Haunted Dimensions by Ray Keim

Haunted Dimensions Going Dark

2012-01-16T22:36:00.000-05:00

On January 18, Haunted Dimensions will join many other sites around the Internet in "going dark" to oppose SOPA and PIPA, the pending US legislation that creates a punishing Internet censorship regime and exports it to the rest of the world.

"Even though a substantial portion of my living comes from the entertainment industry, I don't think that any amount of "piracy" justifies this kind of depraved indifference to the consequences of one's actions. Big Content haven't just declared war on the "fun" Internet: they've declared war on every person who uses the net to publicize police brutality, every oppressed person in the Arab Spring who used the net to organize protests and publicize the blood spilled by their oppressors, every abused kid who used the net to reveal her father as a brutalizer of children, every gay kid who used the net to discover that life is worth living despite the torment she's experiencing, every grassroots political campaigner who uses the net to make her community a better place -- as well as the scientists who collaborate online, the rescue workers who coordinate online, the makers who trade tips online, the people with rare diseases who support each other online, and the independent creators who use the Internet to earn their livings."
-Cory Doctoro-

Paranormal Activity in Ravenswood Manor

2011-12-05T10:38:00.001-05:00

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!

The Serious Art of Make-Believe

2011-12-03T15:38:00.001-05:00

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

A Few Words About "Wizard's Crag"

2011-11-02T14:51:00.000-04:00

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.

Why Halloween Matters

2011-11-02T09:59:00.003-04:00

"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.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T09:54:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

The It's Alive Project!

2011-10-16T09:50:00.000-04:00

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.

Phantom Manor Cookie House - 2011

2011-10-15T09:47:00.000-04:00

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.

More "Not-so-scary"

2011-10-11T09:46:00.000-04:00

Here is a clip of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" portion of the "Boo-to-you" parade.

Disney Mini Figures Collector Packs

2011-10-08T09:43:00.000-04:00

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.

Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween Party

2011-10-05T09:42:00.000-04:00

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!

It has been a busy summer!

2011-08-01T09:40:00.000-04:00

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!

That's what I get for playing with fire!

2011-06-13T09:39:00.001-04:00

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)!

Godzilla's Stomp of Approval!

2011-05-15T07:42:00.002-04:00

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.

It's a model...no..it's a cake!

2011-05-01T09:31:00.001-04:00

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!

MAD MONSTER MAGAZINE!

2011-04-12T07:37:00.001-04:00

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!

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 !

BUY YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TO MAD MONSTER HERE!

Read more about Mad Monster here at DREADCENTRAL.COM

My Report on 'Hands-On History" at Eastern State Penitentiary

2011-04-07T07:33:00.000-04:00

Check out my report from Eastern State Penitentiary about their new interactive program, "Hands on History"!
(at Inside the Magic)!

The New Liberty Square Interactive Queue!

2011-03-21T07:29:00.003-04:00

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.

Wizard's Crag Prototype #1 and #2

2011-02-13T08:42:00.000-05:00

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.

How to Build a Paper Model

2011-02-09T08:40:00.001-05:00

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!

Ice Storm

2011-02-02T08:37:00.000-05:00

A Future Imagineer from the Philippines

2011-01-30T08:33:00.002-05:00

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!

Building That Old House on the Hill

2011-01-23T04:10:00.000-05:00

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.

A gruesome winter discovery!

2011-01-20T10:50:00.000-05:00

The "Magic, Memories, and You!" Castle Show

2011-01-19T10:46:00.002-05:00

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"!

Phantom Manor Building Tips

2011-01-14T10:43:00.000-05:00

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

Blobtown!

2011-01-05T10:41:00.000-05:00

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!

Blobtown

Lonesome Manor

2011-01-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

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.

A New Year in the Dimensions!

2011-01-02T10:38:00.000-05:00

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.

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!

Horizons: resurrected

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!

Sketchup.google.com

First "Wizard's Crag" Prototype!

2010-12-17T12:15:00.002-05:00

The first prototype of my "Wizard's Crag"paper model is complete! I am VERY happy with the results! For the cliffs I applied an overlay of crinkled paper with the stone texture printed on it and it looks amazing! The model is 14.5 inches (38cm) wide, 11.5 inches tall (30cm).

Anyone who has followed my progress on past paper model projects knows it is a very long process.
This os the first of several more prototypes that need to be constructed in order to fine tune the details and geometry. Then I must create the construction diagrams and write the instructions, which takes quite a while.
Bottom line...completion will not be before mid winter. Right side
Top view

More "Wizard's Crag" Progress

2010-12-13T12:11:00.000-05:00

December 13, 2010

This is the first time all of the prototype elements have been brought together. The cliffs will have a printed stone texture but I am also providing a second sheet of "stone" which the builder can crinkle and apply as a very convincing dimensional overlay. You can't see it in this photo but the cliff is "bumpy".

December 9, 2010

Here is a prototype of the lower buildings beneath the astronomy tower.

I have moved on to the cliffs, which are already looking pretty interesting.

More "Wizard's Crag" Progress

2010-12-04T13:05:00.004-05:00

Here is the prototype of the Great Hall.

Here are all of the prototype structures so far.

My Interview

2010-12-02T12:18:00.000-05:00

Tim Girard, who wrote a very nice article about Haunted Dimensions for Xomba a couple of weeks ago, asked to interview me as a follow up. Here it is. Thanks, Tim!

The Ray Keim Interview

A Return to "Wizard's Crag"

2010-11-28T19:40:00.002-05:00

I have picked up where I left off on the "Wizard's Crag" project.

I needed a little inspiration, so I jumped ahead and built a prototype of the great tower, which will sit on the shelf in front of me and taunt me to complete the rest of the model.

Connected to the Web

2010-11-24T19:38:00.000-05:00

Trent sent me photos of his mansion models which have been displayed

on a shelf for long time. He proudly states that "the spider webs are REAL!"

A Very Nice Article About Haunted Dimensions!

2010-11-08T19:35:00.000-05:00

Tim Girard wrote a very nice article about Haunted Dimensions and my paper models for

"HORROR CHANNEL @ Xomba"!

"Ray is a true contributor. In our genre of mediocrity we could use a whole ton more like Ray!

Don't hesitate to check him out! It is well worth your time!"

Wow! Thank you so much, Tim!

Read the article here,

http://www.xomba.com/ray_keims_haunted_dimensions_and_paper_models

Halloween Success!

2010-11-06T19:32:00.000-04:00

Our Halloween projects made for a spectacular Halloween evening!

The battery tealights worked wonderfully in the 35 jack-o-lanters, and Sam made every trick or treater approach with caution. Sam was backup up by a fog machines that shot a blast randomly, scaring several of the little scamps to near tears (although not so scared that they didn't continue to the porch to get the candy)! Everyone had a great time and we were told that our house was the best!

“So shines a good deed in a weary world”

2010-11-03T17:00:00.002-04:00

Two years ago I received an email from April who lives in Toronto. April told me how she built the Phantom Manor Cookie House (based on my free pattern available at Haunted Dimensions), and donated it to a United Way raffle. It was a HUGE success, and raised lots of money! Her story touched me deeply and added a new dimension to my models and projects!

Well, April is back!

"The house was again used as a bucket raffle item and apparently there was quite a war between two of the lawyers here, both of whom were buying a lot of tickets in an attempt to win the house. The lawyer who won the house had originally intended to take it home to her three children but decided instead to donate it to Ronald McDonald House (http://www.rmhtoronto.org/). It was a double win for your karma this year!"

April was forwarded an email from the Toronto Ronald MacDonald House, along with photos of the kids enjoying her creation! The email said that the cookie house was a huge hit at the Halloween party held for the families and children staying at the house. It was displayed, then happily eaten! The photos, which I am not at liberty to share, brought tears to my eyes. Seeing families and kids who are going through unspeakable trauma, yet smiling and happily exploring a gingerbread house, was overwhelming!

