“Haunters: the Art of the Scare” is, quite simply, a great documentary.

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It’s also a study of a world we haven’t seen before: that of haunt professionals.

At ScareLA 2018, in August, filmmaker Jon Schnitzer talked about the process of crafting his documentary.  Jon, who produced and directed Haunters: the Art of the Scare, says his original idea, and the resulting stories, evolved during the process of filming.

His final result: three compelling stories, of the creatives behind three different haunts.  Legendary scare actor/speaker/producer Shar Mayer (who stars in our previous podcast), Nightmare on Loganberry creator Donald Julson and Russ McKamey, of the controversial McKamey Manor, all give their perspectives on their work and the ways it affects their lives.

Jon, who is co-owner of Los Angeles-based immersive entertainment company The Brain Factory, is no stranger to taking his viewers into uncharted territory.    In 2017, he created and produced Flatline Experience.   This 3D virtual-reality simulation takes viewers through a near-death experience, inspired by a real-life story Jon had heard, years earlier.

And Jon says that, with Haunters: the Art of the Scare, much more is coming!  There’s footage which he couldn’t include in the original documentary, due to costs.   In addition, he’s presently in the middle of some exciting plans for a sequel–and possibly a series!

Jon offered a look at the creative process behind Haunters: the Art of the Scare, as well as a preview of what may be coming next!  (Note: this is the first Halloween season that Haunters: the Art of the Scare is available on Netflix!)

On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

• The roots of Jon’s love of Halloween and haunts;

• How he first became inspired to create his documentary on the world of Haunters;

• What was involved in his VR storytelling of Flatline Experience;

• How he worked on his first Halloween project with director Tim Burton (creating effects for a Halloween party at President Obama’s White House!)

• How a college project led to Jon’s first meeting with Tim Burton;

• What the filmmaking process was like, creating Haunters;

• The effects Jon’s documentary has had, in sparking dialogues about haunting and “how far is too far”;

• How Jon saw his story evolve over time;

• Some of the “bonus material” available beyond the documentary, and plans for forthcoming projects;

• Additional Halloween projects in which Jon has been involved (including one for YouTube!);

• Jon’s thoughts on how to make a great haunt (or film project) on a limited budget;

• A preview of the updates you’ll see when you follow Haunters: the Art of the Scare on social media;

• One of the effects the Haunters documentary had on one of the film’s subjects–and the haunt industry;

• What to expect in an upcoming study Jon filmed, while making his documentary;

• Some of the responses to Haunters: the Art of the Scare after its January 2018 release.