THE FOUNDATION OF EVERY GREAT ATTRACTION

BOOK SIGNING

Get your copy of Follow the Story signed August 4^th at Midsummer Scream

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR

Hear from Scott during our Virtual Book Tour on these shows:

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Scott is a true master architect of immersive horror experiences, using the classic tools of story and conflict to create blueprints for some of the most influential (and some of my all-time favorite) haunted attractions ever. This guide is mandatory reading for experiential designers of themed attractions.”

—Scott Simmons, Creative Director, ScareHouse and The Basement

“I’ve been a fan of Scott’s work since the early Howl-O-Scream days. This book is a fantastic glimpse into his process of creating memorable haunts. Every haunt creator will find something useful to take away from reading this. It’s a perfect blend of creative and logistical guidance, and this book gives every haunt creator plenty of helpful takeaways.”

—Ricky Brigante, Pseudonym Productions

“Before you start your next theme, read this book. Scott lists and simplifies the framework of creating a back story for your attraction—without any fluff. The personal stories woven throughout lead to actionable takeaways. I’ll be implementing his tips this year to help with my marketing and customer experience.”

—Brian Foreman, Founder of Haunter’s Toolbox

“Scott provides a much-needed jolt of storytelling energy in a compact, readable form. This is a true ‘blood and potatoes’ approach to the many facets of haunted-attraction storycraft, which should help any designer ensure they’re taking full advantage of the tools at their disposal.”

—David Ruzicka, Co-Artistic Director for JFI Productions

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For over 30 years, Scott Swenson has been bringing stories to life as a Writer, Director, Producer and Performer. His work in Theme Park, Consumer Events, Live Theater and Television has given him a broad spectrum of experiences. After 21 years working with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment as the Director of Production, Scott formed Scott Swenson Creative Development LLC. Since then he has been writing live shows, creating and implementing themed festivals and developing communication based training classes. Much of Scott’s work has focussed on seasonal entertainment. He was co-creator and Creative Leader for the first 15 years of the “Howl-O-Scream” event at Busch Gardens Tampa, during which time he wrote and implemented over 50 haunted houses, shows and scare zones. From 2014 to 2017, he was the Writer and Creative Director for the historically based atmospheric theatre piece, “The Vault of Souls”.

Scott has also written and consulted for haunted attractions at Valleyfair Theme Park, SeaWorld Texas and ZooTampa. His most recent projects include “DARK” at Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton, Alberta Canada and “UNDead in the Water” at The American Victory Ship in Tampa. He is a regular contributor to “Seasonal Entertainment Source” magazine and his podcast, “A Scott in the Dark” continues to grow in popularity. In his “free time” Scott has self published 3 books of dark poetry and prose. In 2017 he was presented a Special Recognition Award from The Haunted Attraction Association for his “…unprecedented investment and support for the haunted attraction industry.” He is a sought after panelist and presenter for Entertainment trade shows, especially those focused on haunted attractions and atmospheric theatre.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

Philip Hernandez is a freelance writer, speaker, producer, and marketer specializing in Seasonal Attractions.

In 2018, Philip became the CEO at Gantom Lighting & Controls, a manufacturer of the world’s smallest DMX LED lighting. Gantom is used in every major theme park worldwide to illuminate where other fixtures cannot.

Since 2014 Philip has published Seasonal Entertainment Source magazine (SES), a quarterly print publication for the seasonal attraction professional. SES ships to readers in over 18 countries.

Philip operates the Haunted Attraction Network (HAN), the largest global media entity for the haunted attraction industry. HAN includes written content, videos, a series of podcasts, and the Haunt Design Kit brand.

Philip produces the Leadership Symposium for Seasonal Attractions, a masterclass series for seasonal attraction professionals. Watch more here.

Philip co-hosts the ‘Marketing your Attraction’ podcast monthly. Listen here.

Contact Philip for projects here: hernandez.philip@gmail.com

ABOUT THE COVER ARTIST- Doug Schaefer

Horror and FX artist, Production Manager for Robot Monkey Lab, Inc. and creator of two books of art. Doug has been creating effects, props, masks and artwork for haunted attractions, theme parks and collectors for over 30 years. By day Doug designs and builds effects, puppets and illusions at Robot Monkey Lab, Inc (VFXcreates.com). And on evenings and weekends Doug makes even more monsters, in his home studio (ArtGuyDesigns.com), creating a variety of horror and creature art.