It is a wonderful example of a good deed being handed down from one person to the next, brightening the lives of many.

Thank you so much, April!

“So shines a good deed in a weary world”~ Shakespeare & Willy Wonka

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T19:31:00.000-04:00

It's the big night!

As always, I appreciate your continued interest and support of my sites and projects!

Halloween in America is part of our cultural heritage. The traditions and stories of Halloween in the U.S. represent the melting pot of world cultures who have gathered here. Those who shun, fear and misrepresent Halloween, for whatever agenda, are diminishing that "spirit" which binds us.

However, I'm preaching to the choir here! You guys "get it"!

So for all of you in the U.S. and around the world, I hope you all have a spectacular, spooky and safe Halloween!

~RAY~

HALLOWEEN EVE!

2010-10-30T19:25:00.001-04:00

I've been working on several Halloween projects and have also been derelict in my duties of keeping Haunted Dimensions up to date! Sorry about that!

First, take a look at our most recent project.

This is "Sam" from the movie "Trick 'r Treat"! Mrs. K and I built him over the course of the last week. Mrs. K sewed Sam's jammies and cowl, while I supplied the armature, construction and lollipop. BTW - the lollipop is real! i made it from melted orange Lifesaver candies! I wanted to make it out of transparent orange plastic, but couldn't find anything within the amount of time we had, so I made this temporary pop.

I also made a few "Witch Jars". They are an idea I got from Pumpkinrot.com. I start with a regular jar, give it a shot of black spray paint into the bottom (it should create a light gradient of "soot" almost to the lip). Mix white glue, a little bit of acrylic green paint (optional), a few drops of water and and a pinch or two of dirt. Pour it in the bottom of jar (enough to cover the bottom about 1/4 inch). Coat the entire inside, pour out extra and let settle and dry. I prefer to use battery flicker tea lights. A handful of white feathers hides the bulbs and gives it an ethereal, nauseating glow!

I also just completed carving 35 "craft" pumpkin jack-0-lanterns! They will be in the trees and bushes around our house on Halloween night, lit by flickering battery powered tea lights.

Update the Blog Archive, OR ELSE!

2010-10-21T23:54:00.003-04:00

I took some time to update the Haunted Dimensions Archive blog, to document some of the awesome events I had the good fortune to be part of since April. From being a panelist at the "Entertainment Designer Forum", to working on the opening ceremonies of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter", and the many events in which I participated as a member of the Universal Orlando Entertainment Art & Design Team, it has been a spectacular season. So if you haven't been keeping up with the "News & Notes" section of Haunted Dimensions, here is your chance to see what I've been up to! April, May, June, July and August now have entries.

Catching Up

2010-10-10T17:12:00.002-04:00

So much to do, and so little time to do it! I really can't complain though. Not many people are as lucky as I to be able to do what I love. I am still cranking out art and props for the Universal Halloween Horror Nights events, and also preparing a few projects to complete for Halloween once I return home to Pennsylvania next week. I also have a small paper model project (related to "The Knoll") that I hope to release soon.

First I would like to recognize a few people who have sent me photos of their Haunted Dimensions projects in recent weeks.

Michael B. sent a photo of their first attempt at a cookie house. It is nothing short of spectacular!

Next, MaryKay, Karen and Kathyrn, who live in Beijing, China, have created several Cookie Manors over the last few years. Here there most recent.

MaryKay writes,

"Since my daughter (now ten years old) always wants to do something different each year, we took your template and made a few tweaks: flipped the porch to the right side; put a gabled addition on the left front; added a second portico-tower on the right side, above the porch. We also raised the roof pieces by 1.5 inches, to make the house taller. For three years your template has been the foundation and inspiration for our family's new tradition of creating a gingerbread haunted mansion. Thank you so much! "
As usual, MaryKay, you and your crew have outdone yourselves!

On Thursday, October 7, I had the opportunity to meet the fans and discuss the behind-the-scenes process of writing and designing our "LegendaryTruth-The Collective", immersive web mystery! I joined TJ Mannarino (Director of Entertainment Art & Design), Vickie Fraser (designer) and Rick Spencer (writer) for an evening of secrets and fun stories we experienced while inventing an online phenomenon. The evening is part of series of special events taking place in the "HHN VIP Lounge" at Cafe La Bamba, at Universal Studios, in which fans of HHN can meet the designers of Halloween Horror Nights and learn about key milestones of the last 20 years of HHN. For more info about the HHN Lounge and the special designer forums (Thursday nights), click here, "Secrets from the Past.
Meeting with LegendaryTruth fans, aka "The Collective", at the HHN VIP LOUNGE at Universal.

With my boss, TJ Mannarino (Director of Entertainment Art & Design)

Revealing the journal of Dr. Mary Agana for the first time!

Thanks to Chip Lundell for the photos! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigchippah/sets/)

OCTOBER!

2010-10-03T17:02:00.000-04:00

Sorry for being away so long. As most of you probably know, my spring, summer and early fall are consumed by working in the Art & Design Department for Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights event. Sadly, my season of Universal horror ends next week, but it also frees me to pick up the projects I had to set aside in the spring.
Projects such as "Wizard's Crag", and "The Knoll" will be dusted off and reanimated and hopefully I will be able to create a Halloween treat or two to drop in your bags before Halloween.

While I'm still on the subject of Halloween Horror Nights, I will be speaking along with TJ Mannarino (Art Director for Horror Nights), and several other HHN designers at our HHN VIP Lounge located in La Bamba, in Universal Studios, on Thursday, October 7th. It is part of our weekly forum series, "Secrets from the Past". Fans can see our museum of props and concept art spanning the last 20 years of HHN, and have a chance meet and ask questions of the design staff. We will be speaking about the design process and story writing behind our successful fan mystery "LegendaryTruth: The Collective". VIP Lounge tickets are $9.99 (tax included) and are available at Universal Studios' front gate and Guest Services windows, as well outside the Lounge itself.

The Themed Entertainment Association

2010-08-22T21:22:00.000-04:00

I had a great time Thursday night on the "Horror Makeup Show" stage at Universal Studios, as one of the representatives of the Universal Art & Design team, speaking to visiting members of the "Themed Entertainment Association" about the design process of our Halloween Horror Nights events!

A New Feature Coming to Haunted Dimensions!

2010-08-01T18:34:00.000-04:00

In an effort to keep Haunted Dimensions interesting, while also giving me a creative outlet, I am currently building an online graphic "serial" which will be a new feature for the site.

"The Knoll - A Trespasser at Reeves Hall" will combine stories and graphics which will lead the trespasser, YOU, through the abandoned estate, called "The Knoll", where you will encounter ee rie sights and discover intriguing clues to a yet unrevealed mystery. Yes, possible new haunted models and projects may also appear!

The story will not "go live" until the fall, but I wanted to give you a teaser.

The Haunted Mansion Movie We Always Wanted?

2010-07-25T22:31:00.001-04:00

Guillermo del Toro announced that he will be writing and producing a new movie based on The Haunted Mansion!
Del Toro told MTV's Josh Horowitz, "For some people, it's just a ride, but for others like me, it's a way of life. We're serious fanatics. I'm a big, big collector of it. I've been collecting not only memorabilia but artifacts and original artifacts from the mansion for the past 10 years".

I am a HUGE fan of Del Toro's cinematic visions! A new Haunted Mansion movie that has a similar level of artistic depth and storytelling as "Hellboy" or "Pan's Labyrinth" has the possibily of rendering us Mansionphiles unable to lift our chins from off the floor after seeing it! This is very exciting news!

It also means that I will have a NEW haunted mansion paper model kit to design!

