Instead of creating a double-digit amount of threads, I'm compiling my Halloween set-up into this one thread. I'll include all of my ideas, sketches, construction and how-to of props, costumes, references/inspiration and links, progress, and overall plans and execution of my 'haunt.'
As you can tell by the title, my set-up will be of the piratical nature. This is my first year having a theme and will be the first year of many sticking to one theme.
Disclaimer: I'm very long winded and I'm apologizing now. If you can get through all this, however, hopefully you find it useful, if not, entertaining.
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This Halloween will take place completely outside - no walkthroughs of my house. I have a long driveway with a side entry/porch that everyone uses (rarely is the front door used). My display is going to really be emphasized at this side door. A picture for reference:
This photo is from a wooden gate to my backyard looking forward. The TOT's will walk up this driveway towards the camera.
This is the side porch were the TOT's will get their goods (I'm standing in my truck bed. That's my 2 year old trying to get in every picture I take)
I'm going to create a mock fishing wharf facade extending across the driveway (perpendicular) that starts just
under that porch awning and reaching to the shrubs on the far left -- total distance = 24 feet.
The actual facade will be made from theater flats (explained below) with a doorway/archway for the TOT's to walk through. Once they are through the entry, they're only direction to go will be right - towards the actual porch. On the porch will be several pirates (real people) sitting at a table either counting their loot or playing cards (or both). A small chest on a table will hold the candy.
The path to the backyard will be blocked by some well-placed props. The area to the LEFT when the TOT's walk in will be occupied by the local blacksmith. Basically, the area will be 'closed off' from walking into, but completely 'open' and visible to see an actual blacksmith (actor) hammering some red-hot steel (I hope for this to be a 'scare' element with the sound of the hammering and the overall creepy look of the blacksmith). The area over the blacksmith will be covered with thatching (palm fronds and palmetto).
The facade:
Theater flats, while able to be constructed a few different ways, are basically a wood frame; in this case, 1x4's, with a sheet of plywood attached.
That's three pieces of 1"x4"x8' -- two long sides, one cut in half and used on top and bottom - a big picture frame. Then a 4x8 plywood - nice even dimensions. They are then secured together with bolts (through the frames). The first one will be attached to my porch awning (that porch is just over 8 feet tall, but a few beams extend lower which allow me to attach). This will provide stability for the others. However, instead of cutting a doorway though a flat, I'll be skipping one flat completely which will allow me to create an archway for TOT's to walk through (which just means some extra frame supports for the other flats). Five flats total. They are then painted.
Here's the first sketch. Nothing is ever written in stone, but this is the general look I want. Take notice, the doorway on the right will be the entry, but, as mentioned, instead of a doorway, will be a four foot section that isn't there -- an archway will be constructed to go over the entry. There probably won't be any 'roofs' or 'second stories' either (I just wanted to keep sketching). My scanner is also not working, so I just took a quick photo of the sketch.
My front yard will still have the trusty old tombstones I've been making. That probably won't ever change, but in order to keep the nautical feel, I'll be constructing pilons with rope to lead the TOT's up -- as seen from
SoCalHalloween (several of my props come directly out that site! Awesome).
This will also be the first year I make an effort to have good lighting. That coupled with some nautical sound effects should give this a great pirate atmosphere.
DeadTed's Pirate Wharf
) So, just got back from Lowe's and I'm already wasting too much time on this forum (I just can't seem to step away!).
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