2012 Presenter Biographies
John Migliore
Weekend Seminar Series Topic: Meet the Survival Zombie: John Migliore's Adventures in the World of Zombie Cinema
Synopsis: TBA
Bio: John Migliore is a background actor who loves zombie movies most of all! He has appeared as a zombie in several films, including Dawn of the Dead (2004), Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), George A. Romero's Land of the Dead (2005), George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead (2009), Zombie Apocalypse: Redemption (2011), Plan 9 (2012), Detention of the Dead(2012), My Boring Zombie Apocalypse (2012) and Zombie eXs (2012). John will share some of his experiences from the set of those films and take questions from the audience.
Matthew Flagler
Builder's Series Workshop Session Topic: Sinew Marketing
One of the biggest challenges that a business faces is promoting itself. This can be an even more daunting task on startup or within the constraints of a limited budget. Matthew brings almost 20 years of experience in marketing and promotion to the table for this intensive seminar. Matthew’s successful philosophy is that any business can use creative means to open up promotional opportunities on a sinewy budget. Participants will learn how Matthew transformed a new haunted attraction into the largest in its area in 5 short years, and how it was profitable from the very first show. Even if you do not operate a non-profit event, you will benefit from Matthew’s expertise in building a successful business.
Seminar Series Session Topic: Bringing Your Sponsorship Program Back From the Grave
You DO NOT have to operate a haunted attraction to benefit from this session! If you operate a business of any kind, whether for profit or non-profit/charity, this may be for you.
Would you like to generate cash flow from more than just admission and concession sales? Would you be interested in converting your popularity into cash? Could you benefit from operating funds earlier in the season? Do you like the idea of paying for many of your expenses with someone else’s money well before opening night? If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, this session is definitely for you!
There are many companies out there that are trying to reach your customers. You can leverage this opportunity, and introduce their fine products or services to your customers, for a fee. These other companies are already spending that money elsewhere, hoping someone else can do for them the very same thing. If they are going to spend it anyway, don’t you think it should be with you?
Ah, but that’s not as easy as it sounds. If it were, everyone would be doing it, wouldn’t they? So how can you do it? That’s exactly what you’ll learn in this session. If you operate a non-profit or charity business, what you will learn can help you provide more money to your charity or group. If you are for profit, it can provide a bigger bottom line.
Seminar Series Session Topic: The Psychology of the Scare
Everyone is afraid of something, and I mean everybody. One of the big challenges is finding out what scares the most people. Most haunts just don’t have the space to provide a scare for everyone, and if you attempt to cram too much into a limited space, the scare loses its effect. So you have to develop a strategy and that starts with understanding how to layer the scares to maximum effect. We could literally write a book on fears, but what this session will focus on is “scares” not fears. In fact, the session will hone in on utilizing three strategies in the beginning: first, that not everybody can be scared, so don't even try; second, that you can't continually scare, and build that pressure without releasing it; finally, that primarily utilizing only one kind of scare isn't effective. These are the three biggest mistakes I see made in haunted attractions, and the most common of those is in primarily utilizing only the “startle” scare. In my opinion, that is a cheap scare, and easy scare, and anybody can do it. But what sets a good haunt apart from a great haunt is the ability to utilize multiple scares, in tandem, and properly placed for maximum effectiveness.
Bio: Matthew is the owner of Haunt Canada Productions, the company that presents the Canadian Haunted Attractions Conference. He is also President of the Canadian Haunted Attractions Organized Society (CHAOS). Matthew previously operated C’ooks Lane Haunted Attractions, a non-profit haunted attraction operating near his home town of Peterborough, Ontario. Matthew is a proponent of education as a life-long process and has been teaching/training adults for almost 20 years. He has operated numerous businesses over the years, and brings a wealth of experience to share with convention attendees. In 5 short years, he successfully assisted C’ooks Lane in generating tens of thousands of dollars in revenues from sponsorships; and assisted the organization to quadruple in size through the use of strategic alliances to leverage promotional opportunties. He is presently working on his plan to try and take over the world!
