Another fun thing that you can do with Photoshop. I made a cartoon out of one of my favorite Haunters from last year.Thursday, July 30, 2009
Cartoon Warp
Another fun thing that you can do with Photoshop. I made a cartoon out of one of my favorite Haunters from last year.Make-Up II
I briefly touched on make-up earlier this week. Now we are going to go a little more in depth. We will begin with a few simple rules on doing make-up. First and foremost, always do a skin test to make sure that you are not allergic. Nothing is more irritating, or possibly life threatening, than having an allergic reaction to make-up, or latex prosthetics.
Another good thing to remember is to apply make-up thinly and wait until each layer dries before going on to another layer. You can use a blow dryer to hurry the drying process up, but make sure that you have it set on cool. That way you won't be causing a potential burn or even catching your face on fire.
Another good thing to remember is to apply make-up thinly and wait until each layer dries before going on to another layer. You can use a blow dryer to hurry the drying process up, but make sure that you have it set on cool. That way you won't be causing a potential burn or even catching your face on fire.
Speaking of fire, never apply make-up, prosthetics, or latex appliances near an open flame. You can actually flame your face off since some of the fumes are volatile. It's just not a good idea to do anything like that near an open flame.
Another good rule of thumb is to never mix different types of make-up, and only use make-up that is approved for being applied to your face or skin.
Now that we have gone over some basic safety tips, let's explore some of the basic types of make-up.
1. Cream Make-ups or Grease Make-up. This is what I primarily use. It is very easy to apply and mixes well if you want to blend colors. The cream make-ups are also a lot easier to remove than traditional grease paint. Another good thing about cream make-ups is that they usually come packaged in character packs. These are all the make-ups that you need to create a specific character like a skeleton, zombie, witch, etc. Cream make-ups can be applied with sponges and for some really neat blending techniques, try using a stipple sponge.
2. Liquid Make-up. This is what we primarily use on the characters that are not being showcased. It's quick, easy to apply, and gives you just a bland make-up job. The fact that it is cheap, also helps out a lot. There is also another type of liquid make-up that is used primarily in airbrushing. You can get very elaborate with an airbrush, but make sure you are using the liquid make-up that is specifically made for airbrushing.
3. Pancake Make-Up. This is usually used for a foundation, or set up. It comes in a powdered form and is applied with a powder puff. If you use pancake make-up, make sure you used a setting spray, so that it stays in place all night.
4. The final make-up that I want to talk about is stick make-up. This would be lipsticks, etc. This type of make-up is great for outlining, shadowing, and highlighting.
Now that you know a little bit about the different types of make-up that are availiable to you, find the one that you are most comfortable using, and get to work. Practice as much as you can until you get the look that you were after or until you like what you see in the mirror.
Since we are still talking about make-up and set up, I would like to address adhesives. The most common adhesive out there is spirit gum. You can also use liquid latex as an adhesive. Make sure that you, or the person that you are making up, is not allergic to the liquid latex. Liquid latex also has ammonia in it, so do not apply it up around your eyes. The fumes can actually burn your eyes and I can tell you from experience, that if you get it close to your eyes, they will tear up. To help it dry faster, you can use a hair dryer set on cool to facillitate the drying process.,
You will need an adhesive to apply any prosthetics to your face or anywhere on your body. Some of the prosthetics that I use are scars, open wounds, and screws, stakes, and spikes. You can make your own wounds using liquid latex and a paper towel, but more on that later.
Now that you have the basics, let's prepare for the application of your make-up. The first thing you need to do is decide whether you need to have your costume on before you put your make-up on. You can really screw up a make-up job by pulling a shirt over your head.
After you decide on whether you need your costume on yet, or not, then you need to clean your face. I use Sea Breeze to clean up my face before I apply the make-up.
Your face is clean, now you need to find a spot in front of a mirror with adequate lighting. Lighting is very important in making sure that you apply the make-up correctly. Especially if you do a lot of blending.
If you are going to use prosthetics, now is the time to begin applying them. Spirit gum does not adhere well to make-up. Apply all of your prosthetics, let them dry thoroughly, and then you can begin applying your make-up. To help blend the edges of the prosthetic a little more naturally, use flesh colored latex. Apply it with a sponge and build it up layer by layer until you are satisfied with the results.
