December 5, 2011
Paranormal Activity in Ravenswood Manor
I want to thank the producers of "Paranormal Activity in Ravenswood Manor" - (a Johan Production) for including me in their list of parody review quotes! I am honored to be in the company of Doomduggies.com, Alfred Hitchcock and Del Toro!
December 3, 2011
The Serious Art of Make-Believe
The Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, Florida is hosting an exhibit called
"The Serious Art of Make-Beleive-from the archives of Universal Orlando Resorts"
The exhibit features hundreds of pieces of orginal art created by the Entertainment Art & Design team of Universal Studios, Orlando (which I am proud to say, I am a part!)
The subject matter ranges from Halloween Horror Nights, and Mardi Gras to "Grinchmas".
In some cases you can follow the design process, from simple pencil sketches all the way to the
completed project. (You might even spot a couple of my paper model creations!)
From the Orange County Regional History Center web site:
"Enjoy a rare opportunity to peek inside the creative genius behind the theme-park entertainment experience. Discover how imaginary worlds of unique characters, objects, and environments start with the art and design revealed in this exhibition of more than 200 original detailed drawings, architectural plans, and models from the resort's signature annual events including Halloween Horror Nights®, Mardi Gras, and spectacular holiday extravaganzas."
The exhibit runs through April 29, 2012
For information about the exhibit please visit the Orange County Regional History Center web site:
http://thehistorycenter.org/exhibits/TheSeriousArtofMake-Believe
Thanks to Jeramy Walton for the photos! Visit his blog at
http://jwfearman.blogspot.com/2011/11/serious-art-of-make-believe.html
"The Serious Art of Make-Beleive-from the archives of Universal Orlando Resorts"
The exhibit features hundreds of pieces of orginal art created by the Entertainment Art & Design team of Universal Studios, Orlando (which I am proud to say, I am a part!)
The subject matter ranges from Halloween Horror Nights, and Mardi Gras to "Grinchmas".
In some cases you can follow the design process, from simple pencil sketches all the way to the
completed project. (You might even spot a couple of my paper model creations!)
From the Orange County Regional History Center web site:
"Enjoy a rare opportunity to peek inside the creative genius behind the theme-park entertainment experience. Discover how imaginary worlds of unique characters, objects, and environments start with the art and design revealed in this exhibition of more than 200 original detailed drawings, architectural plans, and models from the resort's signature annual events including Halloween Horror Nights®, Mardi Gras, and spectacular holiday extravaganzas."
The exhibit runs through April 29, 2012
For information about the exhibit please visit the Orange County Regional History Center web site:
http://thehistorycenter.org/exhibits/TheSeriousArtofMake-Believe
Thanks to Jeramy Walton for the photos! Visit his blog at
http://jwfearman.blogspot.com/2011/11/serious-art-of-make-believe.html
November 2, 2011
A Few Words About "Wizard's Crag"
Unlike my past paper model kits, this one has attracted the attention of Universal and Warner Brothers. This attention could mean one of two things. It could be purchased and merchandised by these companies or, due to its discovery by these companies, end up becoming a liability to me and thrown on the scrap heap. Either way it looks like this one will not become a Haunted Dimensions free download. Very discouraging and frustrating for me (and the thousands of fans who want one)!!
I will keep you updated if the situation changes.
I will keep you updated if the situation changes.
Why Halloween Matters
"The joy of Halloween is not that it's dark and we revel in that; it's that Halloween can bring a bit of light and laughter into this darkness."
Lesley Bannatyne, author of "Halloween Nation. Behind the Scenes of America's Fright Night",
wrote a beautiful little article about why so many of us love Halloween. Give it a read and repost it.
Lesley Bannatyne - "Why Halloween Matters"
For more info on Lesley's book click image below.
Lesley Bannatyne, author of "Halloween Nation. Behind the Scenes of America's Fright Night",
wrote a beautiful little article about why so many of us love Halloween. Give it a read and repost it.
