Masters Class: Halloween

In 1978 John Carpenter introduced the horror fan to a new Shape of fear. A towering, sometimes supernatural, killer in a white washed William Shatner mask hacked and slashed his way into the homes and hearts of many horror fans in his ceaseless pursuit of Laurie Strode and his sisters bedroom window. 

Over forty years later, the pale faced boogeyman still had a way of striking fear into the very soul of us, through reboot and re imagining. Being as this month “Halloween Ends” releases and promises to bring a conclusion to the long storied and hard fought war between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode, The Masters Class would be remiss to avoid broaching the topic of Halloween action figures and the photography of them. 

#uc_hecktober is in full swing, and much like a kitchen knife through the throat of a Haddonfield resident, the Masters Class is here to slice up the tips and tricks to some more horror figure photography. Stalking through the back alleys and playgrounds on their way to the Classroom, we want to welcome back Blitz Figz and Toy Addict to the Masters Class. 

Grab your butcher knives and number two pencils, because class is now in session. 

The Halloween movie franchise has lead to many action figure iterations of Haddonfield’s favorite resident. What versions have you enjoyed shooting the most for your photography?

BF- “I have seen a few different versions of Michael Myers but Halloween 2 Michael has always caught my attention so when I seen the figure in the wild I knew I needed to have it.”

TA- “I love all the Halloween figures that are out. Neca has done such a phenomenal job making them. The one I’ve had the most joy of shooting has been the H40 Halloween 2018 Michael. I love le what they did with the design of the mask and the entire 40 year saga was such a great continuation of a classic story.”

Shadows, silhouettes, low lighting, and ominous scenery have all played a major role in delivering the scares in the Halloween franchise. What are some tips and tricks you can offer to translate those cinematic reels into an action figure photography shot?

BF- “Low light seems to always highlight a figures detail, also using a mist machine or even atmosphere aerosol helps setting the tone of the shot you are trying to achieve. But lately I have come to enjoy one light shots which can definitely set a dark, spooky feel.”

TA- “I always go back to either movie stills or movie posters for inspiration but overall free styling is fun. You can create your own unique shot.”

Toy Addict gives us a poster quality view of the Haddonfield Boogeyman 

When shooting a horror shot, in this instance Michael Myers, what are some additional pieces aside from the figures you like to include to set the mood of the shot? (ie props, dio pieces, etc)

BF- “I used the tombstone for the first time in this particular shot but when I go for scary I like ourt doors style shots night time so I’ll add some rocks, grass, trees, and  blue subtle lighting to give that night vibe.”

Blitz takes us to Haddonfield cemetery, but won’t give us time to hope we have a good hiding spot 

TA- “It all depends on what kind of shot I am trying to create  I usually have him with his kitchen knife but will add other weapons depending on what kind of scene I am trying to re create or create. I like to add a jack-o-lantern to give it the feel of Halloween night.”

The Halloween movie franchise has spanned over 40 years with varying levels of success throughout the twelve films. Of the 12 films out (excluding Halloween Ends), which is your favorite, and which do you dislike the most?

BF- “I always loved Halloween 2 it’s one of those films that I can sit down and watch over and over like if it’s the first time. My least was definitely Halloween H20. It could have been way better.”

TA- “The Halloween franchise has had its ups and downs but if there is one I would pick besides the original it would be Halloween 2018. I believe Halloween 2018 is the more superior movie in the franchise after the original but that’s my opinion of course.”

For 44 year the story of Michael and Laurie has played out before our eyes in many forms. Halloween Ends (releasing the day we post this) promises to bring about a conclusion to this story of Laurie and Michael. How do you feel this conclusion will play out? And how do you think it will affect the franchise moving forward?

BF- “I honestly think that someone else will take the mantle and the end of the movie. Killing Michael Myers will bring the end to Halloween. But maybe keep the franchise alive in a new direction.”

TA- “I have watched the movie and without given any spoilers for those who haven’t watched it I will only say have your own opinion on it don’t let others make you like or dislike the film. I know it’s suppose to be the end but I hope we get some more interpretations in the future.”

Is there any figures from the Halloween franchise or any versions of Michael himself that have not been produced yet that you’d like to see made?

BF- “I am hoping we will get to see Michael fully unmasked in Halloween ends. And a figure of that would definitely be amazing.”

TA- “I would love to see a ultimate young Laurie Strode. Honestly I would love every version of Michael in every movie. Maybe an ultimate young Michael with the clown mask and costume.”

(Extra credit question) Masters Class: Halloween concludes the #uc_hecktober Myers week over on Instagram, and Sunday begins Friday the 13th week of Hecktober. If Michael were ever to come face to face with the machete swinging Jason Voorhees, who do you think would come out victorious?

BF- “I would have to go Michael, I feel he is much smarter than Jason. I believe that will make up for the brute force that Jason has.”

TA- “As much i I respect and love Michael and acknowledge that he is the true king of slashers I would have to give it to Jason. Jason has survived in the wilderness and learned how to fend for himself it won’t be an easy fight but Jason will come out on top.”

Thank you for taking this trip through Masters Class: Halloween! Be sure to head over to instagram and follow both @blitz_figz and @toy_addict17 for more amazing horror figure photography. 

Next week we will leave the city and head straight into the countryside of Camp Crystal lake as @a.b_photos35 and @man_beast_210 take the Masters Class to the world of Friday the 13th. 

Until then, find a nice closet to hide in. Class is dismissed. 

~The Curator