Now that you have your prosthetics on, apply a foundation. I use grey since I am basically a corpse or one of the living dead. If you are a vampire, use white. Apply it lightly and then pat it with a sponge to blend the make-up.
When you have the foundation done to your liking, it is time to highlight. This is when a make-up brush really comes in handy. You can also do your shadowing now.
The next step is texturing. I like to use a sponge, especially a stipling sponge to get the look that I want. You can also use a make-up brush to have a smoother texture. Here's a tip: If you load the front of the brush with a light color and the back of the brush with a dark shade, you can stipple with the brush to get an uneven look.
Shadowing and highlighting are the last step that you need to do. This is why the lighting is very important. To shadow properly, you take a darker color than your foundation and apply to the natural areas on your face that are shadowed. And example of this would be under the eyes.
To highlight, you want to take a lighter shade than your foundation color, and hit all the areas that you want highlighted. An example of the areas that you will want to highlight would be the wrinkles on your face, whether real or prosthetically enhanced.
The final step in the make-up process is setting the make-up. The cheapest way of doing this is with baby powder. Just dust your face with the powder and it will be set. It is important to set your make-up so that you do not sweat it off during your performance.
Baby powder can also be used to in your hair to make you look older. I personally like to use the easy to wash out hair sprays to add any color to my hair. It washes right out when you are taking your make-up off in the shower.
Another good rule of thumb is to never mix different types of make-up, and only use make-up that is approved for being applied to your face or skin.
Now that we have gone over some basic safety tips, let's explore some of the basic types of make-up.
1. Cream Make-ups or Grease Make-up. This is what I primarily use. It is very easy to apply and mixes well if you want to blend colors. The cream make-ups are also a lot easier to remove than traditional grease paint. Another good thing about cream make-ups is that they usually come packaged in character packs. These are all the make-ups that you need to create a specific character like a skeleton, zombie, witch, etc. Cream make-ups can be applied with sponges and for some really neat blending techniques, try using a stipple sponge.
2. Liquid Make-up. This is what we primarily use on the characters that are not being showcased. It's quick, easy to apply, and gives you just a bland make-up job. The fact that it is cheap, also helps out a lot. There is also another type of liquid make-up that is used primarily in airbrushing. You can get very elaborate with an airbrush, but make sure you are using the liquid make-up that is specifically made for airbrushing.
3. Pancake Make-Up. This is usually used for a foundation, or set up. It comes in a powdered form and is applied with a powder puff. If you use pancake make-up, make sure you used a setting spray, so that it stays in place all night.
4. The final make-up that I want to talk about is stick make-up. This would be lipsticks, etc. This type of make-up is great for outlining, shadowing, and highlighting.
Now that you know a little bit about the different types of make-up that are availiable to you, find the one that you are most comfortable using, and get to work. Practice as much as you can until you get the look that you were after or until you like what you see in the mirror.
Since we are still talking about make-up and set up, I would like to address adhesives. The most common adhesive out there is spirit gum. You can also use liquid latex as an adhesive. Make sure that you, or the person that you are making up, is not allergic to the liquid latex. Liquid latex also has ammonia in it, so do not apply it up around your eyes. The fumes can actually burn your eyes and I can tell you from experience, that if you get it close to your eyes, they will tear up. To help it dry faster, you can use a hair dryer set on cool to facillitate the drying process.,
You will need an adhesive to apply any prosthetics to your face or anywhere on your body. Some of the prosthetics that I use are scars, open wounds, and screws, stakes, and spikes. You can make your own wounds using liquid latex and a paper towel, but more on that later.
Now that you have the basics, let's prepare for the application of your make-up. The first thing you need to do is decide whether you need to have your costume on before you put your make-up on. You can really screw up a make-up job by pulling a shirt over your head.
After you decide on whether you need your costume on yet, or not, then you need to clean your face. I use Sea Breeze to clean up my face before I apply the make-up.
Your face is clean, now you need to find a spot in front of a mirror with adequate lighting. Lighting is very important in making sure that you apply the make-up correctly. Especially if you do a lot of blending.
