Fiendish Friday Interviews :: Pigman's Lair

:: Editors Note:: This is the weekly series of interviews we do with people changing the face of the Haunted Attractions and Horror Industry. This week we interview Chip of Pigman's Liar Haunted Attractions. ::

Why did you first become interested in the Haunted House/Horror Business?
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been into it to some degree. I loved scaring people, monsters, masks, and all the cool special effects stuff. Like most haunters, I would build haunted houses in my basement, and set up elaborate yard displays. As far as the business end of it, 1999 was my first venture into the professional side of it.

What previous jobs have you had?
My entire working background since high school and college has been restaurant management related. I also briefly worked in customer/sales service at a carton manufacturing company in NC.

What job do you do right now? Is the Haunted House/Horror Job your full time gig?
I have been working for Potbelly Sandwich Works for the past four years. I am a general manager at the Arborland location in Ann Arbor, MI. I would LOVE for the haunting business to be full-time… Maybe some day!

How long have you been in the business?
8 years, professionally.

How did you start?
I went to the first North Carolina gathering of haunters, put together by Leonard Pickel of Haunted Attraction Magazine. It was located at Morris Costumes, where he was in the process of designing and building their haunted attraction/showroom. This gathering would eventually evolve into the now well-attended HauntCon. I met Eddie McLaurin from Woods of Terror there. Working one year with Woods of Terror, I helped with some of the promotional and marketing stuff, as well as several prop and scene constructions. I also helped with the set-up and teardown, and helped revamp several scenes. After that, I typed up a business plan and proposition with the Winston-Salem Jaycees, and opened my first show the next year. (I had accumulated several years of props and costumes by that point). They were great to work with, and that was the birth of the “Pigman’s Lair” theme.

What’s the scariest Haunted House you ever attended?
My own -Pigman’s Lair! The scariest that I remember was the Niles haunted house out on Bell Rd, in Niles, MI. This was well before they turned into the huge operation and screampark they are now. It was much scarier back then- but I was much younger as well. I don’t get scared a whole lot… Startled- Yes! I’ve been known to shriek here and there, but as far as scary- it’s real hard to creep me out. Some of the best I’ve attended, as far as actors and detailing go include: Netherworld in Atlanta, Dream Reapers in Chicago, Woods of Terror in NC, Erebus and Realm of Darkness in Pontiac, The Haunting in Adrian, The Haunt in Grand Rapids, and the Terrorfied Forest in Pinckney. I’ve heard great stuff about Terror on the Fox, Bates Motel, The Darkness, and I’ve always wanted to go to Deadly Intentions in Warren. That’s one haunt I’d love to check out, and it probably will creep me out, which is totally fine with me!

Do you still find time to attend Haunted Houses?
Yes- Whenever I can. I wish I could see more. All the conventions I attend have haunt tours, and that’s great- but I’d really love to take a whole year off, and hit about a hundred (and not pay!). Being so close to the haunt capital of Detroit, and being open only on Fridays and Saturdays, I should be able to.