13. James H. Carter II on the Foolish Mortals Documentary

The Foolish Mortals documentary focuses on The Haunted Mansion.

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Ever since its opening in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square in 1969, The Haunted Mansion has been one of Disney’s most iconic attractions. I appreciate the Mansion’s achievements a lot more now than I did as a kid. There is so much happening in each scene, and the experience begins well before you even board the ride. The attention to detail is off the charts, and new technology feels comfortable next to classic tricks. The Mansion has also built fans whose professional and person lives have been shaped by it. James H. Carter’s documentary Foolish Mortals: A Haunted Mansion Documentary will center on this passionate group.

During this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast, James and I discuss his plans for the film plus his personal background with the Mansion and theme parks in general. An interesting part of this production is Carter’s choice to use a newly built digital 3D recreation of the attraction in place of shooting ride footage. I like that approach and am curious to see how it will look in the film. Carter lives in California near Disneyland, and we also talk about the changes when you live close to a Disney park. Visiting the resort for a few hours in the evenings is different than spending an entire day there on vacation.