If you are going to use prosthetics, now is the time to begin applying them. Spirit gum does not adhere well to make-up. Apply all of your prosthetics, let them dry thoroughly, and then you can begin applying your make-up. To help blend the edges of the prosthetic a little more naturally, use flesh colored latex. Apply it with a sponge and build it up layer by layer until you are satisfied with the results.
Now that you have your prosthetics on, apply a foundation. I use grey since I am basically a corpse or one of the living dead. If you are a vampire, use white. Apply it lightly and then pat it with a sponge to blend the make-up.
When you have the foundation done to your liking, it is time to highlight. This is when a make-up brush really comes in handy. You can also do your shadowing now.
The next step is texturing. I like to use a sponge, especially a stipling sponge to get the look that I want. You can also use a make-up brush to have a smoother texture. Here's a tip: If you load the front of the brush with a light color and the back of the brush with a dark shade, you can stipple with the brush to get an uneven look.
Shadowing and highlighting are the last step that you need to do. This is why the lighting is very important. To shadow properly, you take a darker color than your foundation and apply to the natural areas on your face that are shadowed. And example of this would be under the eyes.
To highlight, you want to take a lighter shade than your foundation color, and hit all the areas that you want highlighted. An example of the areas that you will want to highlight would be the wrinkles on your face, whether real or prosthetically enhanced.
The final step in the make-up process is setting the make-up. The cheapest way of doing this is with baby powder. Just dust your face with the powder and it will be set. It is important to set your make-up so that you do not sweat it off during your performance.
Baby powder can also be used to in your hair to make you look older. I personally like to use the easy to wash out hair sprays to add any color to my hair. It washes right out when you are taking your make-up off in the shower.
Cave Ceiling Drips
Interesting formations on the ceiling at the beginning of the entrance tunnel. I believe it is the beginning of a group of stalactites. It is also a type of drip stone. Not only is this blog fun, but educational.Prep Work
The prep work is still going on. We still have a lot to do but we are currently waiting on props to come in.
This year is unusual in the fact that we are going to more props in areas that we considered dead. It will be interesting to find out how well that goes for us this year.
This year is unusual in the fact that we are going to more props in areas that we considered dead. It will be interesting to find out how well that goes for us this year.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Acting
Our actors, or human characters, are divided into two categories. Actors and Startles. Actors have a very definite role, like the Devil, the Undertaker, or my character, Jebenezzer Law.
Actors either make a back story for their character, or they all ready have a back story like the Devil.
If your character that you are portraying is well known, such as the Devil, you will still have a lot of room to make the character your own. You can be a scary Devil, a smart ass Devil, or a combination of both.
The other acting is Startle acting. Startle actors do not need a back story. They can be zombies, grave diggers, or chainsaws. These are just a few of the many startle actor positions. And it is just what it sounds like, your job is to startle the customer. If you are a startle actor, you are hidden behind a wall, a door, or some dark crevice. You wait for the customer to get within your range, and then bam, you are out there scaring the heck out of them. Then you pop back into your hiding place and set up for the next round of customers to come into your domain.
Startle actors rely a lot on timing. If you are off just a little bit, then your customers will not get the full effect of your scare. I cannot emphasize enough that timing is very important for your startle scare to be effective.
Also, when you jump out and do your startle, if you have to use words, don't use Boo! Not scary, and it really comes off kind of lame and let's your customers know that you have no clue on what you are doing.
I mentioned chainsaws. One of the easiest startle scares in any Haunt, but a very important scare. If you aspire to be a Chainsaw, make sure that you know how to start it. There is nothing worse than a chainsaw that pops out and he or she can't get the doggone thing started. You lose the impact of the scare, and you look pretty silly yanking on the starter cord while your customers are gawking at you.
Actors either make a back story for their character, or they all ready have a back story like the Devil.
If your character that you are portraying is well known, such as the Devil, you will still have a lot of room to make the character your own. You can be a scary Devil, a smart ass Devil, or a combination of both.
