Best Specialeffects Podcasts (2024)

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Ep 375 - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 56:46

33m ago56:46

56:46

In this episode we dive deep into Tim Burton's latest release, 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.’ We explore themes of superstition and tradition, debate the necessity of sequels, and scrutinize Burton's storytelling and visual style. We also discuss notable cast performances, practical effects versus CGI, and ponder the future of the movie franchise. We g…

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Ep 374 - Strange Darling 58:25

2d ago58:25

58:25

In this episode we dive into the movie 'Strange Darling,' exploring its unique cinematography, storytelling techniques, and the intriguing performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. We examines the layers of the plot, the use of 35mm film, and the thematic elements that challenge the audience's perceptions and judgments. It is definitely on…

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Ep 373 - Alien: Romulus 1:14:41

13d ago1:14:41

1:14:41

In this episode we talk about the much-anticipated 'Alien Romulus' movie. We discuss the impact of spoilers, filmmakers' choices about secrecy, and guarded plot twists. Key highlights include their our on CGI and ethical considerations of using deceased actors' likenesses, as well as character dynamics and cinematography. Additionally, we explore b…

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Special FX Makeup Tips from the Dead Factory Haunted House 1:05:48

16d ago1:05:48

1:05:48

It's 30 minutes before the haunt doors open. You need a quick way to make some realistic wounds, cuts, and bruises that will stay on all night. We have those answers inside this podcast! You can also watch the full video here: https://haunterstoolbox.com/sfx Applying special effects makeup inside a haunted attraction is a unique skill. You have to …

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Ep 372 - Deadpool and Wolverine 1:05:11

1M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

This week we explore Deadpool and Wolverine’s fan service elements, the challenges of blending different character tones, and the impact of pop culture references. The discussion also touches on the broader context of comic book adaptations and the significance of incorporating classic costumes and character arcs. We talk about the performances of …

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Upsells & Upgrades: Make More Revenue At Your Haunted Attraction 1:28:14

1M ago1:28:14

1:28:14

There are a few ways to make more revenue with your attraction: 1) Raise your prices 2) Get more customers 3) Sell more to your current customers We will focus this master class on selling more to your current customers by using the space you already have. Things like themed dinners, private tours, and ticket upgrades allow you to charge more for u…

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Ep 371 - A Quiet Place: Day One 50:47

2M ago50:47

50:47

In this episode we discuss our cinematic experiences, the emotional and thematic depth of the movie, and the performances of Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn. We get into the character dynamics, the expanded universe of the Quiet Place franchise, and speculate on future installments. Listen as we explore the film's intricate details, from jump scare…

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Ep 370 - Kinds of Kindness 1:03:47

2M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

In this episode of 'The Actor and the Engineer,' Paul James and Josh Knapp delve into the complexities of Yorgos Lanthimos's 'Kinds of Kindness.' They discuss the balance between humor and existential dread in the film, its three distinct vignettes, and the thematic elements of control, belief, and absurdity. The conversation also touches on the de…

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Ep 369 - All Things Mad Max 1:10:27

3M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Join Josh Knapp (the broadcast engineer) and Paul James (the actor) as they delve into the Mad Max saga. From Josh's newfound appreciation for Mad Max: Fury Road to analyzing the impact of various characters and films, this episode covers it all. They discuss the evolution of the series and character arcs across the series. This engaging discussion…

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Guerrilla (Haunt) Marketing and Other Creative Marketing Tips with FearWorm 1:04:21

3M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

How do I get more people to attend my Haunt? What does it take to stand out in today's market? Are there creative ways to grab attention without spending too much? We answer these questions and more in this Master Class with Laura Kilpatrick from FearWorm Hauntvertising. Become a member at HauntersToolbox.com to join our next Master Class. Start & …

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Ep 368 - Quick Cuts - The Fall Guy, The Green Mile, Rom Coms 1:00:41

4M ago1:00:41

1:00:41

This week we catch up on what we have been watching, like The Fall Guy, The Green Mile, Rom Coms, Babylon, Cabaret and The Bodyguard?By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Wall Textures & Techniques: Create Burn Effects, Aging, & Fundamentals 1:55:00

