The Monster Makers (Paperback)

Behind every nightmare is someone who built it.

The haunted attraction industry has always chased one goal: to scare audiences in ways they'll never forget. The industry's passionate pioneers push past empty warehouses, limited resources, and public skepticism to bring their nightmares to life.

From backyard beginnings to massive productions, these stories by the people who bring terror to life reveal the passion, chaos, and relentless creativity that built the modern Halloween haunt season.

J. Michael Roddy began his entertainment career as an actor. His encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture brought him opportunities to write and direct. He has created experiences as a prevalent member of the design team for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. During his time there he created and implemented over 100 Haunted attractions and scarzones. He has also created successful shows and attractions for Walt Disney Creative Entertainment including Star Wars, Frozen, Pixar, Marvel, and Disney Cruise Line. He is also a Producer of 2011's award-winning documentary - The Shark is Still Working: The Impact & Legacy of Jaws and 2017's award-winning Monsterkids. In 2018, he won a Rondo Hattan Award for Best Documentary. He recently formed Roddy Creative LLC where he provides creative writing and directing for live shows, attractions, exhibits and marquee events. He is also the creator of Monsterkids - a podcast that delves into the positive influence of horror genre on culture. He lives in Central Florida with his wife, two kids, three dogs, and two cats.