Lesley Bannatyne - "Why Halloween Matters"
For more info on Lesley's book click image below.
October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
I hope Haunted-dimensioneers everywhere have a spooktacular and safe Halloween!
As a treat, here are a few shots of the new Haunted Mansion queue at Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom.
As a treat, here are a few shots of the new Haunted Mansion queue at Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom.
Paul Frees, the actor who voiced the Ghost Host finally has his own memorial!
The organ crypt.
And for those wondering where to find the Bride's wedding ring, it is to the far right of
Captain Culpepper's crypt, next to (or under) the trash can.
Captain Culpepper's crypt, next to (or under) the trash can.
October 16, 2011
The It's Alive Project!
70 local Orlando artists and 10 special guest artists bring life to man's most macabre creation…the Frankenstein Monster! Each artist will be challenged to create their own interpretation of Boris Karloff, as seen in his most famous role using their own individual creative hand and style.
My Frank is shown below. His famous forehead scar is a torn copy of Mary Shelley's book, and incarnations of the "Frankenstein" legacy cover the bust (Karloff's Monster, to Herman Munster).
Sales benefit St Jude Children's Research Hospital.
My Frank is shown below. His famous forehead scar is a torn copy of Mary Shelley's book, and incarnations of the "Frankenstein" legacy cover the bust (Karloff's Monster, to Herman Munster).
Sales benefit St Jude Children's Research Hospital.
October 15, 2011
Phantom Manor Cookie House - 2011
This is only the second time I ever built my own Phantom Manor cookie house. The first one being the one I built for Gingerbread Dimensions! Due to time this one is much more basic than the first but I'm very happy with it!
I also created cool little cemetery cupcakes to accompany the Manor. Everything is store bought. "Cameo" Creme Sandwich Cookies by Nabisco, make awesome New England tombstones! I scribbled black icing on cookies and stuck them in store bought cupcakes along with some autumn leaf sprinkles (from Michael's Crafts), and a candy pumpkin on each grave.
October 11, 2011
More "Not-so-scary"
Here is a clip of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" portion of the "Boo-to-you" parade.
October 8, 2011
Disney Mini Figures Collector Packs
While at the Disney Studios in Orlando, I came across a bin of Disney Mini Figure Collector Packs. The packs contain mini characters and iconic park attractions, each no bigger than your thumb and there are several different collections you can choose from and each bag contains 3 figures. However, you can't see what's in each pack. It is a grab bag and you just hope you get the figures you want. One of the collections offered the possibility of finding a mini New Orleans haunted mansion and a Tower of Terror.
Fortunately, these figures have very distinct, boxy shapes. After a minute or so of package squeezing (while a 4 year old boy watched with fascination, while repeating to me earnestly, "You onwee get fwee toys in a pack!"), I made my choices. I bought 2 packs. Here was my reward.
Fortunately, these figures have very distinct, boxy shapes. After a minute or so of package squeezing (while a 4 year old boy watched with fascination, while repeating to me earnestly, "You onwee get fwee toys in a pack!"), I made my choices. I bought 2 packs. Here was my reward.
October 5, 2011
Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween Party
Last weekend I attended "Mickey's Not-s-scary Halloween Party" at the Magic Kingdom.
I had a wonderful time!
The "Boo To You" parade at the Magic Kingdom (part of "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party") was wonderful! Of course, my favorite portion of the parade (besides the Headless Horseman's appearance) is when the Haunted Mansion characters come through! I love the sparking shovels of the grave diggers and the flopping heads of the ballroom dancers! A brilliant production!
I had a wonderful time!
The "Boo To You" parade at the Magic Kingdom (part of "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party") was wonderful! Of course, my favorite portion of the parade (besides the Headless Horseman's appearance) is when the Haunted Mansion characters come through! I love the sparking shovels of the grave diggers and the flopping heads of the ballroom dancers! A brilliant production!
August 1, 2011
It has been a busy summer!
