A UNIQUE Halloween Drive-thru

With the pandemic destroying our industry, we were able to be a part of a unique event. A Halloween Drive-Thru event which happened at Kaneohe Marine Base. It was held on Halloween which was free for the military personnel on base. The drive-thru started at 5pm and ended at 10pm. 

Entrance Tent

We were responsible for providing lighting, visual, and audio for 9 different areas. 1st area was the entrance area where we lit up 2 large skeletons and projected onto both sides of the tent wall. Along the way, we had to set up (3) 55" large tv screens to relay messages to the guests. The visual effects we had there were videos of apparitions trying to break out of the wall along with projecting the name of the event. 

55" TV Screens for messaging

Campsite monster

The next area was the campsite area where it was divided into 4 sections. 1st section was the campsite area where it was made to look like a monster destroyed. We set up a projector and transparent screen to project the monster eyes and mouth. 

The next section was the alien abduction area where we set up a 8 foot truss to and placed one of our moving heads on. We also set up a strobe and a haze machine to simulate a ufo abducting an innocent soul. Paired with a hidden sound system for that ufo sound effect. Loved how this section turned out. 

Alien abduction

The next section was the witches area. We provided uplights to light up the trees and also a sound system to amplify the sounds from the witch animatronic. The last section in the campsite area was the ghostly apparition. We hung a transparent material to project on. Finding the right material was a bit challenging. We had to test several different materials until we found the right one. 

Witches area

Ghostly apparition

The next area, guests drove towards the cabin area where things got a bit more intense. On the way there, they would come across the graveyard area where they had live actors. We supplemented that area with some area lighting, audio for graveyard sounds, and also projected visuals on the far warehouse wall. We did add a continuous flow low lying fog machine but that didn't always work well. 

Area lighting

Graveyard area

Body parts area

Driving up to the cabin area they would come across a body part area where they had actors sawing off body parts. We added an audio system with screams playing, 2 cold spark machines, and also some wash lighting. 

The actual cabin area was where they set up Bates Motel. I was surprised they were able to obtain a Bates Motel sign. They had Norman walking around and several other live actors. On one of the large walls, we projected a scene from the movie. We edited it to loop every 60 seconds and added the blood splatter effect. Used our ultra short throw projector to project on a wall that was about 20 feet wide. 

Entrance to zombie area

The next area was an area where the cars would be facing a large wall before turning. We took the opportunity to project onto this wall. It was perfect for projecting a zombie scene because that was the last area that the guests would drive into. 

The last area was the one I was most impressed with. They wanted this area to be chaotic. We set up a sound system which included 2 subwoofers. We had screams and the sounds of a helicopter playing. The subwoofers really helped with the realism of it. We also set up 2 moving heads which simulated the lights of a helicopter. They had live zombie actors all over the place. Definitely the highlight of the night. 

Overall, it was a successful event. The core of our company is to provide an unforgettable experience at an event. The tools and experience that we have gained over the years made this event perfect for us. The experience would have been a lot more fun if people weren't restricted to stay in their cars but we really hope everyone enjoyed it.  

Check out the supplementary vlog below. 

Photo Credit-Kevin Chun
Video by Rob at Dream Fx Media