The other acting is Startle acting. Startle actors do not need a back story. They can be zombies, grave diggers, or chainsaws. These are just a few of the many startle actor positions. And it is just what it sounds like, your job is to startle the customer. If you are a startle actor, you are hidden behind a wall, a door, or some dark crevice. You wait for the customer to get within your range, and then bam, you are out there scaring the heck out of them. Then you pop back into your hiding place and set up for the next round of customers to come into your domain.
Startle actors rely a lot on timing. If you are off just a little bit, then your customers will not get the full effect of your scare. I cannot emphasize enough that timing is very important for your startle scare to be effective.
Also, when you jump out and do your startle, if you have to use words, don't use Boo! Not scary, and it really comes off kind of lame and let's your customers know that you have no clue on what you are doing.
I mentioned chainsaws. One of the easiest startle scares in any Haunt, but a very important scare. If you aspire to be a Chainsaw, make sure that you know how to start it. There is nothing worse than a chainsaw that pops out and he or she can't get the doggone thing started. You lose the impact of the scare, and you look pretty silly yanking on the starter cord while your customers are gawking at you.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Prosthetics
It is no secret that I like using prosthetic appliances with my character. I find that they add a bit of make believe realism to my character.
I started out using small scars and puncture wounds and graduated to bigger appliances that took up more of my face.
The two types of prosthetics that I primarily use are latex, and home made. I have yet to use any of the foam prosthetics that seem to be taking over the market place, but when I do, I will write about them. If cost is not an option, I would go with the foam prosthetic appliances so that you can create a very distinctive look, without too much time involved.
Using latex prosthetics, you must use something to attach them to your skin. For the past few years, I have been using spirit gum. It's not too complicated of a process. Figure out what appliance that you are going to use and apply the spirit gum to the back of the appliance. For more sticking ability, I also spread spirit gum on my skin where I am going to put the appliance. I make sure that I use my finger to get it nice and tacky on my face, and then I apply the prosthetic.
I let it dry for approximately thirty minutes. During that time, I apply the rest of the prosthetics that I will be using. After it is all dry, then I begin applying the make-up,
Now, there are a lot of people that do not like using spirit gum. I can tell you from experience, if it is applied properly, it can last up to eight hours without pulling away from the skin.
There are other adhesives that are on the market, but since I do not have any experience with them, I cannot comment on them. If you choose to use another adhesive, let me know how it works out for you.
Bob
Me just messing around with Photoshop and a picture of one of our props, BOB. You can come up with some great effects with pictures that you take of your Haunt that can be used in your advertising or just for fun.Make-Up
We have covered character development and now it is time to move on to make-up. Make-up is one of the most important ways to set your character apart from everyone else, and really sets the mood for your character's scare.
The first thing that I want to get out is that rubber masks are not at all your best choice. They are hot, uncomfortable, and impair your vision. Down in the Cave, we need as much of our vision as possible. So rubber masks are not ideal for costumes. Plus, most are very unrealistic.
There are many types of make-up and many components. First you have your cream and grease paints. These are best if you want to layer and blend your make-up. I like to use them with my character. They come in wide variety of colors so your ability to blend is up to your imagination. For a base, I like to use gray. I used to use white, but the gray helps me create the dead flesh look that I like.
Another make-up type is liquid creams. This we use for quick character fill ins and for the kids. It is so quick, we call it the raccoon look. White base, black around the eyes and lips, maybe a little red. If you are an adult, try to be a little more imaginative than the raccoon look.
Airbrushing is another technique. You can get into some quick and original effects with an airbrush. The start up, is a little more costly, but you can efficiently make up quite a few people in a short amount of time. This is something that we are changing to this year.
Powder make-up is more intensive and has a few more steps to it, but the results can be quite subtle and really add to your character. You need to make sure that you use fixative agents to make sure that you do not sweat it off halfway through your performance.
One thing that I would like to add, is lighting. Make sure that if you are going all out on make-up, that your character has plenty of lighting. What is the point of doing a first rate make-up job if your audience cannot get the full effect of your effort.
The first thing that I want to get out is that rubber masks are not at all your best choice. They are hot, uncomfortable, and impair your vision. Down in the Cave, we need as much of our vision as possible. So rubber masks are not ideal for costumes. Plus, most are very unrealistic.