Guillermo! Please drop me a line! Let's talk!!! :)

Del Toro tapped artist Brandon Ragnar Johnson to design this teaser poster for the movie annoucement.

My Stay in Hogsmeade

2010-06-20T20:03:00.000-04:00

What in incredible week! I had the extreme honor to witness the grand opening celebrations of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure! I was part of a very small "emergency decor team" whose job it was to clean up any forgotten details on our sets and props prior to the big events and keep them looking good.

There were three big events this week. First was the grand celebrity preview night which featured John Williams and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra preforming the music from the Potter films! Warwick Davis conducted the Hogwarts Frog Choir, and the stars of the Potter films made an appearance, arriving in the actual Knight Bus used in the film!
Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint arrived in the flying Anglia car and kicked off the amazing display!
Everyone in the audience received a wand, and on Radcliffe's cue, everyone swished and flicked and said "Lumos Maxima". On that command all of the wand tips glowed and Hogwarts castle came to life as John Williams worked his magic! The orchestra accompanied the most spectacular show of lights, projections and fireworks I've ever witnessed! Truly wonderful to experience!
The event was repeated the following night for Universal Execs and VIPs, however Williams and the orchestra were not part of the line up.

This spectacular shot was taken just after the show's finale. John Williams is on stage in white, and the cast of the Potter films are the brightly lit figures in the center. I even spotted myself in the crowd
with my camera (in green circle)!

Here I am with Potter film art director Alan Glimore, whom I first met in April at the Entertainment Designers Forum. Behind us is the real Knight Bus, and the Anglia which brought the stars to the stage.

Warwick Davis, from several of the Potter films, conducted the Hogwart Frog Choir. I briefly spoke with Mr Davis during a rehearsal, who seems to be a very nice guy!

Hogsmeade was full of townsfolk, the wizards and witches who call Hogsmeade home.

Ernie, the Knight Bus driver took a moment for a photo!

Then June 18th was the big day! The official grand opening of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter"!
We were charged with helping with the set up of the stages and props to be used by the celebrities at the gate of Hogsmeade for the grand opening.

Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) prior to the grand opening.

Part of the opening ceremony was a skit performed by Oliver and James Phelps (The Weasley Twins). They attempted to light their "Wet-start, No Heat" rocket, but as often happens with the Weasleys, things didn't work as expected. The rocket fizzles, followed by a barrage of rockets shooting from the roof of Zonkos Joke Shop!
I created the large prop match in Oliver's hand, and we helped set up the rocket.

A view out of Hogsmeade gate at the crowd waiting to enter the land after the grand opening ceremony. This shot was just after Radcliffe, Grint and the rest of the cast (Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy),Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore),Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), and Warwick Davis) escorted the first guests into the land.

It was a crazy day, but despite the throngs of expectant guests, the sun and heat, the day went smoothly and everyone remained safe and orderly.
Days like this are a wonderful reminder of why I love doing what I do!

The Phantom Manor in 3D

2010-06-05T10:15:00.002-04:00

Haunted Dimensions had its start back in 2004 as a showcase for my 3D illustrations of

the mansions, and later as a place to offer my free paper models. Liberty Square was my first illustration and model project, naturally followed by New Orleans Square a year later. My process was to build completely detailed 3D Lightwave models (for the illustrations) and then deconstruct the models into less detailed boxes for their paper model versions. Haunted Dimensions had these two mansion illustrations as alternating front page images for several years.
Then, in 2008, I finally decided to create the Phantom Manor Paper Model. However, unlike the previous two mansions, I did not create a detailed Lightwave model first, but went directly to the simple paper model version. Instead of creating a 3D illustration of the Phantom Manor for my front page, I used a Photoshop manipulated photo of the Manor (taken by long time HD fan, Rita).
I am finally in the process of completing a 3D Lightwave model of the Manor which will be used as a new front page illustration!
Hopefully I will complete the new illustrations in the coming weeks and incorporate them into the front page.
Here is a rough rendering.

HauntCon Meets Horror Nights Designers

2010-05-03T14:31:00.000-04:00

On the evening of April 29th I had the honor of being one of the representatives of the Universal Entertainment Art & Design team, appearing for a meet and greet session with members of HauntCon.

Our team members represented different design disciplines required to produce Halloween Horror Nights. Scenic Design, Set Decor, Construction, Makeup and Prosthetics, Costuming, Writing and Web Design (me). After introductions and a brief Q&A session in the Pantages Theater, on the Horror Makeup Show stage, we moved into the lobby where guests could view props, blueprints and concept art as well as get a chance for informal chatting with all of us.

The HauntCon folks were VERY nice! Their questions and insights went beyond being fans. They are peers!

On Sunday I went to the HauntCon convention floor at the Ramada in Celebration, FL.

There were lots of great vendors selling lots of fun stuff for Haunters!

Below, I met Dustin during a lunch break who was mid-way through his makeup and prosthetics demo.

Many thanks to HauntCon guru, Leonard Pickel, for his hospitality!

"HAuNTcon is an acronym for the Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Conference. A expo and convention "Designed by Haunters, for Haunters" of every age and level of experience. HAuNTcon brings people together who love Haunted Houses and Halloween for a fun filled three days and nights of Haunter Education".

The Entertainment Designer Forum

2010-04-25T23:16:00.003-04:00

On the evening of April 23, 2010 I had the honor to be part of a panel composed of top entertainment designers. Our goal was to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, taking place in Celebration Florida on May 23rd. My fellow panelists were:

- Alan Gilmore: Art director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the films Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and The Bourne Ultimatum.

- Stephanie Girard: Set designer for the films Ray, Dreamer, Leatherheads, Dear John and more. Designer for Halloween Horror Nights, Grinchmas and Universal Dubai.

- TJ Mannarino: Director for Universal Studios Entertainment (Halloween Horror Nights, Grinchmas, Mardi Gras), Nickelodeon Studios and Mickey Mouse Club.

- David Hughes: Universal Studios designer. Halloween Horror Nights lead designer for houses, art director for Terminator 3D, art director The Little Mermaid, Disney Studios, and Mickey Mouse Club.

- Ray Keim: Haunted Dimensions, Universal's Halloween Horror Nights

- Kim Gromoll: Designer for Universal Studios (Halloween Horror Nights Streets and Shows), Disney's Animal Kingdom shows

- Rick Spencer: Manager for Universal Studios. Writer for Halloween Horror Nights website, producer of special events, producer/director for Shining Time Station PBS.

- Michael Burnett: Manager of prosthetics for Universal Studios, many feature film and television shows and all prosthetics for Halloween Horror Nights.

- Rich West: Designer for Halloween Horror Nights houses, The Simpson's Ride and Universal Dubai.

- Manuel Cordero: Designer for Halloween Horror Nights houses and Disney parades.

- Nick Farrentello: Designer for Halloween Horror Nights. Set designer for the films Ali and The Trouble with Mary. Designer for the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster.

- J. Michael Roddy: Creative Director/Producer for The Shark is Still Working, MonsterKIDS and Halloween Horror Nights.

- Jason Surrell, Author, screenwriter and Walt Disney Imagineer. Author of Pirates of The Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies, The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies and The Disney Mountains: Imagineering At Its Peak.

- Michael Aiello: Writer and show producer for the Bill & Ted show and houses and streets for Halloween Horror Nights.

Below is Rick Spencer, me, Rich West, Michael Burnett, Alan Gilmore, Mike Aiello, Jason Surrell and TJ Mannarino

(thanks Orlando Attractions Magazine!)

Also thanks to Ricky Brigante for his support and coverage on "Inside The Magic" !

It was a wonderful evening of stories, design philosophies and meeting fellow designers and fans.

All three of my Haunted Dimensions HHN paper models were won by guests in the silent auction!

