VFX Attack Line Puppet Makes it To Prime Time Spanish Television

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Patrick Voss, the owner of VFX, received an email from Adrian Cervera, producer of El Hormiguero, one of the most popular live TV talk shows in Spain. The show had purchased a Munch Zombie Puppet from VFX and were going to use it on the show for some fun. 

“They had a lot of fun scaring the crew before the show and Munch was obviously a hit with the hosts and audience. They discussed how the VFX puppet worked and the sound buttons being hidden under the puppet’s pant leg.”

“If we had known in advance we could have helped them load some Spanish voiceovers on the puppet to use for the show.”  Voss was just excited to see one of his and lead artist, Doug Schaefer’s creations being used on live TV in another country.

The incredibly detailed puppet creations by VFX have scared and entertained people all over the world at haunt attractions, theme parks, and in individual’s homes. The company is continuously developing new, innovative products.

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This puppet includes a custom Puppet Master Sound System™ pre-loaded with awesome zombie sound effects and free shipping in the continental US!
Want to pay monthly? Contact us about LAYAWAY plan.

$1,500.00

Munch Zombie Puppet w/moving mouth quantity

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Shop The Entire Attack Line

TINY BOX / HUGE SOUND!
Compact sound system that’s easy to use with 4 sound effects.

$250.00

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The post VFX Attack Line Puppet Makes it To Prime Time Spanish Television appeared first on VFX International Sales.

What a crazy year this has been! We normally do 5-8 tradeshows and conventions through the year to generate around 95% of our orders. This year we had one show in January…that’s it. We were preparing for the March TransWorld Halloween and Attractions Show with new and expanded catalogs, new products, a killer booth, relaunching the Minion FX System, as well as launching the new, cutting edge Voice Shifter by SFX Mods. Everything was lining up for an incredible year. And then, one by one the shows all cancelled due to Covid-19.

We started trying different things to generate online sales, from virtual shows to our own web show, Pro Haunt Show.

We even mailed out catalogs to hundreds of customers and potential customers, the first time ever. Resulting in a trickle of orders to just get by, month to month. It got to where I had to lay off Doug and Sandy…no orders…no income. That was not fun.

Then, the first week of September, the stars aligned! A woman in Florida posted a video of me with our Rob the Zombie puppet from last year’s IAAPA show…and it went viral!

Plus, since it was now September, everyone was thinking about Halloween. Orders started coming in daily. We could barely keep up with this unforscene wave of sales through our website. We did make it through and actually got to the point where we had to say “SOLD OUT!” For the 2020 Halloween season.

People were calling, texting, emailing, sending messages through our website chat system, asking questions about our products. There were numerous people who told me they saw the video and were like, “I have to have that!” Asking people how they found us and what key words they searched for us with brought some interesting feedback, like… 

• Hugging Puppet
• Zombie Doll Prop
• Wrap-around Zombie
• Zombie Doll
• Halloween Zombie Puppet
• Life-size Zombie
• Zombie Grabber
• Realistic Zombie Puppet
• Zombie Animatronic
• Clinging Zombie Puppet

…and so many more!

This was the boost we needed to get through the rest of 2020, and hopefully to the biggest and best haunt show of them all in March, 2021…TransWorld’s Halloween and Attractions Show in St. Louis, MO.

Take care, stay safe, wear a mask, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, keep your distance and keep your fingers crossed for 2021 to be the most awesome year for Halloween ever! Heck, start NOW to make it the most awesome Halloween ever!

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• Cody Suydan on Gnarly Charlie | Premium Zombie Puppet | X-Rott Version

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The Minion FX System Updates

The Minion FX System™ is a self-contained, portable, wireless, audio system, PA system and lighting and effects controller all in one small box that fits in your hand.  It’s a 4”x4”x2” box, weighing roughly one pound that puts out sound at over 104 decibels at about a 1 meter distance. That is louder than a chainsaw, not to mention a lot lighter in weight. It has a lithium-ion, rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours between charges (depending on use and audio used).