There are many types of make-up and many components. First you have your cream and grease paints. These are best if you want to layer and blend your make-up. I like to use them with my character. They come in wide variety of colors so your ability to blend is up to your imagination. For a base, I like to use gray. I used to use white, but the gray helps me create the dead flesh look that I like.
Another make-up type is liquid creams. This we use for quick character fill ins and for the kids. It is so quick, we call it the raccoon look. White base, black around the eyes and lips, maybe a little red. If you are an adult, try to be a little more imaginative than the raccoon look.
Airbrushing is another technique. You can get into some quick and original effects with an airbrush. The start up, is a little more costly, but you can efficiently make up quite a few people in a short amount of time. This is something that we are changing to this year.
Powder make-up is more intensive and has a few more steps to it, but the results can be quite subtle and really add to your character. You need to make sure that you use fixative agents to make sure that you do not sweat it off halfway through your performance.
One thing that I would like to add, is lighting. Make sure that if you are going all out on make-up, that your character has plenty of lighting. What is the point of doing a first rate make-up job if your audience cannot get the full effect of your effort.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
July 25, 2009 Set Up
Heading out to the Cave in about a half an hour. If the storms hold off, we plan on doing the tree work that we expected to get done yesterday. If not, then we will complete the changes over in the Dark Maze. I think that this is going to be one of the best changes for this year.
Not expecting too many volunteers today, but maybe I will be surprised.
Have to work on getting the make-up order together. The big rumor on the net is that make-up will be in short supply this year. I did notice that the prosthetics that I like to use cannot be found anywhere yet. I will keep looking around.
Other than that, it is time to load up the truck and head out.
Not expecting too many volunteers today, but maybe I will be surprised.
Have to work on getting the make-up order together. The big rumor on the net is that make-up will be in short supply this year. I did notice that the prosthetics that I like to use cannot be found anywhere yet. I will keep looking around.
Other than that, it is time to load up the truck and head out.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Developing A Character Part 3
Creating your Costume
Making your character's costume is really just as important as the story line. Your costume is what adds to your character's ability to come to life.
What environment does your character dwell in? My character, Jebenezzer Law, lives in the Haunted Cave. I take my last pair of work pants and make sure that they are covered completely with cave dirt. Then I add any blood that I may be spilling down there.
Since I work in the Jail Cell, I have a set of manacles that I use to either portray me as confined and then I escape to wreak havoc, or I use them to shackle up my victims and drag them into the cell.
Cover where they are going to live. If they are a butcher, then you can go with a butcher's cap, an apron, and lots of blood.
If it helps, sketch it out on piece of paper or brainstorm with a buddy. You never know what you may come up with in a good brainstorming session. I personally think that if you make your own, your originality will show through and make your character shine when compared to the latest costume from the Halloween Department in your local store.
Another thing to take into consideration is dark or light clothing. Does your character cling to the shadows and then make an entrance, or is he spotlighted from the moment he enters the scene? Going back to the Butcher example, of course you want to have cooks whites on. That compliments your character. My character takes advantage of the darkness, so I want to blend in with the shadows. Some of my best scares occur when I am standing in the shadows and people walk within a foot of me and they do not notice me until I pop out of the shadows.
Do not forget the shoes. You can have the best Demon costume in all the land, but if you are wearing the latest pair of gym shoes, you have just destroyed the illusion that you are trying to perform with your character creation.
Your costume is a reflection of your character. Make sure that it enhances and does not detract from your performance.
What environment does your character dwell in? My character, Jebenezzer Law, lives in the Haunted Cave. I take my last pair of work pants and make sure that they are covered completely with cave dirt. Then I add any blood that I may be spilling down there.
Since I work in the Jail Cell, I have a set of manacles that I use to either portray me as confined and then I escape to wreak havoc, or I use them to shackle up my victims and drag them into the cell.
Cover where they are going to live. If they are a butcher, then you can go with a butcher's cap, an apron, and lots of blood.
