Episodes

Jan. 2, 2019

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 25: Shopping for Your Haunt All Year Long

Since Haunters never really stop haunting, this episode discusses what to keep an eye out for all year long so that when the season arrives, you will have everything you need to tell a terrifying story.
Nov. 19, 2018

[HaunTopic Radio] Hauntcon 2019 & Stories of The Dead Factory and Deadmonton

What's inside this podcast episode? Liz Irving joins us from HAuNTcon: Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow & Convention to let us in on what's going on this January 25-27th in New Orleans. Brian and Darryl discuss their Haunt Season..some...
Oct. 28, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 24: Installing Canadian Dark or a Layover in Huston

While making a transfer in the Huston airport, Scott shares some of his experience installing his most recent haunt project, "Dark" at Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton Alberta Canada. He also discusses a couple of other great Haunts this season...be...
Sept. 18, 2018

Marketing Your Attraction: Marketing’s Role In Recruiting

NEWS/Quick-Takes: The Halloween season is starting much earlier than usual and the Theme Park Halloween landscape is shifting to keep pace. See Festival del Terror at 6 Flags Mexico, the early Cedar Point opening of HalloWeekends, and Knott’s....
Sept. 16, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 23: When the Tide Comes in All Ships Rise

Scott discusses the importance of treating other haunters and other attractions with respect, especially in the world of social media. He talks about finding the right forum to share suggestions and the importance of professionalism.
Sept. 12, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 22 The 4 Levels of Haunt

Scott chats about the 4 key demographics that haunted attractions target; Kids, Tweens, Teens Plus and Mature Guests. Having worked on haunted attractions from each of these categories, he is able to share insight into all of them.
Sept. 3, 2018

Adding Value to Your Attraction (AKA Rethinking Upcharges)

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Amazon has YouTube envy: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-15/amazon-wants-twitch-to-be-a-youtube-competitor?mod=djemCMOToday Theme Park Announcements: Canada’s Wonderland Six Flags Magic Mountain Carowinds Scary Farm...
Aug. 31, 2018

Groupon and the Art of Discounting - A Cautionary Tale

NEWS/Quick-Takes: This 18+ Horror-Themed Campground Is The Most Disturbing Place To Go Camping: https://www.narcity.com/ca/on/toronto/travel/this-18-horror-themed-campground-near-toronto-is-the-most-disturbing-place-youll-ever-go-camping Six Flags...
Aug. 13, 2018

SEO - Search Engine Optimization For Beginners

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Empty Malls - https://digiday.com/marketing/online-retailers-using-empty-mall-spaces-test-products/ The Science of Storytelling - https://marketingland.com/the-science-of-storytelling-245561 The Expanding Market: “DXB...
Aug. 12, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 21: Two Shows in Long Beach

Join a sleep deprived Scott as he shares random moments from Midsummer Scream and The Leadership Symposium for Seasonal Attractions.
Aug. 6, 2018

Your Guide to Working With Marketing Agencies

The hosts walk through best practices for working with marketing, creative, and media buying agencies for your attraction. NEWS/Quick-Takes: Physical products are more valuable than digital products -...
July 31, 2018

Navigating Review Websites

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Alien: Descent vs. The Void Midsummer Scream: A great convention chuck full of marketing examples for attractions. All the attractions in the Southern California area participate and each is a great example of attractions...
July 22, 2018

Digital vs. Traditional Marketing for big and small attractions

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Theme Park WiFi - http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-theme-park-wifi-20180720-story.html Reviews of Comic-Con Activations including escape rooms:...
July 22, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 20: from the League of Historic American Theatres Conference

Scott recently attended this "non-haunt" convention to co-present a seminar on monetizing theatre's ghost stories. This episode includes a great interview with co-presenter, Jill Witecki, Marketing Director and official "Ghost Host" for Tampa...
July 17, 2018

Picking Partners: How To Evaluate Sponsorship Opportunities

Picking Partners: How To Evaluate Sponsorship Opportunities NEWS/Quick-Takes: Elevating Moments Into Lasting Memories article: http://bradjashinsky.com/memorable-moments-themepark-attraction/ Live stream from a roller coaster:...
July 16, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 19 Greetings from SEHEC

Hear Scott's take on the new Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention in Ocala FL. Scott also interviews great folks from Universal Studios and Legoland. PLUS a surprise visit with Alex Crow!
July 12, 2018

Ask More: A Simple Guide to Asking More Effective Guest Survey Questions

Ask More: A Simple Guide to Asking More Effective Guest Survey Questions NEWS Blooloop’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencer List An interesting read to see the diversity of the industry. https://blooloop.com/blooloop-50-theme-park-influencer-list/#top50...
July 3, 2018

How do you set Prices for your attraction?

How do you set Prices for your attraction? Pricing is expensive or cheap depending on who you are targeting, therefore, framing & testing is critical. NEWS/Quick-Takes: California Data Privacy Law Passes “The bill -- AB 375, or the California...
July 1, 2018

[HaunTopic Radio] Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention & Leadership Symposium

In this PODCAST EPISODE, we chat with the organizers of SEHEC (Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention) and the Seasonal Attraction Leadership Symposium. Philip Hernandez: Director of Marketing & Sales for Gantom Lighting and Controls, a reputable...
July 1, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 18: The Director is The Lens not The Sun

As requested on the "A Scott in the Dark" Facebook group, Scott chats about the role of a director for haunted attractions.
June 25, 2018

Which social platform should I use for my attraction? The Social Media Starter Kit.

There is no easy answer to which platform you should choose, but here’s a guide to follow! NEWS/Quick-Takes: Instagram TV is pulling us ever closer to a future full of tall videos...
June 19, 2018

How To Not Squander Media Attention.

Just imagine the look on your team’s face when you receive that extra media coverage! How would you feel if your next media event makes a difference? Combining some recent experience from Great America’s new roller coaster with pointers from “The Art...
June 12, 2018

How do you use retargeting? The cornerstone conversion tactic for your attraction explained.

The hosts discuss tracking versus email list retargeting and the best examples for using each at your attraction. “Retargeting ads are a form of online targeting advertising and are served to people who have already visited your website or are a...
June 8, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 17 The Haunted Attraction Theatre Overlap

Scott shares quirky insights about how haunters can learn from local theatre companies and visa versa.