4M ago1:55:00

1:55:00

Creating realistic scenes requires detailed wall panels. But where do you start? Should you use a light base paint or black? What are simple ways to distress your sets? How do you make charred walls, peeling paint, bubbled paint? What materials do you need to create amazing sets? We answer these questions and more during this Master Class with Scen…

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Ep 367 - Challengers 56:33

4M ago56:33

56:33

In this episode we volley our opinions on Luca Guadanino's new tennis film with Zendaya, a Prince and West Side Story's Riff. Scored by Reznor and Ross, this movie has more meat on its bones than a standard sports movie.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Ep 366 - Civil War 59:27

4M ago59:27

59:27

In this episode we talk about Alex Garland's film about war and the role journalists play in society. It includes a great score, cool song selection and strong performances by the Dunst/Plemons crew.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Introduction to Animatronics with Ed Gannon 1:44:14

5M ago1:44:14

1:44:14

Let's talk about things that move in your haunted attraction. Yes, animatronics can be complex and scary to attempt by yourself. But what if animatronics weren't as scary as you thought? Join co-host & haunt veteran Ed Gannon as he breaks down some simple takeaways that just might change the way you look at animations. You can also find Ed Gannon a…

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Ep 365 - Top Tens of 2023 1:43:37

6M ago1:43:37

1:43:37

We finally got around to watching as many 2023 films as we could. We are nailing down which ones were our favorites (or best, or highest regarded by us) and why!!By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Scare Tactics: How To Scare the Crap Out Of Your Customers 1:10:37

6M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

Inside a Haunted Attraction, it's all about the SCARE! But how do you pull it off when your audience gets braver every year? Learn the proper techniques to create that perfect scare that can be effective over and over again. We'll talk about Actor Tools, Set Design, & Scare Techniques. To join us next time LIVE and get this video master class, beco…

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Ep 364 - Dune Part 2 with Justin Arner! 1:14:07

6M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

This week we go back to Arrakis with our special guest Justin Arner (multi-award winning creative producer). We talk about Villeneuve using shot selection for optimal storytelling, Hans Zimmer's overwhelming score and question some of the casting choices.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Ep 363 - Oscarcast 2024 1:15:22

7M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

It's time for the golden statues! We go through who we think will win and who we would want to win in the biggest Oscar categories, and Josh has a golden addition to his shelf.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Ep 362 - The Zone of Interest 1:06:23

7M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

We dive into Jonathan Glazer's The Zone of Interest, an unconventional holocaust/family movie. The concept, the filmmaking techniques and the haunting sounds of the score and sound design come together with the grounded performances to form a film that is engaging and confrontational.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Wicker Manor: The Journey from Home Haunter to Pro 1:08:08

7M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

Sean Herman takes us through the Wicker Manor and tells us how he will transition from a haunt in his two-car garage into a permanent location. Wicker Manor was featured on ABC’s Great Halloween Fright Fight and also won Best International Haunt in an award show. To start your own haunted attraction business, visit our homebase at HauntersToolbox.c…

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Ep 361 - American Fiction 1:03:33

7M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Cord Jefferson's biting and funny satire/familiy drama is the subject of this week's podcast. We get to see Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown, Tracy Ellis Ross, and a host of other actors put in great performances with a that know's what it is doing. Once you are in the theater, Jefferson nudges you with humor, anger, outrage and real touching mome…

1
Ep 360 - Oscar Noms and Maestro 1:15:30

8M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

This week we reflect on the Oscar nominations and celebrate some of the choices while scratching our heads about others. Then we tiptoe into a light critique on Bradley Cooper's new film Maestro (also Oscar nominated!)By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Terror in the Corn: Mazes, Marketing, Management & Monsters 1:50:36

8M ago1:50:36

1:50:36

Join the haunt community at HauntersToolbox.com and start your own haunted attraction or grow your current haunt business. Get instant access to haunt master classes, the haunt library, haunt vendor discounts, and haunt coaching. Bart Butler from Terror in the Corn located in Erie, Colorado, shares his knowledge about building corn mazes, designing…

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Ep 359 - Poor Things 1:11:08

8M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Yorgos Lanthimos plus Emma Stone equals another movie you can't look away from. With committed performances from Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo added, this film is both funny and thought-provoking.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Ep 358 - May December 57:48

