Steve Kristof from Realm of Terror

Our October 2005 "Behind the Screams" interview is with the brain behind one of the newest and hottest haunted attractions in Northern Illinois, “Realm of Terror.” Standing next to his family’s business, “Kristof’s Entertainment Center” in Round Lake Beach, we find out what its like to grow up playing mini golf, go bowling anytime of the day, and own your own haunted house…all before having a drivers license. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are proud to present, Mr. Steve Kristof.

HHC: Steve, thank you for the pleasure of letting us interview you, especially during the busy Halloween season. How are things going so far this year?

SK: This year is already turning out to be a good one. Numbers are up, actors are more pumped up than ever, and our core team is at its peak of creativity.

HHC: For the people that haven’t experienced the haunt, can you give a brief summary of the adventure and what they can expect?

SK: At The Realm of Terror Haunted House Scream Park, we take fear to a completely new level. By touching 4 of the 5 senses we are able to completely submerse you into a state of complete horror and fear. By attacking everyone’s fears in one-way or another, we have people running straight through BOTH of our two attractions!

HHC: I notice this year you have a second haunted house. Can you talk about that for a moment? What else is new for this year? (I want to remind people that Realm of Terror is only starting their 3rd year in business!)

SK: X Chaos is our newest attraction at The Realm of Terror / Kristof’s Entertainment Center. The Attraction is designed to bring out the intensity in our actors, allowing them to take full control of their area, the ability to go absolutely nuts. I won’t go into too much detail, as I don’t want to ruin it! As for new things happening we are growing steadily every day! RoT (Formerly “The Realm”) has taken a complete overhaul, upping detail and scares throughout over 80% of the house! Our core crew consisting of a central 3 People: Myself, Mike Heath, and Frank Weidman who has re-located from Ohio with his family to come and take on the title of Creative consultant @ Kristof’s.

HHC: A lot of people don't know this, but how old were you when you first started in the Haunted House industry?

SK: I was 12 when I first open the Realm.

HHC: It's amazing because 99.99% of high school students aren't designing, directing, and building a fully functional haunted attraction show. What inspired you?

SK: My inspiration has come from numerous sources. But I would have to say my original inspiration came from my uncle when I was younger. He held a garage haunt for all of his nieces and nephews. This had to have been the initial inspiration, and to this day I can still remember the “terrifying” Halloween nights I would spend at his house!

HHC: How did the “Realm of Terror” begin? How did the idea originate? Who was more excited, you or your Dad?

SK: The Planning started for The Realm over 4-5 years ago. I myself got a hold of everything I could possibly get my hands on. Through careful study, and research I was able to come up with a business proposal to present to the Kristof’s upper management. We were all excited over the event to come. And to think it all began with a relative’s garage, and a don post catalog in the offices of Kristof’s.

HHC: What was the first haunted house you ever went to and how old were you then?

SK: That’s a tough one. But I have to think I was around 7 or 8 when I attended my first haunt. It was a haunted trail, but to this day I don’t know the name.

HHC: What impressed you the most?

SK: There are two things that stick out in my mind from those days: One was a full sized train that blared it lights and honked its horn and the other was the electric chair effect with a live actor, and awesome pre-show.

HHC: What is your favorite haunted attraction?

SK: Ravens Grin Inn. Bar-none.

HHC: Besides Haunting, what are your other hobbies?

SK: I am also a graphic/web designer, and have recently acquired a vinyl printer/plotter and am breaking into the sign industry as well.

HHC: Ok, let's talk about the team and the people that make up your core haunted house management. Would you like to introduce them?

SK: As I mentioned earlier our core-group consists of three people: Mike Heath, Frank Weidman, and Myself. Without them I wouldn’t be able to do some of the things I do. Between the three of us we are able to create an infinite amount of ideas, and creativity comes to all of us naturally. Of course there are many others involved, but the three of us are the main crew.

HHC: What are some of the positive (and negative) things that the "team" perspective has done for your attraction?

SK: Between us we are able to get things done in a timely, efficient manner without many problems. The only time that we have a problem is when one (or more) of us has a different feeling towards something. But that doesn’t happen too often, and when it does, that scene/prop will usually wind up with a touch of all 3 of our styles.

HHC: What is the average age of your crew?

SK: Me being the youngest in our group (15) the others are right around 30 each. (Give or take a few years)

HHC: Being a haunted house owner/director is a pretty nice gig...you must be everyone's best friend at school during October?

SK: Friend? What’s that?! In October I’m in so many places at the same time I don’t have time for friends… What are you thinking Kris! :)

HHC: How was growing up and having access to free mini-golf, go-karts, arcade games, etc.?

SK: Growing up around the family business (my dad has been an owner for over 30 years) is what has given me the business since that I have. Don’t get me wrong having access to bowling, go-karts, mini-golf, and everything else is probably the best thing I could ask for. I am still to this day proud to have grown up the way I did, and around the business and politics I did.

HHC: What advice would you give to another teen that wants to get into the industry?

SK: Don’t jump in headfirst. I did and it was overwhelming. Allow yourself to become acquainted with the industry and the people. Do a yard haunt, or a home haunt, but the rank of a professional attraction is not only a stressful one, but a time-consuming one as well.

HHC: Alright Steve and now for our "Fatal Five"…ready? Favorite Halloween Costume?

SK: I was always partial to “zombie” suits.

HHC: Favorite Horror Movie?

SK: Texas Chain Saw Massacre / House of 1K Corpses

HHC: Favorite Horror Villain?

SK: Leatherface

HHC: Favorite Musician(s)?

SK: Too many to name. But bands like Counting Crows and BOJ have always been favorites.

HHC: Finally, what would like to say to all your fans and everyone that is reading this interview and considering making the trip to visit your house?

SK: I have fans? :) I say make the trip and remember that we are not only TWO Haunted Houses, but also a go-kart track, mini-golf course, bowling alley and much more. And Most important, bring extra underwear!

HHC: Thank you for your time. We look forward to seeing what The Realm of Terror has in store for us this year.