If it helps, sketch it out on piece of paper or brainstorm with a buddy. You never know what you may come up with in a good brainstorming session. I personally think that if you make your own, your originality will show through and make your character shine when compared to the latest costume from the Halloween Department in your local store.
Another thing to take into consideration is dark or light clothing. Does your character cling to the shadows and then make an entrance, or is he spotlighted from the moment he enters the scene? Going back to the Butcher example, of course you want to have cooks whites on. That compliments your character. My character takes advantage of the darkness, so I want to blend in with the shadows. Some of my best scares occur when I am standing in the shadows and people walk within a foot of me and they do not notice me until I pop out of the shadows.
Do not forget the shoes. You can have the best Demon costume in all the land, but if you are wearing the latest pair of gym shoes, you have just destroyed the illusion that you are trying to perform with your character creation.
Your costume is a reflection of your character. Make sure that it enhances and does not detract from your performance.
Developing A Character Part 2
Research and Background
Every successful character in a Haunt has a name. Give your character one. Try to steer clear of Freddie's, Jason's, and Michael's. These are commonly associated with known Hollywood characters. Chuckie would be a bad one too. Come up with something catchy that says something about your character.
After you name your character, create a back story for them. A backs story is very important in fleshing out your character. If your character is a butcher, then make up a storyline where they worked and what made them go wrong. Or if you are a Demoness, then come up with a really good name like Desmoanna Demon of the Shadows. Tell how she fell from grace, what kind of powers that she has, etc.
Creating a name and a storyline will help you in designing your sets and props and it will bring your character to life or death, whichever realm they dwell in.
After you name your character, create a back story for them. A backs story is very important in fleshing out your character. If your character is a butcher, then make up a storyline where they worked and what made them go wrong. Or if you are a Demoness, then come up with a really good name like Desmoanna Demon of the Shadows. Tell how she fell from grace, what kind of powers that she has, etc.
Creating a name and a storyline will help you in designing your sets and props and it will bring your character to life or death, whichever realm they dwell in.
Developing A Character Part 1
Developing Your Character
Inspiration:
The first thing that you need to do is get inspired. There are many avenues to explore if you are looking for inspiration for your character.
One of your best sources are movies. Find a character that was in a movie that really scared you or gave you something that made you say, "Oh my gosh, that guy is really freaky. Glad this is just a movie." If you find something like that, go with it, expand it, and make it your own.
Other good sources would be books, magazines and even the internet. Just go with the medium that you are most familiar with.
Another approach would be, What scares your friends? Is it Zombies, vampires, or evil little girls with baby dolls? What ever your friends are scared of, tak advantage of it and work some magic developing that character into something that you would want to portray.
Once you figure out what you want to be, then you can start looking at your strengths to see what you can do to make your character stand out. If you are big, or slightly overweight, how about a freaky Santa. Yeah, that's right, you can use Santa as a character in a Haunt. What is scarier than a Santa who is chopping up someone on his naughty list? Maybe you are tall. Use your height and invade their body space by just looming over them. Very effective and you usually do not have to say to much.
Some people like to draw on their own experiences. Maybe you are a short order cook and you have an idea for a new recipe that involves serving up people as the main course. What about a crazy old lady that does not like it when you are too noisy, so she whips out her chainsaw and begins chasing you around the room. Model her after the crazy old lady that lived next door to you and made sure that you knew that she did not like anyone. Experiences can be just the right ticket to creating a very popular character.
There are hazards in trying to copy a marketable Hollywood horror icon. Number one, it's not very original, so that is not scary in itself. Then you are setting yourself up for the higher standards of make up and effects, that frankly can get very costly and be very time consuming in prepping for your role. Your audiences expectations are also so much more higher when you are trying to step into the shoes of an icon.
One of the most important things to remember is for you to be as original as possible. Not only do you not have any legal problems like copyright infringement, but this character will actually be a lot better if you can make it your own and not be someone who was just copying and al ready.
Just remember to let your creative juices flow, have fun with it, and make the character yours. Not only is it cheaper, but it is more fun, and lets face it, more realistic if you and your character are original.
The first thing that you need to do is get inspired. There are many avenues to explore if you are looking for inspiration for your character.