Those specs are pretty impressive alone. Add to that the capability to program 6 high quality audio clips (up to 12 audio clips utilizing the hacker kit – sold separately), with 5 minutes of internal memory. ANY audio you want – music, sound effects or voice overs – on two different channels, and the possibilities get even better. Take your most effective attraction characters to new levels.

A great product for entertainment attractions, haunt attractions, escape rooms, theme parks, zoos…for characters, props, puppets, scenes, tours…and more.

 

Pre-Order Special

Update

We’ve Got Some Exciting News! The New Minion FX System™ is Here!
When we first launched the original Minion we offered a Pre-order Sales campaign and it was a complete success. The offer worked so well that we sold out! Customers were thrilled with their Minion FX Systems and have been requesting more ever since.

We listened to you and we are taking it to the next level.

VFX is currently accepting Pre-Orders for a new production run to be shipped in June 2020 and offering some exciting savings to early adopters as a “Thank you” for your interest in this incredible product.

The Minion Retail Price will be $349 and worth every penny!

But, starting today, the first 100 Minion units are available for only $262.50 each with this pre-order special!

That’s a savings of 25% OFF the retail price, so don’t miss this one time offer while supplies last.

Simply visit the VFX shopping cart website to place your order here:

Visit The Minion Sales Page On VFX

Want to learn more about The Minion and it’s capabilities?

Visit our brand NEW shiny website www.MinionFXsystem.com

Coming soon is a library of easy to use instructional videos, FAQ website pages and knowledge base, a private Facebook user group, pre-wired harnesses as well as complete kits and packages that make utilizing your Minion easier than ever.

New Minion Website Launch 

www.minionfxsystem.com will have extensive information about the Minion, including photos and video tutorials. 

Be sure to signup for the Minion Newsletter and never miss a sale, special offer, new product release, giveaway, new video or contest announcement!

Sign Up Here

About The Minion

Specs and Features

The Minion FX System™ is about one pound 4”x4”x2” box that puts out sound over 104 decibels at about a 1 meter distance. That is louder than a chainsaw, not to mention a lot lighter in weight. 

Those specs are pretty impressive alone, add to that the capability to program about 5 minutes of high quality audio, ANY audio you want (up to 12, utilizing the hacker kit, sold separately) on two different channels, and the possibilities get even better. Your most effective haunted house characters are not limited to whoever can carry and run with a chainsaw.

Now add to that, a microphone and a six-button, wireless trigger (both included), and you are getting closer to what the Minion FX System™ can do. Each trigger has a different wireless address, so you can use two systems together without triggering the wrong one.

Then add the six button hacker kit (sold separately) with wireless transmitter so you can put triggers into an actor’s prop, and you’ve got a haunt attraction actor’s new favorite toy.

Utilizing the Minion FX System actors can walk through a crowd and have theme music playing wherever they go, and it will be heard. They can pre-record a speech they say hundreds of times each night and just lip-sync and save their voice. They can growl, howl or cackle all night long and not go horse. They can add horn noises  to a creepy clown, or loud “caws” and movement to the crow prop on the gravedigger’s shoulder, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

 

 Features of The Minion FX System ™

• Easy to use software (Video tutorials available)
• Easily load audio clips – Sound effects, voice-overs, music, etc.
• Weighs about one pound
• Ability to play overlapping audio clips (2 channels)
• PA capabilities triggered by one of the buttons (includes a microphone)
• LOUD! (over 104 decibels measured at 1 meter distance)
• 2 sets of triggers
• 1 – 6 button key-fob

Whats Included:

Minion unit

– (Memory for) 5 minutes of high quality audio
– Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
– 10W or greater class D amp
– 2.5″ full range speaker
– Approximately 4″ x 4″ x 2″ enclosure
– Approximately 1lb total weight

Also Included in Package

• Six-button RF key fob remote (with battery)
• Wall charger
• USB data cable
• Wired headset/boom microphone
• USB Drive (software)
• Currently Compatible with Windows 8*, 7, Vista , XP and Windows 10 
  (Mac – use Bootcamp software)

Doug Explains Minion Basics 101

Featuring The Original Version of The Minion

In this video, Doug Schaefer goes over unboxing the system, loading sounds and basics operation. He explains things like what’s in the box, how to charge your Minion, loading the software, assigning triggers, loading sounds, choosing the right channels and more.

