Thank you, first and foremost, to my cofounding partner and best friend, Alyson Richards, who has been through it all with me, my incredible team who has been on this ride since day one. Trisha Fox, aside from being a monster producer, you’re my lifer. Melissa Meyer, you have surpassed my wild expectations and amaze me still every day, and Justin Meyer, there will never be another like you. Thank God you’re mine. TTO is all of us.
My partners, Mark Cuban and Michael Rapino—your belief and support has been everything. Amy Sumner, Mike Jerrick, Nico Pajon, Tammy Kutcher, Peter Boesen, Jessica Jerrick, and Gina Derosa, for getting the motor started. Best assistant (and producer, by the time this book comes out) ever, Kelly Villarreal. Our talented special FX team and their fearless leader Kayla Ward, Christopher Brielmaier and Rogues Hollow Productions, Frances Parsons, Micah Delhauer, Steve Rousso, Melissa Monreal, JW Wiseman, John Southwell, Mark Neillsen, Cynthia Salazar, and Randy Bates.
Vicki Israel, Joe Salaices, Tom Labonge, and LA Parks Foundation for your invaluable support. I could never give you enough “thank yous.”
Jason Blum, Marty Singer, Bernie Cahill, Greg Suess, Cielo Alano, Todd Eagen, Linda Goldman, Michael Jackel, Greg Ashlock, Jeff Thomas, Rob Williams, Paula Messina, Randy Stuart, Anastasia Ratia, Natalie McAdams, Bill O’Brien, Mike Rich, Brett Ruttenberg, Libby Flores, Melissa Kubrin, Stephanie Senter, Richard Bromley, Logan Clare, Steve Bing, Brian Pendleton, and Sonny Mallhi.
WME, Roar, iHeartMedia, Live Nation, Radical Investments, Shark Tank.
All of my family and friends who have forced themselves to endure the terror of being in the woods at night just to support me.
Universal Studios, Knotts Scary Farm, and Queen Mary, for pushing standards of greatness in their Halloween attractions.
Every cast member who played a role at a hayride, Campout, Ghost Ship, or movie night and returned the next day for more.
The 500,000 and growing attendees who have walked through our gates. It’s all just because we want to scare the shit out of you.
Nicky Carbone, for being the little brother everyone loves to scare after hours.
Finally, my parents, Cathy and Ed Derench, because you have put your lives on hold for six weeks every year for a decade to help me cut my expense line. I’m baffled by how much you love me.