Harley Bloom, sKreamers Orleans
Seminar Series Topic: Care & Feeding of your Monsters
Running a Halloween event poses any number of challenges. But running a non-profit or charity event can be a 9.9 on the “Degree of Difficulty” scale. Not the easiest of challenges is all those volunteers. With seven years experience at one of the top haunted attractions in Ontario, and almost thirty years of business experience, Harley Bloom will lead session participants through the “zombie-infested” grounds of the world of volunteer staff. Starting at the beginning, Harley will discuss where to find 'em, how to train 'em, moving on to how to retain great volunteers, as well as rally them, motivate them, reward them, organize them, and transform them into the best darn scare team this side of hell itself! Harley will intersperse the session with tips for getting the best out of your volunteer team, including how to make them the best salespeople that your business has ever had!
BIO: Harley Bloom lives in Ottawa with his wife, two daughters and his dog BOO! Coming from a rich and varied background, he opened his first Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream store in 1979, eventually expanding to a total of six locations. To promote the stores in the community, Harley joined the Gloucester Fair where he learned hands on, how to produce and manage special events.
He eventually joined the Kiwanis club of Orleans where he served for three separate terms as President. Wanting to build a local playground, the club determined that a haunted house event would be the perfect fundraiser.What started in an empty location in a shopping mall eventually landed at a popular Farm where it is now in its seventh season. During the in-between years Harley worked as a Marketing Director and then founded his own computer service and repair center.
He continues to have to work for a living...
Aaron Knox
Builders Series Session Topic: Airbrushing FX 101
Airbrushing 101: In this portion we will learn the basics of how to airbrush, with performing basic dots - dagger strokes. The goal in this class is to get students comfortable with handling an AB gun, and performing with the equipment.
Equipment Types: In this portion of the class we will learn about what type of AB paint is on the market, and which type of AB paint suits your needs. We will also take a look at a basic airbrush setup, and all the eqiupment that suits your needs to get you going ( Sponsored by Badger airbrush, all supplies on sale in this class)
Airbrush FX: (face demo, hands on) Sponsored by Graftobian makeup, Badass Stencils, Uniqso Contacts. Students will create a character face, using a template. The class will partner up, and apply designs they have created using stencils and Airbrush.
Airbrush detail: In this last portion we will learn how to clean and airbrush gun step by step. Quick clean on the job, as well as a full detailed one.
Bio: I have always had a keen interest in “Creating something, out of nothing”. Airbrushing, is one of those mediums that is so versatile, from wall murals, models, face & body painting, to character design, the possibilities, are endless! I have been fortunate to perfect these crafts with great artists such as Alex Hansen, Cathy Corbett, Brian & Nick Wolfe, and Paul Roustan. Come join our class and try your hand at airbrushing, what will be the “Something” you will “Create out of Nothing!”
Aaron and his wife Melanie a.k.a Liquid Imprints, specialize in face and body painting, and character design.
Stacy Saman (Gothic Gourds Girl)
Builder's Series Workshop Topic: Decorative Foam Pumpkin Creations 101: Tips, Techniques, Tricks & Tools
This session will consist of two one-hour parts with a break in between and ample time for questions and working on those pumpkins! The first part will be on creating stencil for use in pumpkin carving, specifically the foam types available at craft supply stores around the country. The second part of the session will be on how to carve your foam creation from the stencil. This is a hands-on workshop, but perfectly suitable for beginners too. It will involve the use of tools like a dremel, and participants are encouraged to bring their own. All other materials will be supplied for the session. Each participant will get to take home their own creation. The session will include tricks and tips to making your own designs at home.
Stacy, a professional pumkin carver, will provide participants wiith resources for tools, and good sites for tips and patterns, Each person would make a quick drawing, to learn how to draw in negative space...and should bring in a very simple picture to draw/trace, but there will be some on hand. Stacy will show you the trick of gluing on the pattern instead of what everyone else tells you to do (little holes, graphite). While the glue is drying, Stacy will show some of her intricate patterns, and carving tools that she's quite proud of. Yes, she will bring out THE DREMEL...just to illustrate the bits that are good to use. The second half of the session is “carve city”, carving turning the pumpkin, etc... carving which bits first, how to take out bits (yes, there is a trick too) and to carve out the bottom last to save on mess, ending with revealing the carving, and finishing touches with sharpies. Finally, Stacy will show you how to “electrify” your creation using LED lighting, and conclude with care, maintenance, and storage for when the pumpkin is not in use.
Attendees need to bring their own sharpies, and tools...a list of suggestions will be forwarded to you before the session, and include typical carving saws for basic work, or ideally hot knives, which would be best (hot knife tips too...using the blade for cutting circles, temperature adjustments, sharpening tips, etc)
Gordo Giza, Dotsy's
Seminar Series Session Topic: Gore FX-Tear It Up on a Budget!