Watch The Minion in Action

You can watch some of our original videos from when the Minion was first released. This will help you get an idea of what you can do with the product and it’s Hacker Kit (Sold separately). We are in the process of creating more videos to show different applications for the Minion, including updated tutorials.

Shaking Pet Carrier Tutorial

Why Is Whiskers So Upset?

The Shaking Pet Carrier was a big hit at Midwest Haunters Convention. So here is a quick run down of how we put this together using The Minion. It’s a great example of what can be accomplished with the Minion, just add a little imagination!

Fun With Foam Chainsaws Tutorial

The Power Of Quality Audio – Live Demostration

Here is a quick video showing the Minion in action. This is real audio from the camera mic, nothing was over-dubbed. Intern Jason demonstrates how an old box, foam and some tape can come to life by adding a layer of impressive sound. 

How To Make A Fake Chainsaw

This is the cheap chainsaw prop, made out of a box, foam, pvc pipe and duct tape, that was brought to life with the Minion. Showing the use of the output ethernet port, we attached LEDs to run in sequence with the chainsaw attack sound.

The World’s First Self Contained PA System, Wireless Remote Controlled Sound System, Lighting and Effects Controller…

That Fits In The Palm Of Your Hand.

Search for:

Categories

• Events
• Humor
• Images
• Instructional
• Interviews & Success Stories
• New Products
• News
• Pro Haunt Show
• Uncategorized
• VFX Secrets
• Zombie Information

Recent Posts

• A VFX Customer’s Amazing Success Story
• Winners Stan Winston School of Character Arts Contest
• VFX at Fear Expo Live 2022
• WIN a subscription to the Stan Winston School of Character Arts!
• Pro Haunt Show – Season 1 – Episode 6 – Featured Products

Recent Comments

• Nelson Reyes on Desmodus Vampire Bat Puppet – 3 Versions
• James Frye on Green Ghoul – Bungee Head Prop
• Tim K on Hagitha the Witch Puppet
• Scott Russell on Putrid Pete | Premium Zombie Puppet | X-Rott Version
• Cody Suydan on Gnarly Charlie | Premium Zombie Puppet | X-Rott Version

The post The Minion FX System Updates appeared first on VFX International Sales.

Just a few shots Behind the Scenes, going inside the Studio at Robot Monkey Lab, Inc. (VFX) – Photos By Lily Voss

Here’s a quick glimpse at the creative space and folks at VFX. See some shots of the paint booth, molding and casting area, sewing area, and puppet storage area. See Patrick Voss (company owner/artist) and Doug Schaefer (production manager/artist) getting their hands dirty (and painted) in the studio. As they both work daily on product orders and creating new creatures for haunted attractions, theme parks and more.

The post Behind the Scenes at VFX appeared first on VFX International Sales.

The post Farm Convention – NAFDMA 2015 appeared first on VFX International Sales.

We first heard about ScareLA at the West Coast Haunters Convention when many people were asking if we were planning on vending there. After doing some research we decided to give it a try. We had no idea what to expect, but it looked promising with a high attendance from the previous year and that this year was looking to be much larger. Plus, some of the people connected to it, vending at it, and …it’s in LA!

 Well, ScareLA turned out good for us…in sales and connections. It was great to see a lot of folks we know from the industry, like Necrotics Creations, 10-31 Store (Fog It Up!), Trick or Treat Studios, and so many more.

Could not believe the crowds! We took puppets out to entertain the line before the show opened and the line filled a huge hallway in the building and then went down the length of the building outside and around the corner and half way down that street. Obviously, LA has some Halloween, horror and haunt love.

