on your theme.....please?

[Hellraiser15]

agreed. I would just like to know the story and a few bits of what type of scenary to expect

[Luv2BScared]

For me, not knowing lets my imagination run wild and good Lord where I end up is truly frightening!!
I&#39;m hoping that some of the theme runs along with some of the rumor...that would be awesome!

[Skelterbet]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Luv2BScared @ Aug 6 2008, 11:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=4147)</div>
I&#39;m hoping that some of the theme runs along with some of the rumor...that would be awesome![/b]

Now THAT would be hilarious! At the end of the Haunt a sign that boldly proclaims: "NO, WE WILL NOT BE GIVING YOUR MONEY BACK FOR SURVING THE HAUNT. NEXT TIME READ SNOPES."

[Luv2BScared]

HAHAHAHA That would be the scariest part of the haunt!! Everyone finds out that they survived it for nothing and don&#39;t get a penny back!! hahahha

[HailSkatan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Skelterbet @ Aug 16 2008, 05:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=4185)</div>
Now THAT would be hilarious! At the end of the Haunt a sign that boldly proclaims: "NO, WE WILL NOT BE GIVING YOUR MONEY BACK FOR SURVING THE HAUNT. NEXT TIME READ SNOPES."[/b]


HAHA, pure genuis.

[Luv2BScared]

And videotape the reactions for a good laugh off season!!

[Mort]

I have read a few of you are going to try visiting Scream Park this year. This is the perfect time to do so! I have heard there are many changes are taking place. The intensity has been raised this year. More eye candy. new props, rasing the bar higher than last year. Unfortunatly I have been sworn to secracy and if I give any info I will become a permant prop in the haunt, so don&#39;t ask.

Lets get the blood flowing!

[redskittle007]

I think that the classic stuff is scary, dark places, creepy people, ghosts...abandoned houses, old creepy stuff, thats scary...

I HATE ALIENS and ANIMITRONICS (unless they are used RIGHT) npt scary at all..

I also love smells...and sensation...like at the Asylum when they had those roaches on the floor...gag me...i almost couldnt make it.

[Luv2BScared]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mort @ Aug 27 2008, 09:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=4337)</div>
I have read a few of you are going to try visiting Scream Park this year. This is the perfect time to do so! I have heard there are many changes are taking place. The intensity has been raised this year. More eye candy. new props, rasing the bar higher than last year. Unfortunatly I have been sworn to secracy and if I give any info I will become a permant prop in the haunt, so don&#39;t ask.

Lets get the blood flowing![/b]

I&#39;m asking...a permanant REAL body as a prop would be pretty cool!! hahahaha

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (redskittle007 @ Aug 28 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=4346)</div>
I think that the classic stuff is scary, dark places, creepy people, ghosts...abandoned houses, old creepy stuff, thats scary...

I HATE ALIENS and ANIMITRONICS (unless they are used RIGHT) npt scary at all..

I also love smells...and sensation...like at the Asylum when they had those roaches on the floor...gag me...i almost couldnt make it.[/b]

I agree...aliens, animatronics, and neon paint.....LAME

[Chris]

The legend section of the 13th Floor website will be updated shortly, in fact, keep checking for plenty of updates to the site.

A tidbit for you to chew on, think abandoned building...

Chris

[Hellraiser15]

awesome. Im stoked for it

[Luv2BScared]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chris @ Aug 31 2008, 10:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=4363)</div>
The legend section of the 13th Floor website will be updated shortly, in fact, keep checking for plenty of updates to the site.

A tidbit for you to chew on, think abandoned building...

Chris[/b]

Abandoned building.....been to lot&#39;s of those lately!! To me that says CREEPY!!

[Chris]

The legend lives...

13th Floor Haunted House - Website Legend Page (http://www.13thfloorhauntedhouse.com/legend.html)

[Luv2BScared]

YIPPEE!!!! I love how it&#39;s somewhat vague, yet has so many clues. F U N!!!!