As of this writing we raised over $5000!

On a personal note as cancer survivor, it was an uplifting, satisfying experience to witness the love and concern of cohorts and fans alike during this event!

Six years ago I was unemployed and dealing with an illness which took several weeks to determine its scope and spread. In that dark time of uncertainty I reevaluated my life and career. My life was unquestionably wonderful but the potential of my career had not been fulfilled to my hopes and I questioned whether I had gone as far as I would ever go. Thankfully, after several surgeries and years of observation, I was given a clean bill of health. On top of that, during my recoveries I had created the projects in Haunted Dimensions which helped me get my first freelance job at Universal Orlando! To go from where I was 6 years ago, to where I found myself Friday evening, sitting on a stage as part of a panel of such an amazing collection of talented people (who are also my friends), was almost unbelievable! Truly a gift!

Many of you will know the name Jason Surrell, who is a Disney Imagineer and author of "The Haunted Mansion - From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies", which helped inspire my creation of Haunted Dimensions. Jason is friends with many of my Universal coworkers but I never had the opportunity to meet him until Friday night when he sat on the Forum panel with me. Yes, I brought my copies of his books (including his "Pirates of the Caribbean - From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies) for autographs! I also gave him my Madame Leota paper model, the original of which Jason helped design for Disney.

Before the show started, I had the opportunity to chat with Harry Potter Art Director, Alan Gilmore, who is a very charming, smart, fun guy! We talked a little about his experiences with the Potter franchise, but mostly we talked about about life and kids.

At left, my wife and I with Alan Gilmore (on left)

I also had the opportunity to meet Leonard Pickel, aka "The Godfather of the Haunted Attraction Industry", who is the creator of Haunted Attractions Magazine and the man behind HAuNTcon. Leonard was in the audience for both panel sessions and WON one of my paper models in the silent auction (Psychoscareapy)!

Turns out Leonard is a Haunted Dimensions fan!

The Pilgrimage

2010-03-06T23:47:00.000-05:00

Sorry for not posting in while!

I just returned from a long visit to California, from San Diego to Sonoma wine country.

Of course, a visit to Disneyland was manditory.

The last time I visited the New Orleans Square mansion was in 1988!

So much was new that it was as if I had never visted it before.

And the differences between the New Orleans Square mansion and Liberty Square mansion at WDW made it a new experience also. I will write more about in the near future, but for now, here is a shot of me at the gates of the manse, getting reaquainted.

My Newest Paper Model Project!

2010-02-11T15:26:00.007-05:00

It is official. I have begun the long process of designing a new paper model kit.
This one will be based on the Hogwarts castle, currently under construction at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, for "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter". The working title for my model is "Wizard's Crag", but that may change.
I am using online fan photos as reference.
As usual, I am beginning the process by building a simple model in a 3D application (Lightwave).
It will be a challenge to design. Half of the model will be the cliffs and gully on which the castle sits. I need to make this cliff base interesting, but relatively easy to build, relying on printed textures for most of the effect.

I do not know how big the model will, since it will be limited by the size of letter paper, but I would like it to be at least 12 inches tall.
I will be designing this in my spare time, so I do not know how long the project will take. My mansions took 6 months, and this model will be no less complicated.

So stay tuned, or become a member of my FaceBook page for updates!

Haunted Dimensions Fans

Here is the most recent 3D blocking.

Everybody Wants One!

2009-11-11T10:53:00.003-05:00

Astrid writes, "Hello Ray,

My name is Astrid. I am a nurse from Holland, and a big Phantom manor fan. I have built a Phantom Manor model, but I made it completely out of wood. It took me 1 year and 6 months. It is not really finished yet. I still have to complete the chimneys. Most days, when I was off from work, I worked on the house for 8 or 12 hours a day. It took me so much time, and a lot of my social life, haha!

Somedays when everything went wrong I thought I was never able to finish it.

I have faced a lot of big problems, but my husband always had a simple solution. He also made a solar (panel) on the roof, so at night when it gets dark the lights in the house go on.

I want to thank you for making it possible to have my own Phantom Manor at home."

--------------------

Astrid, this is certainly one of the most spectacular modifications of one of my paper models I have seen! I have considered making "solid" versions of my mansion ever since I first designed them, but I dont have the tools or the space.

You have set a new level of excellence in Haunted Dimensions!

Hogwarts Rises!

2009-10-06T08:54:00.003-04:00

Over the past week the skyline of Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure experienced a dramatic change!
The great tower of Hogwarts castle, along with Dumblewdore's spire, was installed.
Much still needs to be done, with at least another year's worth of work, but it already looks spectacular!

5 YEARS OF HAUNTED DIMENSIONS!

2009-09-27T08:54:00.000-04:00

Haunted Dimensions turned 5 years old over the weekend!
As always, I want to thank you for your continued interest and support.
Although my original intent was purely to share my stuff, this site has helped open many doors for me professionally, and has rewarded me spiritually with the knowledge that so many of you have taken great joy and pride in completing my projects, or have been inspired by those who have!

Thank you!
~Ray~

Ghost in the Machine

2009-09-21T08:48:00.001-04:00

As many of you now know, this year's Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights theme
is "Ripped from the Silver Screen".
Beginning this Friday, September 25th, Universal Studios will become the realm of the most famous and infamous creatures of Hollywood Horror.
In the process of designing this year's event and web site, we researched the history of horror moves, from the classics to the contemporary, and in our search for the truth behind the movie legends we came across an archive of information about a lost movie theater from the days of Carl Laemmle.
The Universal Palace Theater.
This history of the Universal Palace Theater became an obsession, and the more we researched the theater, the more fascinating and macabre facts came to light. Ultimately, it was decided that a scale model of the theater should be constructed in order to better understand this mysterious structure. Since I have a fair amount of model building experience, I was tasked with recreating the Universal Palace Theater in 1 inch scale, which means this model is over 6 feet wide and 7 feet deep! With the help of many other ar tists and technical specialists, the Universal Palace Theater now exists!
Once the model was completed, it was filmed and photographed extensively, and the photos were combined using an amazing piece of free software called "Photosynth". Photosynth was able to rebuild our model in 3D, by matching landmarks and patterns in each photo to organize them into an interactive 3D experience! I've been given special permission to share this fascinating glimpse of movie history to you, here on Haunted Dimensions!
You will be required to download the free "Silverlight" player, in order to see and explore the Universal Palace Theater. Keep in mind that this is a very new application, and people with older machines or lower bandwidth may have difficulty running the software.
Please step into the Universal Palace Theater!

A Spot of Tea in the Garden

2009-09-20T08:45:00.000-04:00

Konstantinos, a 15 years old in Greece, has been featured here and in The Builder's Gallery several times over the years. He is and avid model builder and always does an amazing job!
This time I want to show his latest creation, designed by himself.
Konstantinos added the garden Tea House, from the Phantom Manor grounds!

Konstantinos writes, "I really like the manor's gazebo, but I couldn't find it anywhere, something that forced me to build one. I used the roof of the New Orleans Square Haunted Mansion cupola and the door of the Phantom Manor and kinda mixed them. The result was rewarding!! I also like my models to have extra dimensions, so when you open the door you see a photo of the Grand Staircase (I couldn't find a photo of the foyer). Finally I illuminated my manor by using old Christmas lights. I hope you like it as much as I do!"

Take a look at the beautiful scene!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2009-09-16T08:44:00.000-04:00

Universal Orlando revealed a few more details about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter coming to Islands of Adventure in Spring 2010.

More paper models? I think so!

Disney World Fantasyland Expansion Announcement Disney D23 Expo on Sept. 12, 2009.

2009-09-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

Disney D23 Expo on Sept. 12, 2009.

Introducing, "The Usher"!

