For those of you interested in getting into the haunted attraction industry or those of you just interested in seeing what goes into putting together a haunted house, the new documentary, Screamer, is a must see. A few years ago, Midnight Syndicate collaborator David “House” Greathouse gave us a great behind the scenes look at haunted house acting with his documentary, Legion of Terror. In this new documentary, director William McHugh gives us a very real (sometimes brutal) look into the world of haunted house design, building, and management.
Following a couple of haunted house builders in Indiana for five years the documentary set out to disprove the idea that the haunted house business is “fun and easy.” While documenting their struggle to make a successful haunted house business, the film’s two subjects, Matt Kemp and Phil Granger sometimes produce some humorous if unsuccessful results. The film moves around to some of the more successful haunted attractions around the country while maintaining the main story thread that ends with a shocking twist.
The DVD is currently available on EBAY as well as on the film’s website, www.screamermovie.com where it is also available as a streaming rental.
In addition to the music of Midnight Syndicate that is heard throughout several of the haunted houses showcased, the documentary also features a brief interview with Edward Douglas from 2006.