Sorry for the lack of posts! I am in the middle of my yeary Halloween Horror Nights season here in Orlando. Besides HHN, I have several other cool Halloween and theme park projects keeping me busy.
"So what's up with Wizard's Crag?! We've been waiting (somewhat) patiently for months!"
Here's the deal.
Let's just say that certain individuals have seen the model and they might be interested in granting it a more "official" status. It may be a long shot, but certainly worth pursuing since this is the first time one of my models has received such attention! Unfortunately, it also means that a release may not be taking place in the near future.
Sorry for keeping you guys hanging on for so long (your support is what keeps me going) but this is a very exciting possibility!
I won't be free to discuss the details of what might be taking place, but I will fill you in when I can.
Thanks to your continued support over the years and the positive comments to my projects (on my blog), you have shown that my work is valued and desired!
Keep your fingers crossed!
For years now, the employees of the Clayton County Library, in Forest Park Georgia, have created Halloween dioramas featuring my paper models. Stephen, who is the lead builder, realized that he never sent a photo of last year's display. Here it is! This scene makes me smile! What a wonderful job from what I'm sure is a wonderful library!
"So what's up with Wizard's Crag?! We've been waiting (somewhat) patiently for months!"
Here's the deal.
Let's just say that certain individuals have seen the model and they might be interested in granting it a more "official" status. It may be a long shot, but certainly worth pursuing since this is the first time one of my models has received such attention! Unfortunately, it also means that a release may not be taking place in the near future.
Sorry for keeping you guys hanging on for so long (your support is what keeps me going) but this is a very exciting possibility!
I won't be free to discuss the details of what might be taking place, but I will fill you in when I can.
Thanks to your continued support over the years and the positive comments to my projects (on my blog), you have shown that my work is valued and desired!
Keep your fingers crossed!
For years now, the employees of the Clayton County Library, in Forest Park Georgia, have created Halloween dioramas featuring my paper models. Stephen, who is the lead builder, realized that he never sent a photo of last year's display. Here it is! This scene makes me smile! What a wonderful job from what I'm sure is a wonderful library!
June 13, 2011
That's what I get for playing with fire!
I had a great time at Spooky Empire's - MAYHEM event in Orlando a couple weeks ago! I met great fans and awesome celebrities (and THIS guy)!
May 15, 2011
Godzilla's Stomp of Approval!
Exclusive video of Haruo (GODZILLA) Nakajima stomping on my Bates House model at Monsterpalooza last month!
My paper model kit, "That Old House on the Hill" is featured in the first Edition of Mad Monster magazine.
My paper model kit, "That Old House on the Hill" is featured in the first Edition of Mad Monster magazine.
May 1, 2011
It's a model...no..it's a cake!
It's a model AND a cake!
Chris from Greensboro, NC, tells me that their 7 year old wanted a "spooky birthday" in April. Cool! This might be the first time I've received a photo of a combination paper model/cake! The model is actually on brown styrofoam to protect it, but it looks great!
Chris from Greensboro, NC, tells me that their 7 year old wanted a "spooky birthday" in April. Cool! This might be the first time I've received a photo of a combination paper model/cake! The model is actually on brown styrofoam to protect it, but it looks great!
April 12, 2011
MAD MONSTER MAGAZINE!
I have the honor of being in the first edition of the new "Mad Monster" magazine!
Mad Monster is a retro monster mag celebrating and showcasing classic and contemporary creatures
of the night (and day).
One of the many features of this edition is a fully printed paper model based on my orginal "Bates House" model, now called "That Old House on the Hill".
It also features art, photos, and even a flip book on the corner of the pages!
Mad Monster is a retro monster mag celebrating and showcasing classic and contemporary creatures
of the night (and day).
One of the many features of this edition is a fully printed paper model based on my orginal "Bates House" model, now called "That Old House on the Hill".
It also features art, photos, and even a flip book on the corner of the pages!
