The Ed Marzola Interview (4) - "Acting skills are important..."

Ed Marzola: Acting skills are important to the success of Pasaje attractions. A stern (i.e. an austere nanny type) scolding the audience upon entering can prepare them for what is to come by instilling some early measure of fear.
 
This simple device was sometimes enhanced by an actor dressed as a security guard while people were waiting outside to get in. The Pasaje relies as much as what is in it, as in what you "imagine" that is there, or is about to happen, or you "think" is in there.
 
The exit doors, for example, tend to be located near the entry queue because as people exit running and screaming, what those about to get in to see happening raises their expectation of terror.
 
Scripting of the whole experience has to be very carefully planned, and then changes are made as you observe how things work out with the public.
 
The cast of characters you use is very important, because you can make a much better experience if the characters in it are recognized from movies, television, etc. For example, a Linda Blair type in "The Exorcist" and Freddie Kruger of "Nightmare on Elm Street" etc. The movies have already prepared your audience to expect terror...

Thanks for the interview Ed.
 
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