9M ago57:48

57:48

We talk about Todd Haynes' new meta movie featuring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore that is loosely based on a true story, how it points out society's voyeuristic tendencies and why audiences will always be interested in stories like this.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Improve your haunted attraction in 2024 | Haunted Attraction Network 1:35:41

9M ago1:35:41

1:35:41

What can you do before next season to improve your brand, your marketing, and your attraction? Are you focused on the right things? Philip Hernandez, from the Haunted Attraction Network, lets us in on a few things he noticed in 2023 that will be game-changers for the future of your haunt. Find Philip here: Haunted Attraction Network Start and grow …

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Puppet Tears, ep 083 — Kevin Carlson on Timmy the Tooth + SAGAFTRA Puppetry Negotiations 1:31:57

9M ago1:31:57

1:31:57

WE. ARE. BACK! We’re joined by Kevin Carlson, creator and star of the iconic 90’s video series Timmy the Tooth. Kevin is also known for his work on projects including The Mr. Potato Head Show, Imagination Movers, Crank Yankers, and The Muppets. Additionally, he is a co-chair of the SAG/AFTRA Puppeteers Committee, which fights to ensure fair contrac…

1
Ep 357 - Saltburn 1:06:45

9M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

Emerald Fennell has returned with a film starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi about the British upper crust and the gaze of the outsider. Was it successful? Was it shocking? We get into it in our new episode.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Ep 356 - The Killer 1:06:30

10M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

It's a new Fincher film! We talk about Fassbinder, the sound design, the drop-in performances (including Tilda Swinton), ham hands and Fincher's tenuous relationship with the Oscars.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Ep 355 - Anatomy of a Fall 1:09:43

10M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

This week we talk about how Justine Triet's new film is able to turn a courtoom drama into an engaging and tight film with a great performance by Sandra Hüller. We have some Oscar predictions and get into the use of language in the film and "truth" in the courtoom.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Take Your Haunt From Good to Great with The Scare Factor 2:01:00

10M ago2:01:00

2:01:00

What makes a Haunt a GREAT one? The Scare Factor reveals their secret list of what they look for as they review haunted attractions. What to do and what not to do. We all can improve our attractions, here's your list. Become a member of The Haunter's Toolbox and make your attraction great.

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Ep 354 - Killers of the Flower Moon 1:14:18

11M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

It's a rare treat to talk about a new movie from one of the living masters of the craft, Martin Scorsese. We break down what we liked about the performances, including the quiet confidence of Lily Gladstone. We also talk about the score, production design and undulating pacing of the film.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Ep 353 - Quick Cuts (Kubrick, Brazil and Starman) 56:23

11M ago56:23

56:23

Paul saw a play with Karen Allen and Reed Birney! And we talk about Josh watching Kubrick on the big screen, double features and Starman.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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Haunted Hollows & Warehouse of Nightmares 45:23

11M ago45:23

45:23

Come with us as we tour a couple of haunted attractions in and around Hannibal, Missouri. Haunted Hollows Haunted Trail Warehouse of Nightmares Don't forget your ScareIt Badges for your Haunt parties and to reward your haunt staff this season. Buy them here.

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Ep 352 - Past Lives 1:15:43

12M ago1:15:43

1:15:43

Paul talks about his recent experience performing in a Steve Martin play and we talk about Celine Song's quiet, but confident debut film starring Greta Lee.By Paul James and Josh Knapp

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WickedFest: Halloween/Horror Con in Hannibal,MO 24:06

12M ago24:06

24:06

Hannibal's inaugural Halloween & Horror Con! October 7th 2023 ~ 1:00PM until 9:00PM Celebrity Guests, Vendors and Costume Contest. Kids 10 and under are free. Price of admission: $20.00 Guaranteed to be frighteningly fun Admiral Coontz Recreation Center ~ 301 Warren Barrett Dr.~ Hannibal, MO. 63401 More info: https://www.facebook.com/wickedfest Don…

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Are your Scare Actors ready? Japes Palles helps you get them ready. 1:41:31

1y ago1:41:31

1:41:31

Get your Haunt started at HauntersToolbox.com Japes Palles, a scare actor manager and scare actor, shares many tips and tactics to build a strong team and how to make your haunted attraction one to remember. We cover things like queue line acting, creating zones, actor safety, handling rude customers, how to scare someone using the word BOO! (yes, …

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