2009-09-03T08:42:00.000-04:00

Even though certifiably dead and buried, the usher reportedly returns and can be seen prowling the aisles, lobby and catwalks of the Universal Palace Theater...coincidentally whenever subsequent tragedies have struck.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Haunted Mansion!

2009-08-22T08:40:00.000-04:00

Wish I could be part of the celebrations at Disneyland!

The Return of Pepper the Pumpkin!

2009-08-09T08:35:00.000-04:00

This past winter I made some small changes to the design of Haunted Dimensions and in the process I cut "Miscellanous Mansion Projects" from the site line up. Gingerbread Dimensions received it's own page, but my pumpkin carving post "Pumpkin Carving Tips" and the follow up "The Grim Adventures of Pepper the Pumpkin" were removed. Due to popular demand, I decided to bring them back and added them to "Other Haunted Dimensions".
If you are relatively new to Haunted Dimensions, check it out.

The Skoolhouse Paper Model Kit
I also added the paper model kit I created last year for Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights web site, The Skoolhouse!
You can now find it at Paper Model Purgatory.

Phantom Manor from Scratch

2009-07-26T08:33:00.000-04:00

Maiggie, from Quebec, sent me photos of her custom Built Phantom Manor that she designed herself!
Beautiful!

And Kenny, from Belgium, sent photos of his Bates House, in which he installed red lights. He also built the Phantom Manor model and Entrance Pillar. Kenny writes "Because i'm now a bit more experienced, I cut out the windows and put some red lights in the house.
So it realy gives a look like a Hountend house, especially with some blacklight put on it. I also put a close up from the pillar lamp from the phantom manor in it , so you can see the transaprancy plastic."

"Mystic" Attraction Coming to Hong Kong Disneyland!

2009-07-21T08:29:00.000-04:00

Hong Kong Disneyland released new concept renderings depicting additions to the newest Disney theme park.
The new "mini-lands" will be called "Grizzly Trail", "Toy Story Land" and "Mystic Point". Each rendering is beautiful and exciting, but since we are in the Haunted Dimensions, Mystic Point is of particular interest to us!
Mystic Point and the other lands are set to be developed in phases over the next 5 years.

"In Mystic Manor, home to an eccentric world traveler and adventurer and his collection of exotic international artifacts, strange things are afoot as an enchanted music box releases its magical powers, thanks to a mischievous monkey.
Key Technology and Creative Elements

Inside Mystic Manor, a trackless ride system enables vehicles to move "freely" about the attraction as the story unfolds. Audio-Animatronic figures and special visual and audio effects help tell the story of mystical phenomena.

Within Mystic Point lies a beautiful garden full of relics and mythological figures, where guests discover a hidden world of illusions and mysteries that trick the eye.

Guests can dine at the Adventurer's Club amid a vast collection of unusual artifacts from around the world or purchase exclusive curiosities and collectibles at the Archive Shop. "

Hey, Hong Kong Disneyland,
this could be an AWESOME paper model for your guests!
Hint, hint! :)
Call me!

A Manor in Brazil

2009-07-16T08:27:00.000-04:00

James, from Brazil, sent me photos of his Phantom Manor model.
James wries, "Hi master Ray, I send you my model of Phantom Manor, directly from Brazil. I never went to Disney, but with these models I fell inside the haunted mansions!"
Thanks, James! You did a beatuful job!

I also want to shout "Ola!" to all the other Haunted Dimensions fans in Brazil! I know there are many!

Weird Wonderful Wallpaper!

2009-07-15T08:24:00.002-04:00

Monica writes, "The last time I was on Haunted Dimensions, I printed out a stencil design you posted of the wallpaper. I recently burned a stencil of the design, and made my very own HM wallpaper.".
Spectacular job, Monica! Every Mansion fan needs at least one room with this wallpaper!

You can find my demon wallpaper PDF stencil here

Halloween Horror Nights 2009 Revealed!

2009-06-27T08:20:00.001-04:00

This time of year is always exciting for me. It's when we go live with some our new Universal Orlando Horror Nights themes for the new season, and when some of my web art is released. This year's tagline is "Ripped From the Silver Screen" and is sure to be a frightfully amazing event!
http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/index.html

One Million!

2009-06-08T08:16:00.000-04:00

Sorry for not posting in so long!
Besides being very busy helping to design new terrors for Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, I also have several other projects keeping me away from Haunted Dimensions lately.
However, something I can not ignore is the fact that Haunted Dimensions has experienced a momentous occasion.
I have been keeping track of guest visits to this site since first going online on September 26, 2004 (I received 57 visits in the last days of that month), and this week Haunted DImensions surpassed the One Million visits mark!

I wanted to thank all of you for your continued interest and support!

Orlando Time

2009-04-04T08:14:00.002-04:00

I have returned to Orlando for a new season at Universal Art & Design.

We spent Monday (which was also our 19th wedding anniversary) at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
Or course, the Haunted Mansion was first. Everything looked great and the show was flawless.

The Question of Scale

2009-03-02T08:12:00.000-05:00

I am always asked about the scale of my models, and how to convert them to other popular, standard modeling scales. Well, Donald, at "passingloop.com" posted this tidbit of information that might be helpful to those of you who want to convert my 1/66 scale mansions (Bates, Liberty Square, New Orleans Square and Phantom Manor) to HO, O and N scale for train set ups.

Donald writes,
"About Scale/Printing:
The Bates House is in 1/66 scale so to convert it to your scale divide the scale number by the scale you want to model to get a percentage enlargement or reduction value.

For example, to go to HO (1/87) scale :
66/87 = 0.7586 which is approximately 75% reduction. So when you are ready to print, check your printer options where you can type in a percentage of reduction or scaling. Punch in 75 and you will have an approximate HO scale drawing ready to print and cut.

So, if you want to go to say O (1/48) scale:
66/48 = 1.375 which is approximately 137% enlargement.

For N scale: 66/160 = 0.412 which is around 40% reduction.

So, in summary, the Plan Conversion Formula Factor is:

(Scale of drawing plan / Scale you want to model) X 100

Reduce plan by the above factor if less than 100 or Enlarge if more than 100."

Thanks again, "passingloop.com"!

Another New Paper Model Release!

2009-02-24T07:52:00.002-05:00

On the heels of "The Bates House", I created another in my series of haunted mansion
cemetery tombstones. This one is the tombstone of "Good Old Fred", a favorite of mine.

"Here lies
Good Old Fred
A great big rock
fell on his head
R.I.P.

In this case, the "Fred" stone is a tribute to Imagineer Fred Joerger, who created scale models of the
theme parks, attractions, and models for Disney films.
You can read more about Fred Joerger HERE,

Click HERE to get you "Good Old Fred" tombstone paper model.

Icons of Fright

2009-02-18T07:44:00.001-05:00

I want to thank the horror movie web site, "Icons of Fright" for mentioning my Bates House model release!

It's very cool to be recognized by a horror fan site along with news about Jason, Freddy and Rob Zombie!

The Bates House Paper Model Kit: Released!

2009-02-16T22:25:00.002-05:00

Ironically, designing a PSYCHO HOUSE helped me keep my own sanity during these long months of unemployment!

If you have constructed any of my other mansion models, then this one is comparatively easy.

If you never constructed my other mansion models, and want to, this model would be good practice!

I am very happy with it! I hope you will be too!

And please help me out with a donation of a buck or two. :)

Please report any downloading (or other) problems. Since this is a new model, with new web pages it is liable to be buggy at first.

Here is the link to The Bates House Paper Model Kit download page!

http://www.haunteddimensions.raykeim.com/index660.html

A Few Last Tweaks

2009-02-11T22:23:00.003-05:00

The Bates House model is nearly finished. I completed the construction diagrams and just have to add the few written directions. Then I will save everything as a single PDF.