Some ScareLA hi-lights…

Got to meet Spooky World creator, David Bertolino, who helped inspire many haunters…including Pat.

We unveiled our “just for fun” puppet project Saturday night at the party…”Glenn the Judge”. Our homage to SyFy Face Off Judge Glenn Hetrick. First people we ran into were Face Off contestants, Alana Shiro And Keaghlan Ashley. Their reaction was worth the effort. Glenn the Judge also had a photo op with former Face Off contestant Frank Ipollito, and current contestant Cig Neutron.

We were a little stunned when John Landis (Director – American Werewolf in London, Blues Brothers, Animal House and Thriller, etc.) stopped by our booth. He was very nice and complimented our puppets, then took the time for a photo with us. I still can’t believe that really happened.

Rannie Rodil, a “professional weirdo” @ Rannie Rodil Cosplay – (alien pic)

Daniel Roebuck (Actor – The Fugitive, Final Destination, U.S. Marhsals, and more.)

Kirk R. Thatcher (Jim Henson’s Creature Challenge, Muppet Treasure Island, Star Trek IV) really liked our puppets –“They were awesome! The clown was particularly creepy and realistic! Great work and fun puppet based illusion!”Kirk was such a down to earth, nice guy to talk with and really enjoyed meeting him. Thanks Kirk!

All in all, ScareLA was a great time, where we met a lot of great people and saw friends new and old and spread the word of VFX Creative Studios to the West Coast. We’ll leave you with some more shots from the show, and know that there may be another whole blog post on the mis-adventures of Glenn the Judge in LA.

The post ScareLA 2014 appeared first on VFX International Sales.

The following is a list of 13 things that were reported to have happened back in 1919 when the two coincided.

1. The Warwick Hotel in New York City could not get the water to run on the 14th (13th) floor until the next day.
2. Savannah, Georgia had hospitalized 13 sailors that came in on a ship that day, the next morning the sailors were missing and the port had no records of the ship ever docking
3. The 13th Police District in Philadelphia reported many bizarre occurrences that had not happened up until that day, including Flickering Lights, doors closing on their own, and jail cells that would not open. They renamed the district to the 14th, and never had the issues again
4. One Massachusetts town reported 13 stray black cats were seen sitting on the stoop of the local church at 1pm (13:00 hours)
5. At some point on that day the Capitol buildings of what were the first 13 colonies reported losing power for about 13 minutes.
6. A town in Texas had a massive fire and lost 13 buildings.
7. The police in one Rhode Island town had 13 arrests for attempted murder that day, but not a single crime of any type reported the day before or after
8. 13 children in Lincoln Nebraska went missing that day and all turned up in their beds the next morning, and have no recollection of what happened to them the previous day
9. The Mayors of 13 Pennsylvania cities all reportedly each lost a finger from horse bites that day
10. The Capitol Building in Annapolis, Maryland reported its State Flag was turned upside down 13 times that day and fixed, but no one was ever seen turning it the wrong way.
11. A ladder sales man went missing in New York and was found deceased 13 days later, in his neighbors shed, apparently bludgeoned by the “lucky” horseshoe that had hung over the sheds doorway
12. The 13th Ward in New Orleans, Louisiana had a breach in a levee and 13 people died in the floods
13. 13 people drowned in a boat accident in the Chicago River and were never identified

So what will happen on this Full Moon and Friday the 13th?

1. At least 13 people will read this blog post that I made up and believe it.

The post Beware the Full Moon & Friday the 13th appeared first on VFX International Sales.

200 plus speakers

200 plus Speaker Grills

The Minion Actor Sound System is quickly approaching final stages of production. Just about all the parts are now in stock with our manufacturer, pretty much waiting on the shell/case that everything is built into. There are over 200 speakers wired up and waiting to be  screwed into the cases.
The grills are all in and just need to be popped out of the sheets to be screwed on to the cases as well. Also, the grills will be even lower profile than the last prototypes that most of you have seen at Hauntcon, Transworld, HauntX & West Coast Haunters Convention, so they will be a bit smaller that what you’ve seen.

