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.

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.

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!

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.

UPDATE: December 22,2013-  I've received many inquiries about the status of this particular blog post.  In more recent posts I explained that this model kit is essentially dead in the water.  Warner Bros will not permit me to release Wizards Crag (as a free download or purchase) without it being an officially licensed product.  Unfortunately I have been unable to find an interested licensee.  Without a license, I risk legal action by the owners of the properties.  Right side
Top view

More "Wizard's Crag" Progress

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

Here is the prototype of the Great Hall.

Here are all of the prototype structures so far.

My Interview

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"

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

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!

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!

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”

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!

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~