five with frights:- Jen Sharlow
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Looking for a great home haunt we came across Jen Sharlow who each year at Halloween, turns her house into a place the undead could easily call home...
MR. FRIGHTS: Running a haunt from your home, how would you think this is different from running a professional one? Similar?-
JEN SHARLOW: Very different. It's actually more fun because you can put your whole heart into the project. No need to worry about permits, fire
inspectors, advertising costs, insurance, etc.. They only time we put into advertising is to send a press release to the news. -
MR. FRIGHTS: How long does it take to prepare the haunt?
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JEN SHARLOW: We start September 1st. This year, we have a late start, September 12th. The neighbors already think we are the Addams family, so it dose not surprise them when the coffins start coming out of the garage! I would love someone to donate us a hearse the haunt this year! It would complete everything :)
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MR. FRIGHTS: Have you ever accidentally attracted the undead? If so, how did you deal with it?
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JEN SHARLOW: We love the undead. Many of our best friends are zombies, witches and Vampires. They always like to stop by for a bite to eat. Normally, I offer up the
neighbors.
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MR. FRIGHTS: What is the drive behind turning your home into a play ground for ghouls?
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JEN SHARLOW: It puts us in our element and makes us feel normal.
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MR. FRIGHTS: Do you have a favorite moment from running your home haunt?
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JEN SHARLOW: Watching the parents run away scared. It tickles me :)
Hit the Grab Bag Questions below to go on with the interview...
GRAB BAG QUESTIONS
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MR. FRIGHTS: Do you "dig up" extra help from local grave yards, have friends help you out, or are you pretty much on your own?
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JEN SHARLOW: My husband and I do everything on our own. This year, my brother has offered his assistance as well as some bodies. The neighborhood kids like to help when we set up. Good little zombie helpers :)
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MR. FRIGHTS: Is it expensive to turn your home into an attraction like this?
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JEN SHARLOW: We have a large collection of props, but it can get pricey. We will probably purchase a few props at Horrorfind this year, but I would like to stay under $500.00
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MR. FRIGHTS: Why did the vampire cross the road?
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JEN SHARLOW: There was a bloody mary happy hour at the local bar :)
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MR. FRIGHTS: You do handmade props, is it by your own design or did you get training for that?
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JEN SHARLOW: 75 % of our props are home made. I worked with professional haunts for many years and picked up some knowledge on building. Last year, we added a
Frankenstein and laboratory as well as a Zombie Michael Jackson.
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MR. FRIGHTS: Do you have tips for people who want to turn their home into a haunt?
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JEN SHARLOW: Clean out the Halloween stores at the end of the
season when it's 50% off. Start decorating in September to creep out the neighbors and always have bloody body parts hanging from a tree in your yard. Coffin's are ALWAYS a winner as well as fog machines! But the one thing every home haunter needs? Midnight Syndicate Halloween Soundtracks!
www.midnightsyndicate.com
PERSONAL HERO: Samantha Stevens