One of the highlights of ScareLA for those seeking a little more with their scares was the Extreme Haunt Survivors panel. A sequel of sorts to a panel held 2 years ago during the inaugural ScareLA, this panel featuring the crème de la crème of the “extreme haunt” world: Josh Randall from Blackout, JT Mollner from Freakling Bros. Victim Experience, and Russ McKamey from McKamey Manor. Joining them on stage were some of the “victims” who have been through the experiences: Tal Baeuvais (representing McKamey Manor), Hannah Kaplan (representing The Victim Experience), and Russell Eton (representing Blackout).

Moderator Rick West addressing the crowd

Moderated by Rick West from Theme Park Adventure, the panel kicked off by showing off some photos and videos from each of the extreme haunts. Of course, because they are so secretive about what goes on behind their closed doors, details were kept scant.

Josh Randall opened up a bit about the creation of the show, and how he and co-creator Kris Thor came from a theatrical background. Having put on shows such as Shakespeare, they were interested in how shows connect with an audience.

Rick West did an excellent job fielding questions

“With Blackout, we wanted to connect with audiences a different way,” said Randall. “What if we didn’t take care of the audience they way they expected; what if they see it the way we want them to, and do what we want them to.”

Blackout also filled a void in the haunt community that most of us didn’t even know existed until it came along. Tired of traditional jump scares (not that there is anything wrong with them), it became a place to push your boundaries and learn more about yourself.

“It wasn’t until Transworld in 2011 that we realized what affect we had on the haunt community,” Randall said.

He also went on to explain that they also like to find whatever boundaries they have, and see how people react to them.

Photos from Blackout’s past

“We find those limits, push people to them, and stay within the rules we create for ourselves.”

That said, there was a moment in this year’s show, HOUSE, that he and Thor looked at each other and said, for the first time in their 6 years, “We went too far.”

TJ Mollner spoke on how he opened the Gates of Hell in Nevada years ago, and often wondered if it was as far as they were allowed to go.

“This is two naked men, and a woman shortly before she got naked.”

“My dad and I heard all the hype for these extreme haunts, and read up descriptions of them,” Mollner said. “We decided we could do something similar, but do our own thing. We wanted to push the boundaries and scare the desensitized people.”

What was interesting to me was that he also views it as a performance art, and not a money making venture.

“We do it out of love, and to inspire a reaction from people.”

He was amazed that, after the first year, people were sending them thank you notes about how much they learned about themselves after going through it, when he was expecting psychological damage.

He does everything himself before subjecting the public to it, but wouldn’t dare pay to get that experience for himself.

“But I love to give our audience that experience for themselves!”

“I recommend you don’t visit us at McKamey Manor.”

Russ McKamey was someone many people in the crowd have heard of, but never experienced his extremes for themselves.

“We wanted McKamey Manor to be underground, and for years, it was. But then some videos went viral, and we’re a huge hit.”

The haunt has often been the victim of criticism for how it treats its “victims.” It lasts for 8 hours, and only 2 people are allowed to go through at a time. There is no safe word, and McKamey won’t stop unless a guest is physically or mentally unable to continue. So far, according to him, no one has been able to last the entire time.

There is also a strenuous process to even get into McKamey Manor. The waiting list is over a thousand strong, with more being added every day. People need to submit video auditions of themselves, and notes from their doctors and psychiatrist, in order to even be considered.

“What we do looks, and is, dangerous. But safety is paramount with us, and we never want to hurt anyone. However, I don’t recommend anyone do McKamey Manor,” McKamey said.

McKamey is also currently looking for a new home, but is also working with SyFy Channel on a TV Series.

On the flip side, it was extremely interesting to hear from the folks who have been through these things, and what they took away from it.

Hannah Kaplan is a survivor from both Blackout and The Victim Experience.

“But you can’t pay me enough to do McKamey Manor,” she joked.

She explained that she wanted to see her limits, and she found it at The Victim Experience.

“It’s funny, because after doing The Victim Experience, I actually got into a car crash, and we were all so calm after because of the haunt. We were covered in fake blood and dirt when the police arrived, but we were fine,” she said.

Rick asking TJ about The Victim Experience

Tal Beauvais, the only survivor to have been through McKamey Manor, is a psych major that went through while writing his doctoral.

“For a long time, I didn’t want to continue down that road,” he said.

The photo they showed of Beauvais on-screen during his introduction showed him covered in cockroaches.

“And that was during a calm moment,” he explained.

He also talked about how he didn’t view it as a haunt, but more of an extreme horror simulation.

“It’s something that your neighbor could do to you.”

And finally, Russell Eaton, who happens to be a friend of mine, spoke on his experiences with Blackout and The Victim Experience. Eaton was the second person to ever do The Victim Experience, and was the only person to do it twice, without calling safety.

He also has done 19 Blackout dates, in both LA and NYC, regular and off-season included. Eaton also has a theatrical background, so he views it from a slightly different perspective as everyone else.

“To me, it’s immersive theater. I can see the theatricality and the beauty in Blackout. It’s more elegant and beautiful than a haunt,” he said. He enjoys the art, and the thrill, behind it.

“I’m not just looking to be scared, but to explore myself.”

When asked if they would consider their individual experiences as “haunts,” each gave varying answers.

“Yes. No. We are a haunt, but it’s a bit of everything,” said McKamey.

“No, I don’t view it as a haunt,” said Mollner.

“I like to use the term immersive horror experience, but hell yeah, we’re a haunted house,” said Randall.

When asked about what’s next for them all, each excited the crowd with teases for what is to come.

“If you think what we’ve done before is crazy, just wait until what is coming,” said McKamey. They are also doing a show with another group in NYC in November, for 6 nights only.

Randall teased that Blackout is changing, expanding into new mediums.

“We’re collaborating with new people, and heading to new cities…and countries,” Randall said to the crowd’s delight.

And finally, Mollner talked a bit about The Victim Experience 3, coming this year, but also a new addition to their other attractions.

Photos from The Victim Experience

“We have a new show this year called Coven of 13, looking at witches the right way. No crooked noses and green skin here,” he said. It’ll have a classic Halloween theme, but very immersive and interactive.

To me, as a big fan of the “extreme” genre of haunts, it was interesting to see how these creators view their creations, and how some of their “survivors” looked back on their experiences.

As a survivor of Blackout myself, it was great to hear other people viewed it the same way as me; as a way to test my own limits and learn more about myself. It’s great to know that I am not the only one out there who willingly signs these waivers and jumps into the dark.

Overall, it was great to hear from these creators and about the genesis of their shows. For extreme haunt fans, it was a fantastic treat for those who attended.

Check out video of the full panel here!