July 25, 2010
The Haunted Mansion Movie We Always Wanted?
Guillermo del Toro announced that he will be writing and producing a new movie based on The Haunted Mansion!
Del Toro told MTV's Josh Horowitz, "For some people, it's just a ride, but for others like me, it's a way of life. We're serious fanatics. I'm a big, big collector of it. I've been collecting not only memorabilia but artifacts and original artifacts from the mansion for the past 10 years".

I am a HUGE fan of Del Toro's cinematic visions! A new Haunted Mansion movie that has a similar level of artistic depth and storytelling as "Hellboy" or "Pan's Labyrinth" has the possibily of rendering us Mansionphiles unable to lift our chins from off the floor after seeing it! This is very exciting news!

It also means that I will have a NEW haunted mansion paper model kit to design!

Guillermo! Please drop me a line! Let's talk!!! :)

Del Toro tapped artist Brandon Ragnar Johnson to design this teaser poster for the movie annoucement.

July 22, 2010

Haunted Dimensions has Returned to FaceBook!
The dispute over the "ownership" of the name "Haunted Dimensions" is over and my FaceBook Fan page,
Ray Keim - Haunted Dimensions has been reinstated!
My temporary replacement page "Haunting Dimensions" will be abandoned soon, if you are not yet a fan of my original fan site, Ray Keim - Haunted Dimensions, please go there and LIKE it!

Spread the word!

June 29, 2010
Sara's Mansion
Sara, who is 15 years old, sent me photos of her completed Liberty Square, Master Gracey and Crypts models.
You did a beautiful job, Sara! Thanks for sharing!

June 20, 2010
My Stay in Hogsmeade
What in incredible week! I had the extreme honor to witness the grand opening celebrations of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure! I was part of a very small "emergency decor team" whose job it was to clean up any forgotten details on our sets and props prior to the big events and keep them looking good.
There were three big events this week. First was the grand celebrity preview night which featured John Williams and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra preforming the music from the Potter films! Warwick Davis conducted the Hogwarts Frog Choir, and the stars of the Potter films made an appearance, arriving in the actual Knight Bus used in the film!
Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint arrived in the flying Anglia car and kicked off the amazing display!
Everyone in the audience received a wand, and on Radcliffe's cue, everyone swished and flicked and said "Lumos Maxima". On that command all of the wand tips glowed and Hogwarts castle came to life as John Williams worked his magic! The orchestra accompanied the most spectacular show of lights, projections and fireworks I've ever witnessed! Truly wonderful to experience!
The event was repeated the following night for Universal Execs and VIPs, however Williams and the orchestra were not part of the line up.

This spectacular shot was taken just after the show's finale. John Williams is on stage in white, and the cast of the Potter films are the brightly lit figures in the center. I even spotted myself in the crowd
with my camera (in green circle)!


Here I am with Potter film art director Alan Glimore, whom I first met in April at the Entertainment Designers Forum. Behind us is the real Knight Bus, and the Anglia which brought the stars to the stage.


Warwick Davis, from several of the Potter films, conducted the Hogwart Frog Choir. I briefly spoke with Mr Davis during a rehearsal, who seems to be a very nice guy!


Hogsmeade was full of townsfolk, the wizards and witches who call Hogsmeade home.


Ernie, the Knight Bus driver took a moment for a photo!


Then June 18th was the big day! The official grand opening of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter"!
We were charged with helping with the set up of the stages and props to be used by the celebrities at the gate of Hogsmeade for the grand opening.

Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) prior to the grand opening.



Part of the opening ceremony was a skit performed by Oliver and James Phelps (The Weasley Twins). They attempted to light their "Wet-start, No Heat" rocket, but as often happens with the Weasleys, things didn't work as expected. The rocket fizzles, followed by a barrage of rockets shooting from the roof of Zonkos Joke Shop!
I created the large prop match in Oliver's hand, and we helped set up the rocket.



A view out of Hogsmeade gate at the crowd waiting to enter the land after the grand opening ceremony. This shot was just after Radcliffe, Grint and the rest of the cast (Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy),Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore),Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), and Warwick Davis) escorted the first guests into the land.


It was a crazy day, but despite the throngs of expectant guests, the sun and heat, the day went smoothly and everyone remained safe and orderly.
Days like this are a wonderful reminder of why I love doing what I do!

June 7, 2010
The Phantom Manor Desktop

I posted my new Phantom Manor illustration as a free download for your desktop.
It is located in the GRAPHICS section.