Synopsis: This is a HANDS ON Gore FX makeup class. Dotsy's own Gordo Giza will lead you step-by-step through the process to create your own realistic looking scars and gore-ific wounds on a budget!
BIO: Gordo Giza has worked at Dotsy's Costumes for seven years in many facets of the company; from dressing up little "trick-or-treaters", to organizing and running Dungeons of Doom Haunted House, to in-house gore and special effects. Gordo has thrown himself into the Halloweebn industry full tilt! Always ready to give advice, and tell it like it is, Gordo is a wealth of knowledge and plans to "bring it" in this interactive session that you don't want to miss!
Chris Markgraf, Froggy's Fog
Seminar Sereis Session Topic: Fog Machines and Fog FX
Synopsis: Coming Soon!
BIO: Coming Soon!
Dick Terhune-the Voice From Hell
Weekend Seminar Series Topic: “The Queue Line Starts HERE: Haunt Advertising that brings customers SCREAMING to your door!!”
Synopsis: What if you could build your audience’s anticipation—ratchet up their tension—and push them to the edge of fear—before they ever reach your queue line?? The VOICE FROM HELL, DICK TERHUNE will show you how to create highly-effective traffic-building results-getting advertising that irresistibly draws your customers in for a much-anticipated night of terror. With a Client-List that includes Atlanta’s Netherworld, Creepyworld in St. Louis, Denver’s Asylum & 13th Floor, Salt Lake City’s Castle of Chaos & Nightmare Mansion, and many other great haunts all over North America & the UK, DICK TERHUNE is the Haunt Industry’s Leading Authority on the craft and care of Haunt Advertising. Want to find out how the VOICE FROM HELL has increased, doubled, even tripled his clients’ attendance? Don’t miss this session!!
Bio: The “Voice” of Netherworld...The Darkness...The 13th Floor...and a growing list of great Haunted Attractions throughout North America & the UK, DICK TERHUNE is the Haunt Industry’s Master of the Dark Arts of Advertising & Marketing. An award-winning Writer, Producer, and Voice-Actor, Dick is featured on the “World of Warcraft: Cataclysm” game, “Darkest of Days” for Xbox, and narrations of Poe’s “The Raven” and “The Cask of Amontillado” on TaleTube.com. Listen at www.VoiceFromHell.com for samples of his insidious inspirations...
Missus Eugenia Mooney & Michael Furey(Halfpenny Dreadfuls)
Weekend Seminar Series Topic: Introducing the Dark Side of the “Victorian or Edwardian” era into your haunted event
Synopsis: Top hats, elegant dresses and impeccable etiquette may evoke images of the Victorian era, but...it was not all highbrow parties and elitist gentleman’s clubs. Truth be told, there was a dark and tragic side that lends itself perfectly to a haunt themed event. This seminar will take you on a walk through an era that offered up such horrors as Sweeney Todd, Jack the Ripper, grave robbing, Gothic architecture, elaborate furnishings and the start of the black funeral.
Learn to recreate the dark and macabre Victorian feel through decorating tips, the use of location, props, costuming and even speech. By taking people out of their comfort zone and introducing the unknown dark side of this era you create the key to pushing people over the edge. This seminar will focus on the vital dark elements of these eras and will teach you how to use more than just mere props and costumes to make your event a memorable one.
Bio: Seika Groves (aka Missus Eugenia Mooney) holds a degree in Social Anthropology, Archaeology and is an historian and collector of the Victorian/Edwardian era. For more than 20 years Seika has worked as an Actor, Historical Consultant, Researcher, Costume/Set Designer and as a Living History Interpreter. She has frequently lent her talent to Television, Film and Theatre. Her love of the Victorian macabre has branched out to include an interesting collection of oddities ranging from a turn of the century Dental Drill, to a Mummy named “Bob” who has a home in her dining room.
Edd Scorpio (aka Michael Furey) also comes from a long history in film, theatre and radio – both in front of and behind the scenes. Edd is also an Historian, Researcher, Living History Interpreter and Photographer. He specializes in the history of Pyrates and Indigenous Peoples.
These well known “Historical Fictioneers” operate Missus Mooney's Halfpenny Dreadfuls (which includes Historic Hamilton Walking Tours), V.A.P.I.D. (Victorian Association of Parachronistic & Idiosyncratic Diversions) and The Pyrates Image out of their 1800's era home in Hamilton, Ontario.
