Tosh Show Episode Summary: "My Haunted House Expert - Chris Stafford"

Release Date: October 22, 2024
Host: Daniel Tosh
Guest: Chris Stafford, renowned haunted house architect and industry expert

1. Introduction to the Guest

[08:50] Daniel Tosh: "Paw Show My guest today, his maid is living lurking in the shadows, speaking in whispers and blurring the line between nightmares and reality with several insanely successful haunted houses nationwide. May God have mercy on his soul. Please welcome the architect of fear, Chris."

Daniel Tosh welcomes Chris Stafford, a prominent figure in the haunted house industry, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about the art and business of creating fear-inducing experiences.

2. Chris Stafford’s Background and Journey

[09:14] Eddie (Chris Stafford): "Originally from upstate New York, Rochester."

Chris shares his origins from Rochester, New York, and discusses his current residence in Denver, along with his extensive work across Los Angeles. He highlights that his company operates 18 haunted houses across 12 different markets, proudly stating, [10:31] Eddie: "As far as I'm aware, we are the largest Halloween live event company in the world."

3. The Haunted House Business Landscape

Chris delves into the intricacies of running haunted houses, emphasizing the blend of passion and business acumen required. [13:57] Eddie: "You got to have both sides of it. You got to have passion for the product, but you also have to have a business acumen."

He discusses the industry's growth, particularly in California, attributing it to the region's strong fandom and the presence of theme parks that facilitate alternative entertainment options.

4. Operational Challenges and Solutions

Parking and Safety:
Parking emerges as a significant challenge, especially during peak weekends. Chris notes, [19:28] Eddie: "Depends on the venue, but definitely pretty true. Because, you know, everybody wants to go on the weekend." To mitigate safety concerns, the company maintains strong relationships with local fire marshals, ensuring compliance and safety without stifling creativity.

Managing Fear and Guest Reactions:
Chris explains protocols for guests who become too scared, ensuring their safety by having trained staff ready to assist. [18:04] Eddie: "They can identify that and ask them if they're okay and escort them out through an emergency." Fortunately, there have been no fatalities, though some guests have fainted or passed out.

5. Innovations and Technological Advancements

Video Moments:
Instead of traditional photo ops, Chris introduces a new video recording feature using RFID tags to capture guests' reactions at various scare points. [24:04] Eddie: "So we don't have a photo moment, but we are currently experimenting with a video moment."

Makeup and Special Effects:
The haunted houses utilize airbrush makeup techniques for efficiency and effect, allowing actors to quickly transform into their eerie personas. Chris outlines the balance between visible prosthetics and subtle makeup to enhance the haunting experience without overburdening the actors.

6. Adapting to External Challenges

COVID-19 Pandemic Response:
The pandemic posed significant challenges, but Chris and his team adapted by implementing social distancing measures, limiting group sizes, and ensuring safe interactions. [23:26] Eddie: "Haunted houses are still a pretty, pretty good value as it comes to live entertainment."

7. Personal Insights and Anecdotes

Childhood and Family:
Chris shares personal stories about his son's initial fear of Halloween experiences, leading to a nuanced perspective on creating haunted attractions that balance fear with fun.

Halloween vs. Christmas:
Contrasting his love for Christmas with his professional focus on Halloween, Chris remarks, [11:10] Daniel Tosh: "To me, the best thing about Halloween is getting ready for Christmas."

8. Future Plans and Expansion

International Expansion:
While currently operating nationwide, Chris expresses interest in expanding internationally, particularly into Europe and Asia where Halloween is growing in popularity. [31:28] Daniel Tosh: "I bet you could do some Weird stuff in some of these Asian countries."

Technological Enhancements:
Continued innovation is a priority, with plans to enhance guest experiences through advanced technology and interactive elements.

9. Closing Thoughts and Final Remarks

Chris emphasizes the importance of creating entertaining and socially engaging haunted house experiences that offer a respite from daily stresses. [37:43] Eddie: "Creating unique events that people can share together socially is really what we're all about."

[30:34] Daniel Tosh: "Do you believe in ghosts?"
[30:40] Eddie: "I want to believe in ghosts, and I feel like I should believe in ghosts, but no, I don't believe in ghosts."
Their lighthearted exchange wraps up the episode, blending humor with insightful industry knowledge.

Notable Quotes

• Chris Stafford on Passion and Business:
  "[13:57] Eddie: 'You got to have both sides of it. You got to have passion for the product, but you also have to have a business acumen.'"

• On Managing Fear in Haunted Houses:
  "[18:04] Eddie: 'They can identify that and ask them if they're okay and escort them out through an emergency.'"

• Emphasizing Entertainment Over Pure Fear:
  "[37:43] Eddie: 'Creating unique events that people can share together socially is really what we're all about.'"

Conclusion

This episode of the Tosh Show provides an in-depth look into the haunted house industry through the expertise of Chris Stafford. From operational challenges and technological innovations to personal anecdotes and future expansion plans, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to craft unforgettable and spine-chilling experiences. Chris's insights highlight the delicate balance between creating fear and ensuring guest safety, all while navigating the business landscape of live entertainment.

For those intrigued by the behind-the-scenes of haunted houses and the art of instilling fear, this episode offers both entertainment and education, making it a must-listen for Halloween enthusiasts and aspiring haunted house creators alike.