Get it HERE

June 6, 2010
The Phantom Manor in 3D

Haunted Dimensions had its start back in 2004 as a showcase for my 3D illustrations of
the mansions, and later as a place to offer my free paper models. Liberty Square was my first illustration and model project, naturally followed by New Orleans Square a year later. My process was to build completely detailed 3D Lightwave models (for the illustrations) and then deconstruct the models into less detailed boxes for their paper model versions. Haunted Dimensions had these two mansion illustrations as alternating front page images for several years.
Then, in 2008, I finally decided to create the Phantom Manor Paper Model. However, unlike the previous two mansions, I did not create a detailed Lightwave model first, but went directly to the simple paper model version. Instead of creating a 3D illustration of the Phantom Manor for my front page, I used a Photoshop manipulated photo of the Manor (taken by long time HD fan, Rita).
I have finally completed a 3D Lightwave model of the Manor for a new front page illustration!

Here is a rough rendering of the 3D model.



The new front page art.

May 22, 2010
And the Winner is...

As you know, I was recently involved in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life in Celebration Florida.
Thanks in part to the support of HD fans, I raised a total of $1630.00, making me the #4 ranking fundraiser for the event!
My team, the "Relay Rangers" raised over $11,000.00, making our team the #1 fundraising team for the event!
The entire event raised an unprecedented $113,206.00! Making it the highest amount ever raised by the Celebration organization!
The theme for our event was "Broadway Shows", and our team naturally chose Sweeney Todd! Our booth offered meat pies and photo opportunities with Sweeney and Mrs Lovett!
I humbly requested the services of Mrs. Lovett in the selection of my Paper Model raffle.
The winner was Kathy Brennan!



Congratulations, Kathy!
I contacted Kathy and she is deciding which one of my paper models she would like me to construct for her!

Again, I want to give my heart-felt thanks to all of you who supported my efforts in the relay! Your moral support and monetary donations meant more to me than you can know!

May 17, 2010
Sweets From Sweden!

Helena writes,
"This is the house I made for my friend who hosted our Halloween Party last Halloween.
He was totally blown away when I surprised him with the gift!
He saved it, but unfortunatley it fell apart by itself the other week,
but I'd say six months standing is pretty good!
Anyhow, the template and the giude was perfect and I had loads of fun making the house!
Lots of love
Helena in Sweden"

Beautul job, Helena! You are a very thoughtful friend to give such a wonderful gift!
And yes, 6 months was a nice long time!



New Blood!

I want to intoduce a new haunted mansions blog site created by Dan!
It is called Long Forgotten and explores the art and design of the mansions, as well as
exploring other haunted realms! Check it out!

May 10, 2010
"Wizard's Crag" Model Progress

I am slowly progressing with my Wizards Crag model. I would like to complete it in time for the Universal attraction's opening on June 18, however, I rejoin Universal's Art & Design Department on Monday to begin my part of Halloween Horror Nights 2010, so my free time will become much more limited. I'll keep at it though!

May 3, 2010
HauntCon Meets Horror Nights Designers

On the evening of April 29th I had the honor of being one of the representatives of the Universal Entertainment Art & Design team, appearing for a meet and greet session with members of HauntCon.
Our team members represented different design disciplines required to produce Halloween Horror Nights. Scenic Design, Set Decor, Construction, Makeup and Prosthetics, Costuming, Writing and Web Design (me). After introductions and a brief Q&A session in the Pantages Theater, on the Horror Makeup Show stage, we moved into the lobby where guests could view props, blueprints and concept art as well as get a chance for informal chatting with all of us.


The HauntCon folks were VERY nice! Their questions and insights went beyond being fans. They are peers!

On Sunday I went to the HauntCon convention floor at the Ramada in Celebration, FL.
There were lots of great vendors selling lots of fun stuff for Haunters!
Below, I met Dustin during a lunch break who was mid-way through his makeup and prosthetics demo.


Many thanks to HauntCon guru, Leonard Pickel, for his hospitality!

"HAuNTcon is an acronym for the Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Conference. A expo and convention "Designed by Haunters, for Haunters" of every age and level of experience. HAuNTcon brings people together who love Haunted Houses and Halloween for a fun filled three days and nights of Haunter Education".

April 25, 2010
The Entertainment Designer Forum

On the evening of April 23, 2010 I had the honor to be part of a panel composed of top entertainment designers. Our goal was to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, taking place in Celebration Florida on May 23rd. My fellow panelists were: - Alan Gilmore: Art director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the films Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and The Bourne Ultimatum. - Stephanie Girard: Set designer for the films Ray, Dreamer, Leatherheads, Dear John and more. Designer for Halloween Horror Nights, Grinchmas and Universal Dubai. - TJ Mannarino: Director for Universal Studios Entertainment (Halloween Horror Nights, Grinchmas, Mardi Gras), Nickelodeon Studios and Mickey Mouse Club. - David Hughes: Universal Studios designer. Halloween Horror Nights lead designer for houses, ar t director for Terminator 3D, art director The Little Mermaid, Disney Studios, and Mickey Mouse Club.