Haunted Hamilton Team (Stephanie & Dan)
Weekend Seminar Series Topic: The Truly Haunted Places of Hamilton
Synopsis/Bio: TBA
S. Michael Karan (Prelude to a Nightmare)
Weekend Seminar Series Topic: The Importance of Sound Design
Sure, you can trot on down to Wal-Mart and pick up a canned soundtrack of rattling chains and creaking doors for your haunted attraction. Sure, you can pipe that music over the PA into every area of your haunt. But is that really the type of experience that you want for your customers? Wouldn't you rather have the ability to customize each area of your haunt to the theme of that area? And wouldn't you rather have music like no other haunt? As with any great Hollywood blockbuster, the soundtrack can make or break you. Sound phenom Mike Karan will walk you through the importance of sound design for your event. Sections of the session include “The Sound of Silence”, “The Tell Tale Heart”, and “The Puppet Master”. You won't want to miss this session!
Bio: S. Michael Karan was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. From a young age, Michael grew mesmerized by instrumental music and it's ability to invoke emotions. Michael also had a passion about horror, Halloween and the macabre and it's ability to do the same. So it was only natural to combine the two. Michael has studied music and earned a Bachelors of Music in composition. Fascinated by the neurological phenomenon of sound and music, Michael has studied for ten plus years studying just this. Michael Began writing music for haunted attractions 5 years ago, starting with his local non profit haunt. Tired of the same old canned soundtracks, Michael's goal is to put you IN the horror, by using film scoring techniques, sound design and what he as learned about physiological effects. It was then Prelude to a Nightmare was born. This lead to other ventures in sound and graphic design, and in 2010 he created Scare Tactic Productions a one stop audio shop for all in the haunt industry, which just recently has expanded to web design, marketing and graphic design. So now, all of your haunt needs are available at one place, not to mention affordable. You build the haunt, let us do the rest. S. Michael has been featured in Rue Morgue Magazine and on popular Haunted Attraction podcasts and website. Michael is also a featured blogger on Rotting Flesh Radio. He is thrilled to be bringing his talents north of the border! Share the Fear!
Drew Badger, Rabid Badger Haunt Consulting
Builders Series Session Topic: BOO Camp-Basic Training for your Haunt Actors
Synopsis/Bio: Has this ever happened to you? You pay good money to go to a haunted attraction only to be confronted by room after room of actors in rubber masks jumping out from every corner and screaming “Boo!" or “Get Out!”? How many times have the amazing scenes of a haunt been diminished by running into an actor who's not ready to hit the scare? Have you ever walked out of a haunt thinking “The sets were awesome, but the acting was totally lame”?
Lets face it, you can spend thousands of dollars on permits, buildings, props, sound systems, animiatronics, and everything else that goes into building a successful haunt. However, none of that matters if your actors aren't scary or know how to handle themselves in most any situation. You need BOO CAMP to whip your actors into fighting shape and to give them the knowledge and abilities to handle any situation they may run into. BOO CAMP teaches the art and science behind the scare and why things work and why they do not. This class will help you get the solid foundation your actors need to turn your haunt into the most terrifying and pants-wetting haunt you've always dreamed it would be. Using a combination of lecture and practical exercises, BOO CAMP strives to break down the walls that hold your actors back, allowing them to think on their feet and work together to create a tight knit team of horror. And who doesn't want that at their haunt?
Drew Badger has a professional haunted house actor for over 10 years but has been working with haunted houses since 1977. Having started his acting career at Scarowinds Halloween Haunt theme park in Charlotte NC, Drew has worked at haunts as an actor and slider all across the US from Netherworld in Atlanta, To Hundred Acre Manor in Pittsburgh, to The Darkness in St Louis. In 2005 he began pooling his knowledge and creating an outline of acing methodology that evolved into his BOO CAMP. In 2008 he attended 'Hauntertainer U' at the Midwest Haunters Convention and became a certified 'Hauntertainer'. Also in 2008, he formed Rabid Badger Haunt Consulting (www.rabidbadger.biz) and had been teaching his BOO CAMP seminars at conventions and haunted attractions across the United States from Florida, to Pennsylvania, to California. He also helped design the Ghost Ship haunted attraction on board the WWII-era Battleship USS North Carolina and his voice company (www.spookyvoices.net) has done radio and TV commercials for haunts from Alabama to Colorado. He spends most of the year tweaking his seminars, attending conventions, and getting into general mayhem.
