Howl-O-Scream 2014
- Thread starter Zachary
- Start date
Quite honestly I don't see what the big deal is. The "terror-tory" sounds amazing and rather original.
As much faith as I don't have in the park, I doubt they would do anything blatantly tasteless or offending. The park is using a fictional concept to create a fiction-based attraction for heaven's sake. I doubt they will be portraying any real world military in this attraction. That's literally the first thing anyone in the haunt industry or entertainment industry would tell you not to do for sure. They are at least that smart... You guys are getting worked up over a lot of potential nothing.
As much faith as I don't have in the park, I doubt they would do anything blatantly tasteless or offending. The park is using a fictional concept to create a fiction-based attraction for heaven's sake. I doubt they will be portraying any real world military in this attraction. That's literally the first thing anyone in the haunt industry or entertainment industry would tell you not to do for sure. They are at least that smart... You guys are getting worked up over a lot of potential nothing.
Its pretty much been said before. HOS zones can take place in any time period. Deadline takes place in modern times, this zone can too. Not only that but the park in general is pretty much a mishmash of random time periods stitched together. You've got old world stuff (Loch Ness Monster, most of the general area themes, Apollo, etc) mixed with more modernized stuff (train, Alpengeist, Verbolten, Europe in the Air).
As for the theme, I don't really find it any more offensive than say Call of Duty Zombies or GTA.
You have
- Town gets attacked by Windigos.
- Military operation is set up to control them.
- They get attacked too.
- Its basically a battle between who's left and who got attacked.
At least that's what I'm getting at with this theme.
netdvn said:
COD Zombies are Nazi Soldiers.... Not that i'm saying it's not offensive to anyone, but it's not really comparative. Plus, you're talking cultural differences here. COD is tailored towards 13yr olds and up. This sounds like they are trying to cater towards the military demographic of the area, and they are going about it in the completely wrong way. If people currently in the military have already commented and said it's offensive, i'd say the park is in for a rough ride if they follow through.
I'll make an ass hole comment.... I can see your typical drunk "bro" who just bought a sweet brostang since joining the military starting fights with the actors, saying they arent real soldiers, do you even lift, bro?
And then the news gets ahold of all this.... If they are running stories non-stop about coasters getting stuck on lift hills and how you may die, surely they will take this theme and run circles around the park.
God forbid if anything offends any American's delicate, flower-like sensibilities! Especially all those delicate, dainty folks in the military!
Connor said:
There will be $5 reserved seating like London Rocks, and the name is definitely Monster Stomp, not sure if that will change or have any other ending like Revamped.
In regards to the New France Terror-tory, all Zach said was military, contemporary, and wendigo. He never said the US Military, never said there was a mishap at a lab, only to think labs. I think people are jumping to conclusions and assuming the very worst of the worst before actually getting the full details and seeing the actual theming.
The park has used contemporary themes for Howl-o-Scream before. Prime examples as of late, Deadline, Fear Fair, Demon Street, and so forth. These themes may be partially contemporary in the sense of music like Demon Street, but the very best contemporary theme they've used has been Deadline. It was the first house to be so blatantly contemporary. I see no problem with being more contemporary with special events especially, but anything else as well. Times change, the park is not stuck in a time capsule back in the Old World days. They naturally evolve just like real life.
As far as this terror-tory goes, it is all original, except for the fact they probably got the idea from a kid playing one of those military video games, which I can't believe people would find less offensive than a military terror-tory, I guess the video world trumps real life?
Either way, it sounds like it can be really good. I am interested to see how it is portrayed and who exactly is doing the scaring?
jonquil said:
....... Really? It's more about showing respect to those that fight for our country. No one's saying they are a bunch of wimps, but again, it's about showing respect towards what they do and give up for us. Mocking it at a HOS event is generally a bad idea. Surely that's not a hard concept to grasp?
David said:
The notion of "respect" and the suitability of a subject for use in a work of art are completely separate things. Some of you are anticipating grievances before they've even happened, and anticipating that there is just cause for offense before you even know what the area will even really be about. This is a good demonstration of the chilling effect of our ludicrous, grievance-based culture, and why everything has become so appallingly bland and repressed.