The entire model including the directions, will be 11 pages.

Ever since completing the prototype, I have been bothered by something that was not quite right.

The tower seemed wrong. I stared at it for days trying to figure out if there was something wrong with its proportions or angles. It just didn't have the same feel as the real house.

Then I suddenly realized that the little oval window on the tower roof was too large and placed too high. I fixed it and now it "feels" like the Bates House!

It is funny how something so small and subtle can make or break a design, and now it seems so obvious.

Below is the corrected tower roof with an inset of the way it looked before, along with a photo of the real tower window .

A Manor in Turkey

2009-02-08T22:20:00.000-05:00

Ahmet, from Turkey, sent photos of his completed Phantom Manor.

Ahmet writes, " I have followed your works and I watch them with enjoyment".

Thank you, Ahmet! I enjoy knowing that my models are so international!

Wonderful job!

Bates House Diagram

2009-02-03T22:15:00.000-05:00

Here is an exploded view of my Bates House model that I created as part

of the construction diagrams.

Bates House Prototype

2009-02-02T22:10:00.006-05:00

I completed the prototype of my Bates House model.
I only needed to fix a few small problems. It took me about 4 hours to build (not including the troubleshooting). The ironwork and porch supports are printed on transparency film.
This model is 7 inches tall and 5 1/2 inches wide. Here are some shots where you can see my hand, for size comparison.
Now the tedious part, the construction diagrams and instructions.

Here it is next to my New Orleans Square haunted mansion model.

It is not as puny as I thought it would be!

Good Old Fred

2009-01-30T22:06:00.000-05:00

I plan on adding a new item to my collection of Haunted Mansion tombstone paper models.
"Good Old Fred" has one of my favorite epitaphs!

Coming Soon!

2009-01-28T22:02:00.000-05:00

I am finished creating the Bates House pieces and I am in the process of adding

the scoring lines in Illustrator. Then I will build the prototype and record the process

for the construction directions.

Psycho Music

2009-01-27T21:55:00.001-05:00

I purchased some mood music to listen to while I continue to design my Bates House.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra plays the full musical score of "Psycho"!

I bought it from iTunes, and look at the great album art.

I completed the textures and art for the model and have begun adding the tabs, slots and score lines.

I might have a prototype constructed before the end of the week!

Archiving News & Notes to blogger.com!

2009-01-24T09:36:00.000-05:00

I just completed the process of transferring this "blog" (News & Notes) from Haunted Dimensions.

It became tedious to manage this page in Dreamweaver since I had no automatic archiving capability, and it would require that I build a new web page every time I needed more space. In order to postpone creating new web pages for archives (due to my own laziness), I would simply delete most of my posts after a month or two. Of course, that is the opposite of archiving!

I will continue to post all new posts on the Haunted Dimensions News & Notes page as usual,

but instead of deleting old posts, I will transfer them here.

Haunteddimensions.blogspot.com will be used as the new archive .

I'm still in the process of learning how it all works, and I'm sure I'll be hacking it as soon as know how. Meanwhile, stay tuned.

The Disney Special That Started It All For Me

2009-01-23T22:03:00.005-05:00

The year, 1970.

The show, Disneyland Showtime.

Little Donny Osmond and little Kurt Russell, along with the rest of the Osmond brother, and actress/singer E.J. Peaker, took me on a jaw-dropping tour of the brand new Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland. It became my obsession! It took me 23 years to finally get there for the first time! As I watch this again, I still get the same thrill and sense of awe I felt when I first saw it (when I was 7)!

Bates House Model Update

2009-01-22T12:18:00.001-05:00

Alfred Hitchcock and the Bates House 1960

I am nearly finished creating the art and textures for the Bates house model.

As you probably know, the "original" Bates House set is located at Universal Studios, Hollywood, and is one of the highlights of the backstage tram tour. Despite being an icon of movie history, the Bates House facade is still just a movie prop, and as such it has been altered, repainted, and reconfigured over the years for the many movies and TV shows in which it has appeared since "Psycho". In fact, the entire structure has even been moved to different areas of the backlot over the years!
Universal Studios, Orlando, constructed a Bates House for their tour but sadly it was later
torn down to make room for the "Kid Zone".

So one of my challenges was to decides what version of the Bates House to design.

Of course, my preference was to stay true to the house as it appears in "Psycho", but as is so often the case, Hitchcock's Bates House was not constructed as a fully completed house. It was just a facade consisting of the front and left faces of the house. There was no right side, rear, or even a roof! Since then, Universal has completed the structure, so I'm basing those unseen sides on what is there now.
I also chose to make the house appear aged and run down since many of you will probably use your models as Halloween decorations. It will be a relatively accurate model of the movie facade, but it will also serve your generic haunted house needs.

Another small obstacle I encountered was in not knowing the dimensions of the facade.
This information would be important in determining the scale of the model.
I could find no information on the height of the house, but a friend of mine who works
with Polar Lights, told me the dimensions of the Polar Lights plastic model kit, and I used those numbers to determine a height of approximately 31 feet from foundation to tower top.

Below is a rough comparison of the size differences between Liberty Square and the Bates facade.

I would like my Bates House to be the same scale as my other Disney haunted mansion models, but the Disney facades are much larger than the Bates House. To design the house at the same scale as the mansions would mean it would only be 6 inches tall. Personally, I want my Bates House to be larger, so I decided that I will design the house to be 8 or 9 inches tall, but I would figure out the percentage of reduction needed for those who want to print their Bates House to be the same scale as the others.

Bates House Model 3D

2009-01-15T13:15:00.000-05:00

My usual process for designing my paper models is to create the object in a 3D applications (Lightwave), disassemble it and bring it into a graphics program to apply textures (Photoshop and Illustrator). At this point I would also figure out the placement of the tabs and slots.

This time I decided to add the tabs and slots while I am still in the 3D application. This allows me to have an accurate placement of tabs and slots before I bring it into Photoshop, and determine if there are any conflicts with other parts. I believe this will make the construction design much easier and faster since there will be much less trial and error in the process .

Putka Pod Possibilities!

2009-01-13T13:18:00.004-05:00

The smallest pumpkins I ever carved!

After a little bit of experimentation and a lot of patience, I figured out how to carve my Putka Pods into extremely tiny jack-o-lanterns!

(See January 11th post, below, for an explanation of Putka Pods)

Using an X-acto blade, I first "drilled" small holes by carefully twirling the tip of the blade where I wanted my eyes to be. Then I carefully shaved around the holes to make them more irregular and less round.

I did the same process for the mouth, making a series of unconnected holes, in the general shape of a mouth. Then I "broke" between the holes until the mouth was complete. I drilled the nose hole last since, by this point the face is much more fragile, and I could stop drilling before the face cracked or split.

Click image to enlarge

They are relatively hollow inside, other than a few seeds and segment walls, so they even look like carved pumpkins inside! Of course, not every attempt was successful. For every two successes, there was at least one failure caused by weak segments, cracks or carelessness. Luckily, my quarter lb. bag has a couple hundred pods, so I had plenty to spare.

I even experimented with soaking a few (and even boiling a few) to see if softening them made them more resilient. All it did was to make them rubbery and even more difficult to carve.

They are gnarly and unique!

Click image to enlarge

I feel a need to show you how small these guys really are!

So here is the batch I made this afternoon, compared to a U.S. quarter and a push pin.

Click image to enlarge

Here are some close shots of my "Putka Pumpkins" as they look on my Skoolhouse model.

The link to the free "The Skoolhouse" model I designed for Universal Studio can still be found on the Halloween Horror Nights website.

The link can be found in the November 20th post at the bottom of this page.

All of my other paper models found here, at Paper Model Purgatory.