The magazine was debuted at Monsterpalooza in Burbank. There was a completed "Old House" model on display at the Mad Monster booth, which was very cool,
BUT the coolest thing was that it was later CRUSHED under the foot of Haruo Nakajima, who was
GODZILLA!!!
It might be the BEST compliment I ever received for one of my models !
BUT the coolest thing was that it was later CRUSHED under the foot of Haruo Nakajima, who was
GODZILLA!!!
It might be the BEST compliment I ever received for one of my models !
April 7, 2011
My Report on 'Hands-On History" at Eastern State Penitentiary
Check out my report from Eastern State Penitentiary about their new interactive program, "Hands on History"!
(at Inside the Magic)!
(at Inside the Magic)!
March 21, 2011
The New Liberty Square Interactive Queue!
I am a little behind the times with this one but it shouldn't be ignored.
The Magic Kingdom unveiled the new interactive queue for the Liberty Square Haunted Mansion. Instead of passing under an awning and viewing the small cemetery on the hill, guests can no w mingle within a new cemetery and interact with crypts and tombstones which animate and make sounds and music.
The queue still pays tribute to the orginal cemetery characters (many of whom were named for the designers, artists and writers of th e orginal show), but they also added a few new names.
The Magic Kingdom unveiled the new interactive queue for the Liberty Square Haunted Mansion. Instead of passing under an awning and viewing the small cemetery on the hill, guests can no w mingle within a new cemetery and interact with crypts and tombstones which animate and make sounds and music.
The queue still pays tribute to the orginal cemetery characters (many of whom were named for the designers, artists and writers of th e orginal show), but they also added a few new names.
February 13, 2011
Wizard's Crag Prototype #1 and #2
Prototype #2 complete (right)! I made lots of tweaks and tried approaching it as if I never built it before. I added lots of indicators on the model as to what gets glued where. I also photographed the process for the construction diagrams. Now on to #3 to see if my tweaks work together.
February 9, 2011
How to Build a Paper Model
Once again a Haunted-D fan discovered someone attempting to SELL my FREE paper models online!
The seller was from Hong Kong and he was trying to sell my New Orleans Square, Phantom Manor and Bates House. I contacted several people at the hosting web site and several fans also protested and the listings were removed...again. Before the listings were removed I copied the incoherent english description of my models and used it in creating my own Xtranormal cartoon.
And pirates be aware! The Minions of the Haunted Dimensions are always watching!
The seller was from Hong Kong and he was trying to sell my New Orleans Square, Phantom Manor and Bates House. I contacted several people at the hosting web site and several fans also protested and the listings were removed...again. Before the listings were removed I copied the incoherent english description of my models and used it in creating my own Xtranormal cartoon.
And pirates be aware! The Minions of the Haunted Dimensions are always watching!
February 2, 2011
January 30, 2011
A Future Imagineer from the Philippines
Ten year old Renzo, from the Philippines sent me a bunch of photos of his haunted mansion paper models. What makes these different from most of the model photos I receive is that Renzo has designed and built these from scratch!
Renzo writes, "Hello my name is Renzo. I live in the Philippines and have been dying to go to Disaneyland.
I make alot of projects my rooms over flowing :) "
They are awesome!
January 23, 2011
Building That Old House on the Hill
I found it necessary to build one of my paper model kits because I keep giving them away. Since I had a camera handy I decided to record the construction and play around a little. This is the first time I have attempted this type of "animation" and my first YouTube upload!
I had no script and I wasn't even sure if all the photos and video I took of the process would be usable in crating anything interesting. Now I wish I spent more than an afternoon making it!
Our cat, Misti Kay, makes a quick cameo, among other guest stars. Some of you may know Misti Kay as the critter who smashed my first New Orleans Square model prototype back in 2005.
I had no script and I wasn't even sure if all the photos and video I took of the process would be usable in crating anything interesting. Now I wish I spent more than an afternoon making it!
Our cat, Misti Kay, makes a quick cameo, among other guest stars. Some of you may know Misti Kay as the critter who smashed my first New Orleans Square model prototype back in 2005.
