Recently in Interviews Category

We recently did a review of a short film called Mr. Video. It's an independent short horror/comedy film.

Today, in follow up to that movie, we present you with a short interview with Alex Masterson, the mind behind Mr. Video:


Why did you first become interested in horror movies?

While growing up in Toronto, I remember as a boy seeing a creepy Canadian film called BLACK CHRISTMAS, which scared the shit out of me at the time. And then a few years later, when I saw THE SHINING, I became a confirmed horror fan.

Do you have plans to make Mr. Video into a feature length film?

No, unfortunately Mr. Video, the actually location where we shot the film, is gone. But I've just finished writing a dark thriller feature screenplay, which I hope to direct within the next few years.

Why did you first become interested in the Haunted Attraction/Horror Business?
Well it started out as a family haunt when I was younger. My mom and dad would decorate the garage and open the garage door for everyone to come in to get their treat. Then once I got older and returned home from the Air Force, I revived the family tradition in the garage of my own house and at the Oklahoma Air National Guard base. Just providing a free haunting event for everyone to enjoy. It's very gratifying to see the smile on the kids faces, and the parents' faces too.

What previous jobs have you had?
Air Force for 6 years, pizza joints and auto shops prior to that.

What job do you do right now?
The Oklahoma Air National Guard for 17 years and still going.

Is the Haunted House/Horror Job your full time gig?
You can count it as a full time gig for me. In the spring of each year, my duties on top of being the owner/creator range from PR person, building props and scenes, to advertisement builder for fliers,T-shirts, news papers and on hand interviews, manager of operations and even an actor. I get in the middle of everything to insure all is safe and in order. I have high standards I like to maintain in the Dungeon. Then comes the holidays when we convert everything over for a Christmas themed ride. In the spring, the cycle starts all over again.

How long have you been in the business?
Since the summer of 2003 which was at a mall then at our current location in Bricktown since September 2004.

How did you start?
In November of 2000 as I was tearing down the haunt at the guard base, I was asking myself. "What can I do to make it better for next year?". Then I thought, "A ride thru haunt!". From there, it's been crazy. I have to add, my wife Carol has been a very active part in assisting me and being in the thick of it. She's a great woman.

What's the scariest Haunted Attraction you ever attended?

It's Friday which means it is time for an interview. Today we interview Larry Silverman from The Discovery Channel's very popular show "A Haunting."

We bring this to you in MP3 format:

Download Link

For more information on "A Haunting" Follow This Link.

A while back we asked Pete from Niles Haunted House located in Cassopolis, MI, for an interview.

First we must apologize to Pete for being so tardy.

Now without further delay, here is our interview with Pete:

Why did you first become interested in the Haunted House/Horror Business?

When I was about 12 years old, I grew up in southern New Jersey just across the river from Philadelphia. Every Saturday night I watched a show called "Dr. Shock." This show featured classic horror movies and was hosted by a nut case known as Dr. Shock. Ever since that time I have been hooked on Halloween.

What previous jobs have you had?

Every since I graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 1980 I always have been a lawyer. That continues to be my "day job."

What job do you do right now? Is the Haunted House/Horror Job your full time gig?

Although I do my best to operate my law office on a year-round basis, the haunted house business consumes at least one-half of my time. I have given myself the title of "Park Manager" and am responsible for all business aspects of the operation of the Niles Haunted House Scream Park.

What is the name of your conference and what is it about?
The Midwest Haunters Convention is a weekend event planned for Haunted Attraction Producers, Actors, and Home Haunters. Our goal is to provide educational seminars and workshops with experienced presenters as well as a place to socialize with others in the industry during our many activities. It is held annually in Columbus, Ohio.

How did it start?
We started MHC after hearing that the Ohio Haunted Conference was not going to continue. OHC took place in 2001 and 2002 and attracted about 150-200 people. MHC was modeled after this concept but it quickly outgrew our initial expectations.

When did it start?
The first Midwest Haunters Convention occurred in July of 2004 with an outdoor event held at Cooper Stadium the home to Terror Park. That first year we had about 300 people and 30 vendors.

How many people usually show up?
MHC has grown about 50 percent each year and the show that just wrapped up had an estimated attendance of 1200 people and we featured 54 vendors.

Who attends these types of thing?
The primary audience for MHC is haunted attraction owners, producers, actors, as well as home haunters. Because of the emphasis we put on makeup and acting classes, we tend to attract a lot of the support personnel from haunts all over the country.