The Hacker Kits for wiring up a prop, weapon, or costume with triggers/buttons (and activated with wireless control) are all coming together. The Buttons are all attached to the small boards with screw down terminals, so no soldering is required.

Lots and Lots of Buttons

Then the Retail boxes and Labels are all being put together, if you see in the shot the box Says USB/Download cable, that is changing. Now you will have a separate AC adapter, because the Battery will be more powerful. Also you may notice that we may be using a USB flash drive for the software now which will be easier/quicker for loading both for production and for your use as a customer. Plus there are a number of small Laptops that don’t have CD/DVD drives anymore, so it eliminates that issue.

Minion Box & Label

So, what does this all mean? Well, it means we are still on track for a June release of the Minion Actor Sound System! Which will give you plenty of time to play with your new favorite toy, and start adding sounds and triggers to your Props and Costumes.

Buy your Minion Actor Sound Systems here at VFXCreates.com

The post Minion Actor Sound System ™ Update appeared first on VFX International Sales.

We definitely stood out from all the other vendors at the St. Louis Business Expo this past week! This event is put on twice a year by the St. Louis Small Business Journal usually in April and October.

We decided to let the St. Louis area businesses know we are in the area and all the products and services we have to offer. The result was a ton of contacts and new ideas on potential revenue streams for our products. The expo was an array of local businesses – photographers, jewelry, travel, business consultants, web/SEO businesses, magazines, and so much more. So, yeah,…we stood out a little.

I walked around with Sally Zombie and creeped out most of the people there. It was pretty interesting to see all the reactions… Some folks gasped while others laughed. Many compliments on Sally and our static Billy the Silly Zombie at the booth. We also showed off our commissioned artwork – a bust of Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy, which people were very impressed with.

All in all a good day making new connections and re-connecting with some old ones. We are already planning something really out of the ordinary for the October expo! (Insert evil laughter here!)

The post Creeped out the business folks at the St. Louis Business Expo appeared first on VFX International Sales.

So we started our creepy photo shoot with the new, Johnny the Maniac puppet, Fully expecting someone to see us being strangled by a guy in an orange jumpsuit an call the police on us. Surprisingly we made it through Johnny’s shots and still no Police (or locals with banjos).
Next we were on to our new zombie attack puppet, “Harry”. We decided to get a little more brave, and went into the doorway of the boarded up old farm house, never straying to far from the threshold. In the videos we shot, you can probably hear the broken glass being kicked around on the small concrete porch.

We did some shots of the new clown Attack Puppet, “Chompers, and the new Family Friendly scarecrow, “Hank” by the old dilapidated barn. The roof was old rusty pieces of corrugated metal, that was constantly flapping in the wind. At one point it was mentioned that we expected a full on “Final Destination” moment where the metal roofing would fly off the top of the barn and sever our heads from our bodies in the middle our creepy photo shoot, and no one would find our bodies for a few days. Luckily that didn’t happen, but we then found someone’s shooting range behind the barn, with spent shotgun shells strewn about the ground (and one golf ball) again leading us to believe we would be hearing the disturbing sounds of banjos plating in the distance.

We also shot some photos of Psy-co in front of and inside of a oddly located busted out shed of some sort in front of the house. That building too, had broken glass in and around the doorway.

Of course we had to take our new “Rodeo Clown” with us to the photo shoot out in the country. “Cleatus” seemed to fit right in to the surroundings, and at that point we figured if anyone came up to us, we’d just let “Cleatus” tell them to not mess with us, ‘Cause he’s Local’.

No VFX Creative Studios, Attack Puppet, creepy photo shoot would be complete, without our star “Sally”. We finished up our session with “Sally” and started to get a little more brave at this point, and even took some photo/video inside the house (but not too far inside).

Check our blog and website later for more of the photos and some videos from our outing, which I’m happy to report, no injuries or police involvement (or banjos).

The post Creepy Photo Shoot appeared first on VFX International Sales.