The Ghost Encounters Team
Weekend Seminar Series Topic: Managing the Lineups
Synopsis: TBA
Ghost Encounters is an annual fundraiser for Participation House Brantford (Ontario). (PHB is a non profit organization serving physically challenged adults in our community) In 2011, we raised $40,000 in just four nights, with the help and support of almost 300 volunteers. This event is now in it's 20th year and has evolved over time. It now features a Haunted Hayride and Haunted Barn as well as many extras (food, Monster Makeovers, Coffin Photos, etc.)
Wayne Mallows & Stef Von Riot
Weekend Seminar Series Topic: Building Memorable Characters
We start off by discussing the attraction/haunt itself, more than the character, because the attraction where the character is to be placed is just as important as the character itself. We will discuss the importance of a back story to both the attraction and the character. Moving from there, we will discuss what makes a frightening and believable character; body language; placement of the character in the attraction; the importance of character/guest interaction; and creating team players in the attraction. We will finish with a brief discussion of costuming, what works and what doesn't; as well as the effective use of props and their place with the character, then actor safety.
Bio: Wayne is the author of the acclaimed “Whitechapel Road - A Vampyre Tale”, with a movie based on the book now in pre-production. He has been creating believable characters for over 30 years. He previously worked at Canada’s Wonderland’s “Halloween Haunt” for 5 years as an actor and acting coach. He has consulted on the movie Blood Bank as well as coached the sKreamers Team in Ottawa in 2010. Wayne lives in a haunted house in Niagara Falls with his partner, Stef Von Riot, as well as the various “other-worldly” occupants of the home, which is also a Bed & Breakfast.
Stef was a drama major at U of T. and also does Gore FX make-up. She is presently a ghost tour host at Ghost walks of Niagara on the Lake. Stef also previously worked at Canada's Wonderland’s Halloween Haunt. She is the model in the latest promo posters for Whitechapel Road, and an alternative model. Stef runs Betties & Bombshells, a Retro Boutique in Niagara Falls.
Suzy Lewis
Weekend Seminar Series Topic & Synopsis: Demonology & the Occult for Paranormal Investigations
Bio: Suzy has studied Demonology, Occultism, World Religions and cultures for 25+ years. Suzy is a consultant for individuals and investigative groups that are dealing with negative and/or demonic energies or entities. She is a multi-gifted psychic and works with psychometry for clients which is the ability to touch an object and get psychical pictures and energy of former owners and usage as well as removing dark energies from people and places. Her background stems from experience and research and an uncanny gift to deal with dark, unseen forces since age 7.
For over a year and a half now, Suzy has had a weekly radio show on www.liveparanormal.com on Friday Nights at 10pm est called ‘Hell and Back Radio’. It is a 100% interactive audio/video show that covers a wide range of topics dealing with the darker side of the paranormal. Suzy is also a producer and moderator for liveparanormal.com. She also has another radio show on liveparanormal.com called Para Shoot which is every other Thursday at 9pm est. She has been a guest on countless radio shows discussing her knowledge and abilities.
Suzy is also featured in 3 episodes of the new show on OLN called DEALS FROM THE DARKSIDE with Steve Santini.
She is a member of P.A.S.T. Canada and Nightbreed Paranormal among others.
She can be reached by email: imhellbound2@gmail.com if you have any questions
Office of the Fire Marshal
Seminar Series Synopsis: Fire Safety for your Haunted Event
(TBA)
Deeva Gee
Seminar Series Synopsis: TBA
Bio: TBA
Katie Hunt, Ghost Encounters
Seminar Series Synopsis: Running a Haunted Event as a Fundraiser, Non-profit, or Charitable Organization
In this session, participants will learn how to:
- find a site to run your event
- recruit groups, volunteers (we call them “Scare-pros”) for your hayride and barn
- get the necessary supplies for next to nothing
- take care of your scare-pros
- security
- promoting the event
Ghost Encounters is an annual fundraiser for Participation House Brantford (Ontario). (PHB is a non profit organization serving physically challenged adults in our community) In 2011, we raised $40,000 in just four nights, with the help and support of almost 300 volunteers. This event is now in it's 20th year and has evolved over time. It now features a Haunted Hayride and Haunted Barn as well as many extras (food, Monster Makeovers, Coffin Photos, etc.)