Here is a shot of my Skoolhouse model. I used twings from the yard as trees and craft moss.This model is about 6.5 inches long.

And here are a few on the steps of my Phantom Manor model.

Find some Putka Pods and take a stab at it (without stabbing your fingers)!

Even if you do not carve them, they make sickeningly cute additions to your models, mantels, wreaths, and displays during the Halloween season!

Putka Pods!

2009-01-11T13:38:00.000-05:00

Aren't they cute?!

Imagine this. Very tiny, organic, dried "pods" that look exactly like full sized pumpkins and are the perfect scale to use with my paper models!

I first discovered Putka Pods in a local farmer's market last year but for some reason I didn't purchase them. It wasn't until I was building my " Skoolhouse" model when I realized that these pods would look awesome on the model. Of course, then I couldn't find them again, and even the owner of the farmer's market stand where I first saw them, had no idea what I was talking about when I described them.

After a quick search online, using "pumpkin pods" as the subject, I learned they were called "Putka Pods".

They are grown in India and are dried. They range in size from less than 1/2 inch to 1 inch, and like real pumpkins, each pod has a unique personality. The natural dried color is a burnt orange, but they are available in a range of dyed colors and are sometimes infused with potpourri scents. They are very hard and seem durable, almost like a nut. Many even have little stems!

They are easy to find online and I bought a quater pound of them on Ebay for less than $5!

Even if you don't have any of my models, these pods have tremendous potential in the hands of creative folks (like you) here in the Haunted Dimensions!

I'll show you what I do with them in the coming weeks.

Click image to enlarge

New Year, New Model

2009-01-04T13:46:00.000-05:00

I have begun work on a new paper model.

The Psycho House!

The basic 3D model is completed and my next step is to unfold it, then add textures.

I have no schedule for completion, so stay tuned.

(The photo above is of the actual building facade at Universal Studios, Hollywood.)

Ghosts of Christmas Future (Past)

2008-12-21T13:49:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol"!

We own dozens of printed versions of the book, and it is read aloud in the days before Christmas.

We also own most cinematic versions of the story from Alistair Sim's perfect personification of Scrooge in 1951, to Patrick Stewart's interpretation in 1999

(We also saw Stewart in his one man show of "A Christmas Carol" on Broadway in 2001!)

One of my favorite Scrooge roles was played by George C. Scott in 1984. It was shot on location in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, including the cemetery scene, where Scrooge is shown his own tombstone. In reality, the scene was filmed in St. Chad's Churchyard and Scrooge's stone was real.

The coolest things is that it is still there!

Here is the scene...

And here are some shots I found online.

"Great Expectations" in Chilling, Thrilling!

2008-12-04T13:55:00.003-05:00

So last night I was watching a movie version of one of my favorite Dickens stories,

"Great Expectations" from 1946 (IMDB Listing). The story has one of my favorite Dickens characters, "Miss Havisham", a wealthy woman who was jilted on her wedding day and spent the rest of her life wearing her tattered wedding gown, sitting by her aged wedding cake, in her decaying mansion.

Sound a little familiar? Phantom Manor?

Anyway, near the end of the story, Miss Havisham's dress catches fire and she dies. To my surprise, Miss Havisham's movie scream was instantly recognizable as one of the more chilling screams used in the classic Disney album, "Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House"!

Here is the scene from the movie. Pip is running up the stairs to try to save Miss Havisham.

And here is the "Chilling, Thrilling" sound which actually plays twice.

Start listening at 24 seconds (0:24).

And of course, the screaming moan that follows the Havisham scream (0:32) is from the Disney Mickey Mouse classic, Lonesome Ghosts"

sound on/off - Lonesome Ghosts

Haunted Mansion Counterstrike Level

2008-11-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

Ever since I first created my 3D illustrations of the haunted mansions, people have been asking me to create an entire 3D walk-though animation of the attraction. It has been outside of my level of expertise and time allowances. However, a Counterstrike map-hacker who calls himself "Nipper", has created an amazing 3D recreation of the Liberty Square Haunted Mansion as a Counterstrike level! His level of detail is eye-popping and he even included the sound effects and Ghost Host narration.

Check out the video walk-through.

A New Paper Model for Universal!

2008-11-20T14:08:00.000-05:00

Universal Studios, Orlando just released one of my most recent paper model kits. I created a simple paper model of one of my favorite scenic elements from this year's Halloween Horror Nights event.

It is "The Skoolhouse"!

Click images to enlarge

This life-sized, dilapidated, one room school house (designed by my pal Kim Gromoll) served as the entry to the Skoolhouse scare zone and guests could enter the skool and meet Schoolmaster Renshaw, and his little, diabolical trick-or-treaters.
Here is the real thing.

These are the Trick-or-Treaters, who inhabited the Skoolhouse scarezone, as they filed out of their skool bus.

To get your FREE Skoolhouse paper model kit, go to the HHN EXTRAS web page HERE and click on "3D Model" in the left navigtion bar. You can also check out our backstage video, see some of the people I work with and see what we do!

It's OCTOBER!

2008-10-02T00:59:00.000-04:00

Here in Orlando, I am looking out of the window and seeing a beautiful pumpkin-orange sunset through a lacey pattern of black silhouetted trees, with an extraordinary sliver of a cresent moon rising. Although the trees are palms, this Florida October sky is looking a lot like the October sky back home in Pennsylvania!

Another reminder of my PA homeland is "The Skoolhouse" (at left) which serves as the centerpiece for one of the six Scare Zones at this year's Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, which officially opened last Friday night. The Skool serves as an entrance to the Central Park section of park, where the trees are hung with 400 flickering jack-o-lanterns! It is spectacular! And if you come, be sure to linger under the canopy of grins for a few minutes and wait to see what happens when you hear a ghostly whispering voice say "Bloody Mary" three times...!

Between the 6 Scare Zones, 8 beautifully detailed haunted house mazes and the roving bands of chainsaw maniacs and zombies, this year is truly amazing fun! I've been to the event twice already since opening, and I'll be taking my family next week.

Universal, Orlando Halloween Horror Nights

web site

I still have one more week in the Universal HHN Art and Design department. It has been a terrific design season and the last 5 months went by too fast!

Another great Halloween event in Florida is "Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween Party" at the Magic Kingdom, and being somewhat of an expert in Halloween event web sites ;), I have to recommend that you take a look at the "Not-so-scary" web site. It is a beautiful, fun journey describing the event in charming rhyme. I love clicking between the sections and flying though the spooky scenes!

And look, there's the Liberty Square haunted mansion!

Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary!

2008-09-01T01:08:00.001-04:00

At long last, our Universal Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights icon has revealed herself!

I've come to know Mary very well over the last few months, and believe me, she's one wild chick!

Mary's appearance was preceded by weeks of story development on the Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights web site, which culminated last Wednesday night with the unveiling of our spectacular "Reflections of Fear" animation, that takes you on an infinite journey through Mary's mirror, and the worlds of this year's Horror Nights event!

Click image to enlarge

http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/

I had the great thrill of creating most of the environments, settings, objects and navigation for Dr. Agana's portion of the site. I even supplied some of the doctor's idle doodles that slowly replaced her clinical notes. The state of her office and journals needed to "reflect" her spiral into madness, and I had a great time slowly disheveling her office, breaking things, spreading dust and webs, and finally adding blood and a shattered mirror!

To relive Mary's evolution from Dr. Agana, to Bloody Mary, go to the Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights website, click on the broken clock on the upper right, and enter her personal journal by clicking on the book's title plate.

Begin with the top, left tab "I", and work your way down to watch the good doctor unravel.

To get the latest version of the site, I recommend clearing your browser's cache first.

Click image to enlarge

To enter "Reflections of Fear" click on "Enter Reflections of Fear", under Attractions.

