Episodes
Jan. 15, 2019
[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 26: The Special Event Tradeshow 2019
Hear Scott's thoughts and observations about The Special Event Tradeshow 2019 in San Diego California.
Jan. 5, 2019
[HaunTopic] Epic Home Haunts: The Documentary About the Lives of Home Haunters
The Epic Home Haunts Documentary is a movie that shares the lives of four Home Haunter families and how they get ready for Halloween each year. Setting up realistic Haunted Attraction events in their yards, garages, & properties..all for free for...
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...