The Further
Disneyland Adding “New Magic” to ‘The Haunted Mansion’ [Video]
Being a horror fan is a lifestyle and for many of us, it all started with some sort of childhood trauma. For me, it was almost always Disney-related. I’m blessed to have been to both Disneyland and Disney World more times than I can count, and the iconic dark ride, The Haunted Mansion, was an integral part of my horror development. We went through a period of time where the mere mention of Disney changing an attraction was considered desecration, but now it’s welcomed. Outside of completely massacring EPCOT’s Journey Into Imagination, many of the modern “upgrades” have been exemplary.
In fact, in recent years Disney has tinkered with the Haunted Mansion attraction, not only re-integrating the infamous Hatbox Ghost that was removed from the original ride back in 1969, but also digitizing the trio of Hitchhiking Ghosts that now bounce around the ride’s finale. They even annually reskin the entire attraction to Nightmare Before Christmas for the holidays.
Digressing, Disney is once again tinkering with Haunted Mansion, revealing on their blog (March 18) that they’re adding “new magic” to the Disneyland attraction. What they’re planning was being kept under the Hatbox Ghost’s Hat ahead of the ride’s reopening on April 30, 2021, but today they’ve given us a taste.
Disney shared the following behind the scenes look at the new Haunted Mansion updates, explaining:
“Among the changes is the return of a classic piece of art to the Haunted Mansion’s queue: The original April to December changing portrait is now back in the mansion, with its beautiful subject undergoing her terrifying transformation in a new scene you’ll discover before you board your Doom Buggy.
“Along with the classic portrait, guests will also encounter a new, mysterious cat statue, inspired by early concepts of Haunted Mansion where a ghostly cat would follow guests on their journey. Now, this cat statue observes you as you board your Doom Buggy and set off on your adventure into the mansion.
“Other elements that have materialized in the mansion include new details in the séance room, the attic, and the pet cemetery out front.”
Check out the video below with some photos at the above link.
Updated April 13, 2021. Originally posted on March 18, 2021.
The Further
Killer Shorts Horror Writing Competition Open NOW With New Category for Feature Screenplays!
The annual genre competition dedicated to finding and launching the next generation of horror writing talent, this year’s Killer Shorts is now officially open for entries!
Founded in 2019, Killer Shorts has established itself as a premier industry launchpad. The competition connects screenwriters and prose authors directly with the executives, managers, and producers who actively greenlight and option dark genre cinema.
But this year’s competition isn’t only about killer horror shorts…
For this brand new season, Killer Shorts is expanding its categories to include feature-length screenplays alongside its traditional short script, one-page script, and short story divisions.
The Top 10 finalists across all categories are evaluated by an elite industry jury composed of over a dozen horror legends, literary managers, and producers. The panel includes:
- Barbara Crampton (Horror Icon, Actress & Producer — Jakob’s Wife, Suitable Flesh)
- John Zaozirny (Literary Manager & Producer, Bellevue Productions)
- Tananarive Due (Author, Producer & Horror Historian)
- Lucas Ford (Producer, Ford Films — The Backrooms)
- John Squires (Editor-in-Chief, Bloody Disgusting)
- Sophie Carroll (Creative Director, ALTER & DUST at Gunpowder & Sky)
- Gigi Saul Guerrero (Director & Co-Founder, Luchagore Productions)
- Aaron B. Koontz (Producer & CEO, Paper Street Pictures)
Yes, yours truly is joining the Killer Shorts judging panel for the first time ever!
Killer Shorts has a proven track record of transitioning undiscovered writers into working professionals. Alumni success stories include Season 2 finalist Vanessa Võ, who signed with Bellevue Productions, and Season 3 finalist Kelly Nugent, who secured representation at Wonder Street.
Additionally, screenplays submitted for coverage that receive a “Recommend” rating qualify for inclusion on The Scream List. This real-time tracking board is monitored by top-tier genre companies, including Screambox, Raven Banner Entertainment, Zero Gravity Management, and Grey Matter Productions.
Submissions will be accepted across all major platforms, including the official Killer Shorts website, Scrybe, Stage 32, FilmFreeway, and Network ISA.
For full guidelines, prize breakdowns, and submission details, visit the official website!
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