I am extremely proud of what we created, and I hope you visit the site and the event!

The Universal Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights 18

2008-07-05T01:18:00.000-04:00

Click image to enlarge

After many weeks of planning and pixel pushing, this year's Universal Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights website has gone live!!!

Keep checking in on the site in the coming days and weeks and watch it unfold.
This will be my third year on Universal HHN team and I can tell you that it is going to be an amazing event!

Launch Over the Lagoon

2008-06-01T01:21:00.000-04:00

This afternoon, at 5:02 PM the Space Shuttle Discovery launched on mission STS/124. I watched it from the lagoon at Universal Studios, Orlando. Even though it is more than 45 miles away,

it is always an amazing sight!

I was standing on the New York side of the lagoon, looking across to the pointy roof the "La Bamba" restaurant, the soundstage containing the "ET" ride (center), and The Hard Rock Hotel (far right).

Click images to enlarge

Orlando Time

2008-05-28T01:25:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the long delay since my last entry. I have been settling back into the routine of living and working in Florida again. I am back to work at Universal, helping the Halloween Horror Nights team to dream up another awesome event.

I had a chance to park-hop at Disney last weekend. The crowds at the Magic Kingdom were pretty large, and I walked out of 3 disorganized restaurants before giving up and deciding to eat off the property. That part was not very magical.

However, the mansion was as wonderful as ever, and Pirates looked great too!

I also found the spot where the well used to be. (See the January 12, 2007 post)

We were handed a "wait card" while in line for the mansion. We were asked to give it to the cast member at the doombuggie operations board. It is one way Disney determines the queue wait times.

I also went to Disney Studios and went on my number one themed thrill ride, Tower of Terror!

I'm sorry, but I think the giant Sorcerer's Apprentice hat, blocking the beautiful Chinese Theater centerpiece, is one the biggest design blunders I've seen in a long time! What were they thinking? The fact that all it houses is a pin trading post, makes it even more ridiculous.

Give us b ack our beautiful sight lines! I think Walt would have a fit!

Epcot was very nice. I finally saw the Spaceship Earth rennovations, and thought they were fantastic! Judi Dench is a favorite actor of mine, and her narration was very soothing (Although Walter Cronkite will always be my favorite). The interactive "movie" was a little silly, but my big dumb head pasted onto a retro styled animated character was pretty darned funny!

Even though I'll be at Universal for the next 5 months, we still played in the parks on Sunday. In particular I wanted to ride the new "The Simpsons Ride"! It's a very funny, wild ride, (although I found it slightly nauseating, probably due to my age). Something I was not at liberty to tell you earlier was that Universal Creative tapped me to create some graphics for this attraction, and it was terrific seeing my work installed!

It w as also exciting to see the steel rising behind Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure, as construction on the "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is underway!

I'm looking forward to doing a lot more cool things while I'm here, so stay tuned!

Universal Monsters, Haunted Mansions and Friends

2008-04-10T01:38:00.000-04:00

Tim (on the left), who works at Universal, Hollywood, built a beautiful version on my Liberty Square haunted mansion model, complete with lights and sound effects

(I mentioned it in an earlier post March 14th).

Tim built it as a birthday present for his pal, Daniel Roebuck. You might recognize Daniel (on the right) from his many movie and TV appearances over the years. You can see all of his credits here.

Daniel writes about the model - "It’s just slightly smaller then the real thing so finding a place for it has been difficult. I finally decided to give it Grace’s room so I sent her to a CONVENT!"

Click image to enlarge

Tim writes, "My superbly talented neighbor and friend (who does animatronic work for Disney theme parks) helped me coordinate the lights with a one-minute sound chip placed in the house.

Here’s the basic show sequence:

Wind blowing and lone dog howling heard

Loud thunderclap accompanied by mini strobe reflecting

off the house

Haunted Mansion organ music begins and continues thru male voiceover

LEDs in the greenhouse pulsate to the voiceover, giving the impression the

disembodied voice is coming from ’something’ in the greenhouse!

Voiceover (deep male voice):

"Welcome foolish mortals to the Haunted Mansion. (chuckle)

I am your host, your GHOST host. There’s no turning back now.

AHH HA HA HA HA HA HA!"

-brief silence-

Heartbeat sound heard accompanied by the red LED pulsating in the tower windows

Female voice scream!

Soft female voice:

"Hurry back.......hurry baaaaack....."

End of show-"

Hey, Tim, I want MY mansion to that now! :)

Daniel and Tim are also HUGE fans of horror, and in particular, the classic Monsters of Universal. They are avid collectors of anything monster related, and their "Mons ter Rooms" are amazing!

After corresponding with Tim and Daniel for a while, they led me to a Universal Monster fan site "Universal Monster Army" which is great fun. There is even a section where members post photos of their "Monster Rooms" including Tim and Daniel. It is wonderful to see that somewhere the "classics" are still getting the attention they deserve!

Geisterhaus-Papiermodelle

2008-03-17T01:47:00.000-04:00

It was very exciting to discover that Haunted Dimensions was linked on the German magazine web site, Der Spiegel-Online!

Haunted Dimensions is also mentioned in this week's Ehrensenf web TV show!

Show host, Mark Freuer, mentions Haunted Dimensions at around 2:30.

But do not blink! It only lasts about 10 seconds.

I really enjoy the international appeal of my projects!

As a fun side note, Mark and his co-host make cameo appearances in The Hooters video

"I'm Alive".

A Beautiful Haunted Mansion Book!

2007-12-18T01:51:00.000-05:00

I received my copy of the SLG Publishing's hardback, Haunted Mansion comic compilation, "The Haunted Mansion: Welcome Foolish Mortals".

First, let me say, Yes, I am an affiliate with SLG. They asked me to help promote their book through this site and, being a fan of their comic series, I gladly agreed. I was sure that the book would be a cool addition to any mansion-phile's collection, but I honestly had no idea how gorgeous the book would be until I receiv ed my own copy!

This book is fantastic!

Click images to enlarge

The art and stories are an fun, eclectic collection of interpretations of the Disney Haunted Mansion lore. S ome are whimsical and light-hearted, and others have the spooky, dark style of the old pulp horror magazines I grew up with, like Eerie and Creepy.

The book itself is designed beautifully! It comes in a full color box sleeve, which helps protect the beautiful tome inside.

When I pulled the book out from the sleeve, I had to say "Wow!".

The back cover has a gold, embossed "999" (for the 999 happy haunts in the mansion).

I expected to see the book's title on the front cover, but to my delight is has

a gold embossed "Gracey" coat of arms!

And because I'm such a mansion geek (and because I designed a paper model of the Conservatory Coffin) I also noticed that the embossed borders on the top and bottom edges of the cover are the pattern of the conservatory coffin's pedestal drapery!

To top off the wonderful design of the book, the pages are cut with an irregular, scalloped edge, giving the feel of an old, hand-bound book, and the red, ribbon bookmark is the final, classy detail. Can you tell that I love this book?

Back Home for the Holidays

2007-12-11T01:58:00.000-05:00

My most recent gig at Universal is over, and I'm back in chill y Pennsylvania.

Watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" come to life at Universal's Islands of Adventure was a priceless experience! It is interesting to note that while I spent the Spring and Summer designing the horror of the Universal Halloween Horror Nights web site, I was literally back to back with the brilliant artist who was helping to design this stunning, beautiful set for the Grinch show.

The show is sweet, funny and truly heart warming!

Every show left me with misty eyes, even in rehearsals.

Click images to enlarge

I also had a chance to meet the Simpson's before their arrival in this year's Macy's Christmas Parade at Universal Studios. I created some of the graphics on their parade RV.

Here they are arriving for the Macy's Parade, in their RV.

I created the graphics used on the donut boxes and Duff Beer cans on the roof of the RV.