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I was recently asked by a board member from a local organization if I would be willing to put together and operate a haunted house for them. My first reaction was to holler "Hell Yeah". But then I actually thought about all that's involved with a haunt... And that is where the anxiety kicks in!
For the last three years I've done a home haunt for friends and family. I've built on it each year. So I've amassed a pretty good arsenal of props. This last year I had a total of 5 rooms and an open cemetery, with 9 scare-actors. I spent nearly every day working on new props from June to October 31st. It was without a doubt my best year yet. In saying all that, I haven't touched a prop since the day I put them away last halloween. I had decided that I wouldn't be doing our annual party/haunt this year. Money constraints, such as they are, just was not going to make it fees-able this year. So I go from months of knowing I wouldn't be haunting this year to being propositioned for a dream job. It feels like maybe it's meant to be. But seriously?! Only 3 months to prep? Their board meets on Monday and they've asked me to come and discuss the haunts possibility. One of the questions they've posed to me is what would I charge them to do this.. Well my first instinct is to say "nothing, this is awesome!" But the practical part of my brain jumps in and tells me, I do in fact have a family to tend to and my time is valuable. The board has also proposed "renting" my existing props to use as well.
So my question to y'all. What would you charge to put together a haunt? A percentage of profits. Or a flat rate?
I know one thing we're going to discuss is their budget.. I can't fork out money for any building supplies needed and wait to be reimbursed after it's over. It's just not an option for me at this time.
They are supplying the building. And they'll take care of all advertising. We live in a small town. The city's population is about 3,000 and county wide about 30,000. Not to mention surrounding cities and counties. We have to drive an hour to get to any form of haunt in our vicinity during the season. So I think it'll be a good draw.
My other concern, is what if I put so much time and effort(blood, sweat, and tears) into this and make it extraordinary and next year they decide to take "my" hard work and run along without me? I know that may sound crazy, but if I'm the one to bring this thing off the ground, then I don't want to get pushed out.
Please y'all. I need advice! Has any one here been propositioned for the same?
For the last three years I've done a home haunt for friends and family. I've built on it each year. So I've amassed a pretty good arsenal of props. This last year I had a total of 5 rooms and an open cemetery, with 9 scare-actors. I spent nearly every day working on new props from June to October 31st. It was without a doubt my best year yet. In saying all that, I haven't touched a prop since the day I put them away last halloween. I had decided that I wouldn't be doing our annual party/haunt this year. Money constraints, such as they are, just was not going to make it fees-able this year. So I go from months of knowing I wouldn't be haunting this year to being propositioned for a dream job. It feels like maybe it's meant to be. But seriously?! Only 3 months to prep? Their board meets on Monday and they've asked me to come and discuss the haunts possibility. One of the questions they've posed to me is what would I charge them to do this.. Well my first instinct is to say "nothing, this is awesome!" But the practical part of my brain jumps in and tells me, I do in fact have a family to tend to and my time is valuable. The board has also proposed "renting" my existing props to use as well.
So my question to y'all. What would you charge to put together a haunt? A percentage of profits. Or a flat rate?
I know one thing we're going to discuss is their budget.. I can't fork out money for any building supplies needed and wait to be reimbursed after it's over. It's just not an option for me at this time.
They are supplying the building. And they'll take care of all advertising. We live in a small town. The city's population is about 3,000 and county wide about 30,000. Not to mention surrounding cities and counties. We have to drive an hour to get to any form of haunt in our vicinity during the season. So I think it'll be a good draw.
My other concern, is what if I put so much time and effort(blood, sweat, and tears) into this and make it extraordinary and next year they decide to take "my" hard work and run along without me? I know that may sound crazy, but if I'm the one to bring this thing off the ground, then I don't want to get pushed out.
Please y'all. I need advice! Has any one here been propositioned for the same?