- Ray Keim: Haunted Dimensions, Universal's Halloween Horror Nights - Kim Gromoll: Designer for Universal Studios (Halloween Horror Nights Streets and Shows), Disney's Animal Kingdom shows - Rick Spencer: Manager for Universal Studios. Writer for Halloween Horror Nights website, producer of special events, producer/director for Shining Time Station PBS. - Michael Burnett: Manager of prosthetics for Universal Studios, many feature film and television shows and all prosthetics for Halloween Horror Nights. - Rich West: Designer for Halloween Horror Nights houses, The Simpson's Ride and Universal Dubai. - Manuel Cordero: Designer for Halloween Horror Nights houses and Disney parades. - Nick Farrentello: Designer for Halloween Horror Nights. Set designer for the films Ali and The Trouble with Mary. Designer for the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. - J. Michael Roddy: Creative Director/Producer for The Shark is Still Working, MonsterKIDS and Halloween Horror Nights. - Jason Surrell, Author, screenwriter and Walt Disney Imagineer. Author of¬?Pirates of The Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies, The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies and The Disney Mountains: Imagineering At Its Peak. - Michael Aiello: Writer and show producer for the Bill & Ted show and houses and streets for Halloween Horror Nights. Below is Rick Spencer, me, Rich West, Michael Burnett, Alan Gilmore, Mike Aiello, Jason Surrell and TJ Mannarino (thanks Orlando Attractions Magazine!) Below, Stephanie Girard kicks off the Forum with few important words about our mission. For the full Orlando Attractions Magazine story, CLICK HERE! Also thanks to Ricky Brigante for his support and coverage on Inside The Magic CLICK HERE! It was a wonderful evening of stories, design philosophies and meeting fellow designers and fans. All three of my Haunted Dimensions HHN paper models were won by guests in the silent auction! As of this writing we raised over $5000! On a personal note as cancer survivor, it was an uplifting, satisfying experience to witness the love and concern of cohorts and fans alike during this event! Six years ago I was unemployed and dealing with an illness which took several weeks to determine its scope and spread. In that dark time of uncertainty I reevaluated my life and career. ¬?My life was unquestionably wonderful but the potential of my career had not been fulfilled to my hopes and I questioned whether I had gone as far as I would ever go. Thankfully, after several surgeries and years of observation, I was given a clean bill of health. On top of that, during my recoveries I had created the projects in Haunted Dimensions which helped me get my first freelance job at Universal Orlando! ¬?To go from where I was 6 years ago, to where I found myself Friday evening, sitting on a stage as part of a panel of such an amazing collection of talented people (who are also my friends), was almost unbelievable! Truly a gift! Many of you will know the name Jason Surrell, who is a Disney Imagineer and author of "The Haunted Mansion - From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies", which helped inspire my creation of Haunted Dimensions. Jason is friends with many of my Universal coworkers but I never had the opportunity to meet him until Friday night when he sat on the Forum panel with me. Yes, I brought my copies of his books (including his "Pirates of the Caribbean - From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies) for autographs! I also gave him my Madame Leota paper model, the original of which Jason helped design for Disney. Before the show started, I had the opportunity to chat with Harry Potter Art Director, Alan Gilmore, who is a very charming, smart, fun guy! We talked a little about his experiences with the Potter franchise, but mostly we talked about about life and kids. Alan's son was born during the early creation of the Wizarding World, and considers Hogwarts castle as "Daddy's Castle". I let him know that I am currently in the process of creating a paper model version. I had hoped to have a prototype ready for the Forum but I ran out of time. Hopefully it will be completed before Wizarding World opens in June. Below, my wife and I with Alan Gilmore (on left) I also had the opportunity to meet Leonard Pickel, aka "The Godfather of the Haunted Attraction Industry", who is the creator of Haunted Attractions Magazine and the man behind HAuNTcon. Leonard was in the audience for both panel sessions and WON one of my paper models in the silent auction (Psychoscareapy)! Turns out Leonard is a Haunted Dimensions fan!

April 19, 2010
Inside the Magic

Just a reminder that Ricky Brigante's "Inside the Magic" podcast has changed domain names and has a new web address.  Be sure to update your bookmarks and links.
http://www.insidethemagic.net

March 19, 2010
New Orleans Square Mansion Photos
I added my recent photos of the New Orleans Square mansion at Disneyland to the existing photos of Liberty Square in "The Mansion Observer" section.

New Orleans Square Photos

March 6, 2010
The Pilgrimage
Sorry for not posting in while!
I just returned from a long visit to California, from San Diego to Sonoma wine country.
Of course, a visit to Disneyland was manditory.
The last time I visited the New Orleans Square mansion was in 1988!
So much was new that it was as if I had never visted it before.
And the differences between the New Orleans Square mansion and Liberty Square mansion at WDW made it a new experience also.  I will write more about in the near future, but for now, here is a shot of me at the gates of the manse, getting reaquainted.