HF: What is your position and how long have you been with Universal?

JMR: Manager of Show Concepts and Scripts. I have been with the company for a little over nine years. I started as a performer and moved into the Creative Department in 96.

HF: Do you believe the success of Knott's Berry Farm's Halloween event had anything to do with Universal's decision to take on this venue?

JMR: Universal has a long association with the horror industry - starting back with the classic monster films. Knott's has been successful with their experience for many years. I believe their success certainly reassured Universal that their properties could be utilized as a Halloween attraction.

HF: How many additional people are brought on for this event?

JMR: Over six-hundred people, ranging from technicians and scenic builders, lighting assistants to actors.

HF: When do you begin planning the event?

JMR: Shortly after the previous event has closed.

HF: Do you decide on a theme first, or do you brainstorm the attractions and then decide on a theme?

JMR: The theme is Halloween. There are so many different expectations and we try to satisfy the widest variety with the strongest elements and experiences.
For the mazes, we usually decide a setting and then create a backstory for each, The backstory helps design the experience.

HF: What inspires the creative team behind the attractions?

JMR: As one of the main designers, I am inspired by the classic Universal Horror films. I love the work of John Carpenter, Stephen King, the entire genre. I grew up in the slasher era and watched them all. I actually snuck in. The Great - "Halloween" and "Nightmare" to the awful "Pieces" to "Just Before Dawn" I watched them all.

HF: Scary Tales, the Mummy, and Superstitions were all attractions in the traditional sense of Haunted Houses, but Pitch Black and Run seemed to add a twist.

JMR: We try to create unexpected twists and add to the genre.

HF: We had heard rumor that there was some difficulty in carrying out the original plan of Pitch Black, is this so? What was the inspiration for this? (Was a great idea, but we would have loved it more if they had taken away the glowing horns from the girl 5 feet in front of us).

JMR: The concept stayed pretty true to the original concept.

HF: We had heard rumor that the theme for Run had changed somewhat post 9/11. Is this so? What was the inspiration behind this unique idea? I loved the separation of parties, and the attempt to confuse.

JMR: 9-11 changed the world. Our experiences were slightly altered in graphic content but not integrity. Run was a simple concept. I created the simple idea that that is what we wanted the guest to do.

HF: Ooze Zone seemed to be an attempt at a "club" atmosphere? Do you believe this was successful?

JMR: Yes! Again, there was something for everyone.

HF: Have you ever, or have you ever had the urge to take part in one of the attractions?

JMR: I have worked in several through the years. Every year I play in the mazes. It is a great time.

HF: Do you plan to return to the more "traditional blood themes" in 2002 ? We had heard that the blood themes had been changed to "ooze" or "slime," post 9/11,

JMR: In 2002 we will have plenty of surprises, I promise you.

HF: Any particular favorites? As I understand Jack was your creation, was his character based on anyone?

JMR: Jack is my "Slasher" icon. He is very close to me. I have a whole backstory for Jack that I would love to turn into a film.

HF: Will you attempt to bring back the Eddie theme in 2002, risking that the public may be disappointed by a third year with a clown theme?

JMR: We are looking at many options. There were ten Jason films, eight Halloween films. The icon works, even when the film doesn't. I think Jack will be around, even if he isn't the Master of Scaremonies.

HF: A lot of people were very disappointed by Universal's decision to alter their event post 9/11. Can you comment on that?

JMR: I never heard that. Without specifics, I can't comment. All I know is I heard people having one great scare.

HF: Was anyone surprised by the record turn outs this year? Do you believe the public was ready to be entertained again and were looking for this sort of escapism?

JMR: I feel that people always turn to horror for escapism. That it is safe. It's like a roller-coaster ride.

HF: As one of the writers of Bill & Ted, one of the most clever and entertaining shows I have seen, this past year's show seemed to be missing a little of the bite of the previous year. Were there many screenplay revisions post 9/11?

JMR: Thank You for the kind word. Bill & Ted is always morphing right up until the opening. 9/11 had an impact on me as a person, and it reflected in the script.

Again Michael, we thank you for your time, and look forward to another great event in 2002!.

Update 11/02:
We're sorry to say, that Michael has left Universal to pursue other interests, but he is not ruling out the possibility of freelancing for Universal in the future. We wish him the best of luck, his influence will be missed, but we have no doubt that he will do well wherever he goes.

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