One of your best sources are movies. Find a character that was in a movie that really scared you or gave you something that made you say, "Oh my gosh, that guy is really freaky. Glad this is just a movie." If you find something like that, go with it, expand it, and make it your own.
Other good sources would be books, magazines and even the internet. Just go with the medium that you are most familiar with.
Another approach would be, What scares your friends? Is it Zombies, vampires, or evil little girls with baby dolls? What ever your friends are scared of, tak advantage of it and work some magic developing that character into something that you would want to portray.
Once you figure out what you want to be, then you can start looking at your strengths to see what you can do to make your character stand out. If you are big, or slightly overweight, how about a freaky Santa. Yeah, that's right, you can use Santa as a character in a Haunt. What is scarier than a Santa who is chopping up someone on his naughty list? Maybe you are tall. Use your height and invade their body space by just looming over them. Very effective and you usually do not have to say to much.
Some people like to draw on their own experiences. Maybe you are a short order cook and you have an idea for a new recipe that involves serving up people as the main course. What about a crazy old lady that does not like it when you are too noisy, so she whips out her chainsaw and begins chasing you around the room. Model her after the crazy old lady that lived next door to you and made sure that you knew that she did not like anyone. Experiences can be just the right ticket to creating a very popular character.
There are hazards in trying to copy a marketable Hollywood horror icon. Number one, it's not very original, so that is not scary in itself. Then you are setting yourself up for the higher standards of make up and effects, that frankly can get very costly and be very time consuming in prepping for your role. Your audiences expectations are also so much more higher when you are trying to step into the shoes of an icon.
One of the most important things to remember is for you to be as original as possible. Not only do you not have any legal problems like copyright infringement, but this character will actually be a lot better if you can make it your own and not be someone who was just copying and al ready.
Just remember to let your creative juices flow, have fun with it, and make the character yours. Not only is it cheaper, but it is more fun, and lets face it, more realistic if you and your character are original.
Today
Not much really got done today. Moved in the new compressor and that was about it. All the chainsaws that we hoped to use were broken within minutes and we didn't get the trees cut down like we wanted to. Oh well, there's always tomorrow, but still it was a disappointing day.
We did begin the change in the Dark Maze that we wanted to get done. Hope to get that completed tomorrow.
Fun Facts about the Lewisburg Haunted Cave
1.The Lewisburg Haunted Cave has been in operation for about thirty years
2. The Cave is home to about 30,000 bats
3. There are about 42 miles of tunnels down in the Cave
4. It was a fully operational Limestone Mine at one time
5. It is the only underground Haunt attraction in Ohio
More later, it is off to the Caves for me and the Cave Crew!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Haunted Life
Four years ago, I began an adventure that would keep me underground for long extended periods of time. Yeah, it does sound kind of weird, but there is a lot to explain so hang on to your hats because the journey begins here.
I volunteer at one of Ohio's premier Haunts. What is a Haunt you ask? Well a Haunt is a place that people go to during the Halloween Season to have the yell scared out of them. Most Haunts are haunted houses, warehouses, etc. The Haunt that I spend time scaring up is the Lewisburg Haunted Cave, located in Lewisburg, Ohio.
The Lewisburg Haunted Cave has been in operation for about thirty years and is located in an abandoned limestone mine. Yes, an actual mine. Once you hit that gate, you are descending eighty feet or more underground. It is the only underground Haunted attraction in Ohio.
I am one of the characters deep down in the Cave. My characters name is Jebenezzer Law and he has a very interesting back story. Jebeneezer (JEB) Law: He ran the detention cells during the Coal Wars back in 1980 at the Lewisburg Mine. Slowly went crazy down in the mine after prolonged exposure to bat guano. He was found to have a hankering for inmate flesh. When his cannibalistic tastes were discovered, he took off and hid down in the 42 miles of tunnels down in the mine and later surfaced when the mine was converted to a Haunt. After years of just having bats to eat, old Jeboneezer has decided that he would like to see if customers are as tasty as the inmates used to be.
Well, for the next sixty-three days, me and the Cave crew will be working our collective tails off to get the Haunt ready for this season. This will be a daily journal of what we do and how we get ready for the Haunt Season.
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