Do you own a Haunt? Interested in us filming your attraction for a future episode?
Thank you for your interest! Please read the information below, as there are several criteria your haunt must meet to be actively considered for filming. First, please note that we don’t rate or review your haunt. Our job is simply to tell your story in an engaging and entertaining way.
For us, the backstory and personal narratives of owners and staff are more interesting and entertaining than props or theatrics — although we do need a good deal of those, too!
We prefer haunts with both indoor and outdoor public spaces, structures, or entertainment areas. These are ideal because they offer a variety of contrasts that help shape the way the episode is edited.
We try to focus each episode on a single haunt. However, on occasion, we might need to bundle one or more haunts into a single show or segment.
Requirements:
- For any film shoot to be effective or considered appropriate for a quality commercial program/broadcast, we require a minimum of 20 actor interviews (both in and out of character), as well as interviews with the owners and crew.
- We also require a detailed, guided on-camera walk-through of your establishment by one or more qualified delegates. These walk-through interviews often become the backbone of the story.
- We will capture extensive b-roll of your props (owners and staff don’t need to be present for all of this). Rest assured, we’ll edit it in a way that preserves the integrity of your scares.
- The owner or a qualified delegate will participate in several onscreen interviews during the shooting days and should feel comfortable on camera. Our focus will be on the owners, actors, crew, and their stories — including how and why you got started, and what makes your haunt unique. We’ll highlight your passion, drive, and creativity in horror and props, as well as that of the people who work for you.
- Television requires a substantive narrative and strong storytelling, so this long-form documentary will primarily be driven by the interviews we conduct. Don’t worry, we have a way of getting everything we need.
- For audience reaction segments, we will film and may interview patrons.
Releases
- Owners are required to sign a location and trademark release, granting us permission to film on your premises and allowing the use of your establishment’s trademark for TV/film distribution.
- Anyone appearing on camera and speaking in an interview context is required to sign an industry-standard release form
- If they will be speaking on camera, minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a minor release form. Generally, if parents are unavailable, the haunt owner can act as the guardian for minors working at your establishment.
- We also require a general notification (e.g., posters) at the ticket booth or entrance gates, informing the public that they may be filmed and that their images, likenesses, and voices may appear in media, film broadcasts, and other related content. We will hang the posters upon our arrival.
- Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to these rules. If we do not get a release from interview subjects, they will not appear in any edit of the final ‘broadcast’ version.
Goal: To produce an exceptional 40-50 minute documentary/reality-style episode.
The show’s narrative is presented by an on-screen host (Spooky Kisses). We will edit each episode in a way that’s heartfelt, showcasing your haunt and business in the best possible light. It’s about you, your work, the stories you tell, and the actors and crew who work with you. While it’s rooted in horror, the show also includes light-hearted and comedic content, offering a balance that appeals to a more mainstream audience.
We are committed to respecting your preferences and will work closely with you to minimize any filming or edits that you may find uncomfortable. However, in line with industry standards, we and our licensed broadcast networks retain all rights to the final edit and footage. Additionally, please be aware that most networks prohibit any private or public screenings of their licensed material prior to its official release. That said, we encourage you to review our body of work to better understand the quality and approach we bring to each project for SKH.
What to Expect During Filming at Your Attraction.
The Halloween season typically runs for about six weeks, so we shoot three to four days a week, depending on logistics. We plan to be on location at your haunt for two full days, during which we generally capture 10 to 12 hours of footage. This footage is then edited into a 40-50 minute show. On occasion, we may need additional filming opportunities and can make arrangements if we don’t gather enough footage during the planned schedule.
Ideally, we prefer to shoot one day when your attraction is closed to the public, such as a rehearsal day/night or an ‘off’ day. Some haunts open for us during off-nights and bring in actors. We travel with a small, discreet crew and will ensure minimal disruption to your operations, as we understand the importance of your business.
The following itinerary outlines a general schedule for a typical two-day shoot.
Day 1
13:00 – 14:00:
Arrival and Setup
Upon arrival, our crew will take approximately one hour to set up cameras and equipment, ensuring everything is ready for the day’s filming.
14:00 – 16:00:
Filming and Interviews
During this time, we’ll begin filming, which includes walking through the haunt, capturing b-roll footage, and taking drone shots. Haunt owners or a qualified delegate will provide on-camera interviews or commentary, contributing to the narrative of the episode.
16:00 – 18:00:
Actor Interviews
Actor interviews will take place as they arrive and get ready for their roles. This session includes capturing b-roll footage of the actors. We aim to film both in-character and out-of-character segments to highlight the contrast and provide a full perspective on their performances.
17:45 – 21:00:
Spooky Kisses’ Walkthrough
A minimum of three walkthroughs will be filmed over the two days of shooting, with Spooky Kisses navigating through the haunt. These walkthroughs are integral to the narrative and showcase the host’s real-time reactions.
21:00 – 23:00:
Patron Interviews and Additional Footage
In this block, we’ll capture patron interviews, additional b-roll footage, and actor close-ups. We will also gather any remaining footage needed to round out the episode.
Day 2
14:00 – 14:30:
Arrival and Preparation
On Day 2, we may arrive earlier than planned, depending on the footage gathered the previous day, to complete any outstanding shots.
14:30 – 16:00:
Haunt B-roll and Drone Shots
This block is dedicated to capturing any missed footage from Day 1. We will focus on shooting additional b-roll of props, scenes, and any elements that were not captured previously, including drone shots for an elevated perspective of the haunt.
16:00 – 17:45:
Actor Interviews (Second Day)
Some actors may not be working both nights, so this segment will focus on conducting any remaining interviews, capturing both in-character and out-of-character moments, and finishing any last b-roll with them.
17:45 – 21:00:
Spooky Kisses’ Second or Third Walkthrough
This segment includes Spooky Kisses’ second or third walkthrough of the haunt, depending on previous shots. Drone footage may also be taken during this session for aerial perspectives.
21:00 – 23:00:
Closing, Patron Interviews, and Final Footage
To wrap up the filming, we’ll gather any final patron interviews, additional b-roll, and any remaining footage required for the episode. This segment ensures that all key content is captured before concluding the shoot.
Please reach out to me below with any questions.
Thank you and Happy Halloween!
Rich Perry
———–
Producer,
MadLab Entertainment Group, LLC
rich@madlabent.com
www.madlabent.com