Not to be outdone by Knott’s today, Universal Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights has just released the long-awaited details for their 2013 Design A Character Contest. We’d prefer a new haunt announcement, but we’ll take what we can get. From the looks of the contest rules, it seems we could expect some kind of variation on the Universal Monsters theme again this year, most likely in the House of Horrors. Perhaps this year instead of Dubstep they will be going Gangnam style?
This is a very cool and unique concept for haunt fans, and we can’t wait to see what designs are submitted by all of the Haunt Stalkers, Creeps, and Freaks. Here’s a full rundown of the contest details and rules:

Here’s a chance to put your twist on a Universal Classic Monsters character and have it brought to life at Halloween Horror Nights! Winner and a guest will be invited to experience the design’s unveiling at the opening night red carpet event in Hollywood.
THE TASK:
Re-invent or re-imagine one (1) Universal Classic Monsters character from the list below. The design must be your original concept and cannot be based on an actor’s likeness or another existing character design (i.e., a movie remake, comic book, video game, TV show, toy product, etc.).
• Dracula/Male Vampire (as inspired by Dracula 1931)
• Dracula’s Bride/Female Vampire (as inspired by Dracula 1931)
• Renfield/Dracula’s Assistant (as inspired by Dracula 1931)
• The Phantom of the Opera (as inspired by The Phantom of the Opera 1925)
• The Mummy (as inspired by The Mummy 1932)
• The Wolfman (as inspired by The Wolfman 1941)
• Werewolf (as inspired by Werewolf of London 1935)
• Ygor/Dr. Frankenstein’s Assistant (as inspired by The Son of Frankenstein 1939)
• Dr. Frankenstein (as inspired by Frankenstein 1931)
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame (as inspired by Hunchback of Notre Dame 1923)
• The Creature from the Black Lagoon (as inspired by The Creature From the Black Lagoon 1954)
• The Invisible Man (as inspired by The Invisible Man 1933)
TWO WAYS TO DESIGN YOUR CHARACTER:
Provide an illustration of your character design.
- Must include full body view of the character and costume (if any) and a separate close up of face.
- Must include the character name from the list above that you are basing your design on.
- Can be either full color or black and white on 8.5”” x 11” letter-size paper.
Submit a one-page written description of your character idea.
- Must include detailed information about the look of the character’s face, skin, color, hair, posture, costume, props (if any).
- Must include the character name from the list above that you are basing your design on.
- Must be typed in easily readable font on 8.5” x 11” letter-size paper.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
To submit your design for consideration in the contest, you must mail one (1) copy of either your illustration or written description to the address shown on the Official Contest Rules. Your design must be accompanied by a signed copy of the contest rules and include your name, daytime telephone number, address, city, state, zip code, age and email address. Submittals must be received by 5:01pm PT on Monday, July 1, 2013 to be
considered for the contest. Your design submittal will not be returned to you after the contest, so send a copy – not the original.
Universal will announce the finalists on their Facebook page July, 2nd at Facebook.com/HalloweenHorrorNights for fan voting!
** Scare Zone is not affiliated with Universal Studios Hollywood nor the contest submission and judging process. For more specific contest information please visit their webpage.
In his recent trips to explore the possibility, Haunted Play creator Jon Braver, believes that there is great amount of potential there, yet he realizes that the Vegas audience is quite different from L.A. (Hollywood) crowd. In addition, for a Vegas production he received the suggestion to make it more of a flow-through event (i.e. get more people through, quicker!). From a purely business perspective it makes sense. From a Haunted Play perspective that means a loss of intimacy and doesn’t coincide well with Jon’s goal to make it a high price ticket event which will allow a truly unique, interactive and intimate experience.

