As I wrote in another thread, death is an entirely offensive subject. Most of us know people who have died or are dying. Why not ban the entire holiday of Halloween, lest we "offend" anyone who has first-hand experience with death?
I come from a military family. We can take it.
jonquil said:
Did you see Nicole's post, or do you have selective reading? It's clear the direction this theme is going is going to offend people. How many, I have no clue, but given that it's already offended someone that's a pretty solid validation of what's going to happen.
Also, Zachary made the original comment, and has "liked" other post pertaining to the theme. We have a good idea of what the theme is, and is directed to be. Also, saying it's "Art" is a bad excuse. Because nothing BGW is doing lately is art. Walmart supplies does not count as art. Surely you can use some conductive reasoning, for once see this is a bad idea?
We saw last year that these kinds of thing can result in a huge outcry with what happened at KD. Something like this but with the Military had the potential of creating a massive controversy of its not handled properly. Combined with the fact that there are people out there who are looking for any excuse to give them crap and the Patriotic theme of the local area, it has the potential of being bad. I hope they manage to go about it in a smart way, but this subject matter has the potential to create a lot of bad press.
David said:
"Art" is a general term meaning the fruits of cultural production, things or activities created for the purpose of providing entertainment, creating beauty, stimulating an emotional response or intellectual exploration. I'm not using "art" as a qualitative term.
And yes, of course I read Nicole's comment. I have the greatest respect for her and value her opinion. I fully support her, and anyone else's, right to express their ideas and feelings about this or any other subject. I also expect the same consideration for my ideas and feelings.
None of us have seen what BGW is doing with this theme. The time to be offended is when something has been displayed that actually offends. That hasn't yet happened.
And I would appreciate it if you notched down your ire towards me a little bit. I've written nothing to merit any insults.
I'm a delicate flower, you see. I might get offended.
jonquil said:
Ha, you think i'm upset? I'm merely showing you where you are wrong.
And that comment, as said before, is what's aggravating. It's not cute, you're not funny.
David said:
I don't know if you're upset, nor do I care. I do, however, prefer not to be attacked in such a personal manner over my opinion.
David said:
No, you've done no such thing. You've expressed your opinion, as have I. "Right" and "wrong" don't enter into it.
David said:
Well, again, I appreciate your opinion. We all have opinions and, fortunately, they vary.
Back to "Howl-O-Scream".
jonquil said:
This.
So, the current New France Terrortory concept:
Backstory: Wendigo was contained/created in a high security military lab.
Situation: Wendigo broke out. Modern military force sent in to capture/kill Wendigo.
Theming: Military vehicles, weapons, etc. High security prison-like theming. Think gates, fences, and the like.
Now the catch: Who knows how much of this will make it into the hamlet. People who followed last year will remember the extravagant plans for both Demon Street and Ripper Row- neither of which truly came to fruition. Similar plans were made for Ports of Skull but, once again, never executed on. With the current budget situation, I could see Wendigo Woods (current working name) going down the same route. My worry is that the cut back version will rely on the military theming and not do an effective job explaining the Wendigo side. I'm fairly sure that's a worst case scenario.
Have you heard of any cannibalism involved? It only makes sense with a Wendigo.
Been following along for a while, so just a few thoughts (forgive the stream of consciousness writing)
I know Zach just said Wendigo Woods was the working name, but it wouldn't shock me in the least to see Wicked Woods reused (again). Don't they have that trademarked already, anyway?
From the sounds of things, it sounds vaguely similar to the last half of Cabin in the Woods…… which I don't actually mind. However, the idea of the research lab/humans messing with what they're not supposed to seems awfully derivative of the idea behind Deadline. Not saying they're the same theme by any means, just that I prefer each area of the park to be as different as possible. I would personally prefer more of a Blair Witch feel, but that's just me.
