Have you uploaded video to U Tube?

[Brckee1]

I've added something like 6 more videos... I really like the Ravens Manor cool effects!

Hey everyone,
I'm glad you enjoyed my video! We make all our own animations and effects. Unfortunately I didn't get video of some of the best effects from this season. Some of my projects can be seen here
http://www.hauntpics.com/gallery/thu...s.php?album=20

How is that dropping spiked ceiling effect done in the Dark Raven Manor? That was cool.
Thanks,
Allan

Allan, The drop ceiling was a last minute project. It sits on top of an 8'X8' room. The ceiling starts at almost 16 feet up and drops down to about 9 feet, 8 feet if you count the 12" foam spikes. It is basically a giant scissors mechanism actuated with two 14" throw cylinders. I used counter weights on pullies to balance the load. Since you asked, I have posted some pictures and a video of the mechanism here so you can see exactly how it works. .
http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ant%20Monster/
The video was taken late on the night we finished the mechanical part of the project so it's a little dark.
You can also see some fairly detailed pictures of the mechanism for the "Plant Monster"
Thanks for the compliments! I really appreciate them.
Jim H
Dark Raven Manor

[MDKing]

Thanks a lot, exellent work with this and your whole haunt! Thanks for sharing. Did you make the foam spikes yourself, if so what type of foam was used for it? They look real!

Allan

[Brckee1]

The spikes are just 1 1/2" styrofoam insulation board cut with a circular saw into 12" long chisel point spikes I used a gray latex paint as a base coat and an oil base silver on the edges.
They are attached to the ceiling with screws and gorrila glue.
Jim H

[dr0zombie]

Here is the one our tech demon put up on U-Tube......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7PlR6QIkGQ

[MDKing]

Thanks Jim H, looks great. Might be a bit too involved for a temporary set though...?Great effect!

Allan

[Brckee1]

Hey Allan,
Actually, ours is a temporary set. 23 days to setup and about that long to break down. It is definitely a challenge to do the type of show we do with such limited time.
I actually stored the ceiling mechanism, with the wood walls still on it, in one giant piece. Lowered it off the wall panels with a forklift equipped with extended forks. Attached some wheels to the sides and pushed the whole thing onto a truck. The ceiling was pushed all the way up allowing me to store stuff inside. In theory, it should go back together fairly quick.

It is insane to go through so much work for a temporary setup but I think we're all a bit insane doing what we do
Jim H

[Russ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmeawAR2IfA

this is my favorite video that I have seen from the 2006 season. That house looks amazing but they went after those girls a little too long at the end maybe they were really slow at that time.

[MDKing]

Geese Jim,

I feel your pain with the set up and tear down. We are usually down in about 4 days working all day and most of the night! We have a couple of the big creatures Scarefactory makes and others, it's quite a job but we get it done quick!

So for the mechanics on the ceiling, did you weld that together yourself?

Also, I PM'ed you as well.

Thanks Jim,
Allan

[Brckee1]

So for the mechanics on the ceiling, did you weld that together yourself?

Yes, did everything myself. I think I have about $1000 into the drop ceiling, not including my time.
Jim H
Dark Raven Productions