January 20, 2011
January 19, 2011
The "Magic, Memories, and You!" Castle Show
The Magic Kingdom is finally utilizing the new 3D projection technologies and have produced a SPECTACULAR castle show for their new "Magic, Memories, and You!" campaign. These shows utilize multiple high power projectors which project animations and effects which were created using a 3D map of the castle. This makes the images prefectly aligned to the detailed shapes of the castle and allows the images to partially wrap around the castle.
Disney has raised the bar! I hope I get to see this in person soon!
WATCH IT FULL SCREEN!
Thank you, "Inside the Magic"!
Thank you, "Orlando Attractions Magazine"!
Disney has raised the bar! I hope I get to see this in person soon!
WATCH IT FULL SCREEN!
Thank you, "Inside the Magic"!
Thank you, "Orlando Attractions Magazine"!
January 14, 2011
Phantom Manor Building Tips
There is a wonderful forum thread by "Bagpiper" on the papermodelers.com forum!
The thread includes video and jpegs of Bagpiper's experiences in constructing the Manor. He has some great tips, some of which I will follow the next time I build the manor!
Many of the tips can be used in the construction of all of my models,
so please take a look.
The full thread can be found at
http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/architectural-models/12605-phantom-manor-ray-keim.html
The videos can also be viewed at
http://video.moglik.com/t/phantommanor.htm
The thread includes video and jpegs of Bagpiper's experiences in constructing the Manor. He has some great tips, some of which I will follow the next time I build the manor!
Many of the tips can be used in the construction of all of my models,
so please take a look.
The full thread can be found at
http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/architectural-models/12605-phantom-manor-ray-keim.html
The videos can also be viewed at
http://video.moglik.com/t/phantommanor.htm
January 5, 2011
Blobtown!
James Rolfe, also known as "The Angry Video Game Nerd" created a great mini-documentary about "The Blob" and the "Blobfest" celebrations that take place in my home town of Phoenixville, Pa, every year. I added this link to my "Hometown Blob" section of "Other Haunted Dimensions", but I wanted to be sure everyone sees this. I have yet to actually attend Blobfest, since I'm usually in Orlando working on Horror Nights at that time of year.
It's very interesting and fun! Check it out,below!
January 4, 2011
Lonesome Manor
In the WII Game "Epic Mickey" there is a level called "Lonesome Manor" which pays tribute to the 1937 Disney animated classic "Lonesome Ghosts", but it also pays tribute to the mansions! The building is a combination of the pillars and verandahs of New Orleans Square, the conservatory and brickwork of Liberty Square, and the cupola of Phantom Manor! I do not have the WII system but I would love to play this level!
The top image is concept art of the Manor and the bottom image shows how it look in the game.
January 2, 2011
A New Year in the Dimensions!
2010 was a great year for me and Haunted Dimensions! While being a freelance designer in the entertainment field can be sporadic, this past year was full of wonderful experiences and challenges!
It looks like the winter months will offer no substantial paying work for me, which is common, so I hope to use my time to restart a few projects that were put on hold during my peak work season.
I want to thank you, my fellow Minions, for your constant support and interest!
I wish everyone a happy, prosperous new year!
I added two new links in the LINKS section.
It looks like the winter months will offer no substantial paying work for me, which is common, so I hope to use my time to restart a few projects that were put on hold during my peak work season.
I want to thank you, my fellow Minions, for your constant support and interest!
I wish everyone a happy, prosperous new year!
I added two new links in the LINKS section.
One is for "Horizons: Resurrected", where designer Chris Wallace ("technologist, entreprenuer, and co-founder of The SuperGroup"), is recreating the lost EPCOT attraction "Horizons" as a virtual 3D model, with the ultimate goal of recreating the entire attraction as an interactive experience!
I also added a link to Googles FREE 3D software, SketchUp. I am often asked what 3D software they should learn and my answer is "SketchUp". It is quickly becoming an industry standard!
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