I'm actually really curious if/where they are going to have a bar. For that matter, the layout of New France is interesting for a Terror-tory. I would think the dining areas are off limits for large set pieces, so that's half of the hamlet out right there. I suppose where the current drink stand is makes the most sense for a larger set piece. I would say Eagle's Nest, but that's not directly on the main foot path.
Speaking of Eagle's Nest- I've be clamoring for that area to be used for years now for HOS……but I meant for a house, guys! Watch it be used as part of the terror-tory instead.
Is it so wrong that I somehow expect both the T-rex and the Statue of Liberty to be worked in here somehow? Guess that UFO ride isn't too far off
Finally for the acting roles they have posted (I know this has already been somewhat addressed, but I can't find it now):
-M1]. Male. Principal Role. Singer/mover. Tall, dark, mysterious, and irresistible. He is a sexy and mysterious bad boy with a modern edge. Strong Pop-Rock singer with rock screams and ability to rap. Moves well.
and
[NURSE 3] Male. Nurse in Igor’s lounge. Excellent singer with comedic timing. Baritone. Great mover.
I'm guessing the first is for the Globe show/Monster Stomp? I don't remember a male nurse, though. Was that part of fright feast or do I not remember him from Fiends?
I know Zach just said Wendigo Woods was the working name, but it wouldn't shock me in the least to see Wicked Woods reused (again). Don't they have that trademarked already, anyway?
From the sounds of things, it sounds vaguely similar to the last half of Cabin in the Woods…… which I don't actually mind. However, the idea of the research lab/humans messing with what they're not supposed to seems awfully derivative of the idea behind Deadline. Not saying they're the same theme by any means, just that I prefer each area of the park to be as different as possible. I would personally prefer more of a Blair Witch feel, but that's just me.
I'm actually really curious if/where they are going to have a bar. For that matter, the layout of New France is interesting for a Terror-tory. I would think the dining areas are off limits for large set pieces, so that's half of the hamlet out right there. I suppose where the current drink stand is makes the most sense for a larger set piece. I would say Eagle's Nest, but that's not directly on the main foot path.
Speaking of Eagle's Nest- I've be clamoring for that area to be used for years now for HOS……but I meant for a house, guys! Watch it be used as part of the terror-tory instead.
Is it so wrong that I somehow expect both the T-rex and the Statue of Liberty to be worked in here somehow? Guess that UFO ride isn't too far off
Finally for the acting roles they have posted (I know this has already been somewhat addressed, but I can't find it now):
-M1]. Male. Principal Role. Singer/mover. Tall, dark, mysterious, and irresistible. He is a sexy and mysterious bad boy with a modern edge. Strong Pop-Rock singer with rock screams and ability to rap. Moves well.
and
[NURSE 3] Male. Nurse in Igor’s lounge. Excellent singer with comedic timing. Baritone. Great mover.
I'm guessing the first is for the Globe show/Monster Stomp? I don't remember a male nurse, though. Was that part of fright feast or do I not remember him from Fiends?
^ Male nurses? Yes! Could it mean, finally, sexy nurses for those of us with, uh, a different taste in nurses than those of the previous "Fiends" variety?
My thoughts on the Wendigos:
1. Yes, I know about Wendigos from Supernatural.
2. Yes, I actually do think this could be a cool and different scare zone.
3. Yes, I think people will freak out over it (insulting to military).
4. No, I do not think it is actually offensive despite being part of the military demographic.
In reference to BGWScream's post above, there is actually a really awesome laser tag place in the Williamsburg area that does a Halloween event like that (except its with a zombie outbreak and not wendigos). Was possibly the most terrifying and most exciting thing I have ever done.
1. Yes, I know about Wendigos from Supernatural.
2. Yes, I actually do think this could be a cool and different scare zone.
3. Yes, I think people will freak out over it (insulting to military).
4. No, I do not think it is actually offensive despite being part of the military demographic.
In reference to BGWScream's post above, there is actually a really awesome laser tag place in the Williamsburg area that does a Halloween event like that (except its with a zombie outbreak and not wendigos). Was possibly the most terrifying and most exciting thing I have ever done.