Inspiring Conversations with Philip of Haunted Attraction Network

Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip.

Hi Philip, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story starts with a love for Halloween and storytelling. I was always drawn to the magic of themed environments—from annual family trips to Disneyland to the haunted houses that would pop up each October. In middle school, I attended a media magnet program where I first learned the basics of radio production and journalism. That early training stuck with me and eventually led to a lifelong passion for content creation.

In college, I began transforming my home into a haunted house, which grew so popular that we had to rent a commercial space. But like many haunters, I quickly realized how little guidance was available for newcomers. That experience—exciting, overwhelming, and at times frustrating—planted the seed for what would become the Haunted Attraction Network. I didn’t want others to feel as lost as I had, so I started a podcast to ask experts the questions I wished I’d known to ask back then.

Since launching in 2014, the Haunted Attraction Network has evolved into the leading news source for the haunted attraction industry. We’ve expanded from podcasts into print, video, and short-form social content. In 2023, our videos received over 90 million views, and we earned the Silver YouTube Creator Award. Our coverage now spans trade shows, seasonal events, and global trends, with the goal of supporting haunters at every level.

Along the way, I co-founded Green Tagged: Theme Park in 30, a weekly podcast focused on the business of themed entertainment. I’ve also published five books—two of them co-written with Scott Swenson—and regularly teach classes and contribute to publications like InPark Magazine and Attractions Magazine.

Today, I’m the CEO of Gantom Lighting & Controls, where we build lighting equipment used in theme parks and museums around the world. Gantom has become known for innovation and flexibility—values I’ve carried with me throughout my career. Whether I’m highlighting a new haunted house or launching a product on the show floor at IAAPA, my mission remains the same: to support creators, spark curiosity, and tell stories that stick.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—it’s been a long, winding road, and most of the challenges have come from learning things the hard way.

When I first left my haunt behind to pursue content creation full time, I didn’t properly assess the market. Coming from a journalism background, I naturally gravitated toward educational content. I wanted to create the kind of resources I had needed when I was running my own event—how-tos, expert interviews, thoughtful analysis. But what I learned, slowly and painfully, was that the haunt industry didn’t really want that type of content. At least, not enough to pay for it. The audience was small, and the appetite for deep-dive educational resources just wasn’t there. That was a tough realization, especially after pouring years of effort into it.

Eventually, I took a job with Gantom Lighting & Controls as a way to stay connected to the industry I loved. At the time, Gantom primarily sold lighting to haunted houses, so it felt like a natural fit. I started in marketing and content, but over the years, my role evolved significantly. I leaned into business development, operations, and eventually leadership—ultimately becoming the company’s CEO. Although I had studied business in college, that experience only scratched the surface. I had to expand my knowledge quickly to meet the demands of a growing international team, especially once we went fully remote. Managing across time zones, aligning global teams, and keeping innovation at the forefront—all during a pandemic—was a crash course in leadership.

All the while, I never stopped making content. I ran the Haunted Attraction Network on the side—nights, weekends, plane rides, and hotel rooms. And for most of its life, the content made no money. It wasn’t until I pivoted to short-form video aimed at general audiences that we finally started to see traction. I realized that while haunters wouldn’t pay for education or services, they would pay for me to come out and film their haunt. That shift changed everything. After eight years, I finally cracked the code: the content wasn’t just about informing haunters—it was about celebrating them and helping them reach new audiences.

So no, the journey hasn’t been smooth. But every detour and misstep has taught me something valuable. I’ve learned how to adapt, how to lead, and—most importantly—how to listen.

We’ve been impressed with Haunted Attraction Network, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Haunted Attraction Network is the leading news platform for the haunted house industry. We specialize in multimedia content that showcases haunted attractions, immersive experiences, and themed entertainment—from the biggest names in the business to grassroots home haunts creating magic on limited budgets. We produce podcasts, videos, newsletters, and social content that help attractions tell their stories and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

What sets us apart is our commitment to covering the industry year-round, not just during Halloween. While many only focus on October, we’re reporting 12 months a year—tracking trade shows, product launches, off-season events, and international developments. Think of us as the “industry news outlet” for haunts and immersive horror experiences.

Over the years, our content has evolved. We began with educational podcasts and long-form interviews, but the real growth came when we pivoted to short-form video designed to help haunted attractions reach general audiences. That’s when things took off. In 2023, our content earned over 90 million views, and we received the Silver YouTube Creator Award. We’ve been featured on NBC’s California Live, Fox 2 Detroit, and Marketplace on NPR, and I’ve contributed insights on the haunt industry to outlets like the Hollywood Reporter.

We also produce Green Tagged: Theme Park in 30, a weekly podcast I co-host with Scott Swenson that explores trends and developments in the broader themed entertainment industry. And in my role as CEO of Gantom Lighting & Controls, I lead a global team that produces lighting solutions used by top-tier attractions like Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and the Louvre.

One of the things I’m most proud of, though, is the local creative community we’ve cultivated. When I moved to Southern California, I found it surprisingly difficult to connect with other content creators in the horror space. So I built the group I needed. Creepy Creators is a monthly meetup of horror content creators. Each month, we film at a different horror-themed business, support local attractions, and—just as importantly—build real friendships. What started as a need for connection has grown into a vibrant and supportive community of creators.

Whether it’s through Haunted Attraction Network, Green Tagged, Gantom, or Creepy Creators, my mission remains the same: to elevate the people who make this industry so extraordinary and to ensure their work is seen, heard, and celebrated.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was an intensely curious kid—equal parts imaginative, analytical, and creative. I was the kind of child who loved both Halloween and homework, and I thrived when I had a project to focus on. I was always building something—mini haunted houses in the garage, elaborate LEGO setups, school video projects—anything that let me mix storytelling with hands-on creativity.

Personality-wise, I was more of an observer than a spotlight-seeker. I enjoyed being behind the scenes, organizing, planning, and making things happen. I wasn’t the loudest person in the room, but I was usually the one figuring out how to run the show. I loved systems, checklists, and thinking through how something could be made better—whether it was a science fair project or a Halloween yard display.

Halloween had a hold on me from the beginning. I was fascinated by the way a simple street could transform into something magical for one night. It wasn’t just the scares—it was the storytelling, the atmosphere, the communal excitement. That interest only grew over time. I was also drawn to media early on. I joined a media magnet program in middle school and spent hours editing video, writing scripts, and producing segments for our school broadcasts. It gave me the foundation to combine storytelling and technology—two things that have defined my work ever since.

Looking back, a lot of what I do now—whether it’s leading a team, producing content, or building communities—can be traced directly back to those early traits. I was always trying to build something bigger than myself. I just didn’t know yet that haunted houses would be the stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/haunted_attractions
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HauntedAttractionNetwork
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philiphernandez/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hauntedattractionnetwork

Image Credits
Photo by Philip Hernandez