Thread: X-Large display help needed

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Gday again

I live in the Sydney area of Australia, and for the past few years the Halloween holiday has been becoming a part of our children through schools.

I have been given the opportunity to build a large display on the grounds of a large 1800's Gothic house with about 5 acres.
This will be for 2012, as time is too constraint for this year.

So - I emplore you to help and guide me in any way possible please, as this is all relatively new to Australia. I refuse to use the el-cheapo Chinese props, I do understand that the cost of transport to us is expensive, but a polystyrene headstone costs us $30 ($35USD ) So, I am looking for respected stores in the USA that will ship to me, or any individuals that make props etc as a part of their income.

Basis;

-Oct 31, 2012
-Large Gothic mansion with 5 acres of land at my disposal
-wants to build a large scare multidisplay around the grounds (when I go out - i go all out) lol
-What entry fee do you guys in the US charge for these ? If any ?
-Dont really want to use inside of residence as is privately owned - but could be possibility
-Plan to import and sell items months prior and on day

I'll post up images and map of land in the coming few weeks and would like to know your ideas for what to implement and where. The property is fully fenced with 8ft 'chainlink' (i think you call it) and one idea was to place black plastic sheeting around to stop prying eyes and keep the fog from the machines within the display.

Any help would be appreciated

Brendan

sound like fun, good luck

Wow what a fantastic situation. I bet a lot of people will come forward to help. Keep this updated so we can pitch ideas!

lavenlaar,

One of the obvious low-budget tricks is to make as much as possible yourself rather than buy it. Many if not most of the professional haunts here use that same philosophy. They may buy lots of cool stuff, but much of what they use made by the sfaff/owners. It helps to set a theme, and some themes are easier/cheaper than others. Aliens is one that would be expensive, while a traditional haunted house or redneck theme would be much cheaper and easier.

It's hard for us to say to you "Do this!" because to build up enthusiasm you need to have your own idea of what you want. Let us know and we can give you feedback and tips.

Hauntworld.com has a forum and many of the pro haunters hang out there and can help you with the business aspects.

I would like to see some pics if possible. The more the better, day and night pictures. If possible video of the inside during the day would be great.

sorry dbl post

Originally Posted by Kaiserxion

I would like to see some pics if possible. The more the better, day and night pictures. If possible video of the inside during the day would be great.

I'll be having a meeting with them just before Halloween and will ask them if ok. In meantime, here are some GEarth pics
Overall Property

Main drive entry ( can just see the roof )

Firstly... I'm in Sydney too- can I come? Hehe May I ask where the location is-- looks familiar but not sure (if you'd rather not say that's fine )

Secondly, there are a few places around that have better decorations than the $2 stores, although they can be a bit pricey but in comparison to overseas shipping costs, could work out better.
In previous years we've visited The Party People www.thepartypeople.com.au at Sans Souci and they usually have a fairly good range of Halloween décor. They're opening up a larger store in Drummoyne which I've been told should have a larger range. Also, last year there were a few franchises of the Halloween Superstore (think its a sub business of Discount Party warehouse??) around the city. We visited the one at Miranda but think there's only one at Dural this year according to the website, www.halloweensuperstore.com.au/ and they had a good range with prices ranging from reasonable to quite expensive depending on the extravagance of the item. Surprisingly, Toys'R'Us have had a few nice but smallish tombstones and large props in previous years but haven't seen anything this year but they tend to get stock late.

If you're going the route of making props, you may want to check out Reverse Garbage (locations in Marrickville and in the city). They have heaps of random things that can be used in a haunt if you've got the time, imagination and skills. We got tubing to make led pillar candles as well as large foam sheets for about $4 each.

Prefer not to say location at the moment. But SW of you
Thanks for those websites and stores but having a quick look they still look ordinary compared to the American online stores. Looking at http://www.halloweensuperstore.com.a...essopportunity looks exactly the same as one of the sponsors of this forum Spirit. http://www.spirithalloween.com/consi...opportunities/

I'll keep you updated on what is going on.
Cheers

That looks like a great place for a haunt. As soon as I saw the aerial view, I thought of Haunted Overload. Check out this thread: Most Incredible Pro Haunt

There are a couple of links on there to the website as well as to another forum where the owner has posted construction photos at his new location. This might be right up your alley since he uses mostly cheap, natural materials for inspiring awe and then scares the patrons from below.