Explore the business of scaring people through dark tourism. Learn about scare tactics in horror movies and London Dungeon. Discover the haunting legacy of 'A Christmas Carol' and the tradition of ghost stories during Christmas. Find out how to create fear and suspense in the internet age. Learn about personalized scary experiences at Lisserburg amusement park.
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Quick takeaways
Scaring people has become a profitable business, with examples like horror movies and attractions like the London Dungeon capitalizing on fear to generate revenue.
Attractions like the London Dungeon strike a balance between fear and humor by incorporating character-driven narratives and pit stops, creating an immersive and suspenseful experience for a wide range of audiences.
Deep dives
The Lucrative Business of Scaring People
The podcast episode explores the profitability of scaring people. It highlights examples like horror movies, where films like 'It' and 'Jaws' generated huge revenue. The London Dungeon, which immerses visitors in dark historical events, is another successful venture owned by Merlin Entertainment. The attraction uses character-driven storytelling to provide historical insights and create a balance between fear and humor. The episode also mentions other examples of capitalizing on fear, such as haunted hotels and ghost tours in places like Victor, Colorado, and London. The discussion delves into the psychology of fear and the recreational aspect of seeking scary experiences as a form of entertainment.
Creating Scary Attractions and Maintaining Balance
The episode explores how attractions like the London Dungeon design their experiences to scare people without traumatizing them. It emphasizes the importance of character-driven narratives that provoke reactions and encourage audiences to delve deeper into history. The key is to strike a balance between fear and humor by incorporating pit stops, moments of levity in the storytelling, such as humorous elements or gear changes. This allows the attraction to appeal to a wide range of audiences and prevents overwhelming tension. By modulating voice and utilizing psychological techniques, these attractions create an immersive and suspenseful experience.
Psychological Aspects and Thrill of Fear
The podcast delves into the psychological aspects of fear and its appeal to humans. It states that fear and excitement start from an early age with activities like peekaboo and chase play. It highlights the notion of recreational fear, where people engage in activities like visiting dark tourism sites and watching true crime shows to explore and understand danger. The peak fear experiment is mentioned, which investigated the optimal level of fear to create an enjoyable sensation. The episode also features personal stories from participants who found fear exhilarating and gained a sense of accomplishment and self-awareness from facing their fears.
There’s even a catch-all term for the trend: dark tourism, where thrill seekers visit the scenes or replicate the experiences of horrendous moments in history.
Elizabeth Hotson goes to investigate.
(Picture: Someone wearing a skeleton mask, pointing at the camera. Credit: Getty Images)
Presented and produced by Elizabeth Hotson
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