Special Guest Judge - Phil Talio From Fun-World, Halloween Decor Expert

Introducing another special guest judge for our “Best Halloween House in Australia” competition: Phil Talio from Fun-World! Check out this exclusive interview where we get to know the expert in Halloween decor and how the famous ‘Ghost Face’ mask was discovered and become a Halloween icon.

When I was a kid I wanted to be a...

Phil - My original plan was to be an architect, I enjoyed seeing a concept in my mind, putting it on paper, and finally bringing it into reality. In fact, that was my major when I went to the University. After my first year of studies, I realized I also wanted more interaction with people and switched majors to Business Management. Although that degree opened the door into this industry, I have also been able to fulfill my original desire to create, albeit costumes and Halloween decorations are my universe versus buildings and structures.

How did you get your start at Fun-World?

Phil - While I was studying in College, I also worked at a Men’s shoe store. Upon graduation in 1991 I continued to work there and also began the search for a position within my planned career path. Before I could arrange my first interview, a gentleman came to the store to buy shoes. We had a friendly conversation where I divulged my situation. Unbeknownst to me he turned out to be the president of a company called Bleyer Industries, Inc. The next day he sent in the Vice President to offer me a sales position. That company manufactured and distributed Easter, Christmas, and some Halloween merchandise. In 2004, after 12 very enjoyable years, the company was sold to Fun-World. Although the future seemed uncertain at the time, the opportunities and growth at Fun-World proved to be advantageous and exciting. Seventeen years have passed and I still enjoy what I do.

What was Fun-World like as a company back then? How has it changed?

Phil - While many things have changed through the years, many remain the same. We are a very loyal company to both our suppliers and our customers. We have retained the small business attitude offering personal service, yet our reach has extended from North America, to the entire globe. The internet has been our ally in extending our global reach, but it has also been a thorn in our side. The internet has simplified the ability of others to copy our products. Once an image of an item is given birth on the web, the knock-off clock begins. Before the web existed, it would take several years before our competition would “learn” of our successful items….now that has been reduced to months. Given this reality, the consumer needs to buy from reliable sources on the web to be sure they are receiving what they expect. Costumebox.com.au is the Australian destination for genuine Fun-World product.

Can you describe the changes that have taken place in the Halloween industry and how people celebrate Halloween USA and internationally over those years?

Phil - The dramatic change I have witnessed in the United States is how different generations celebrate Halloween. As a young child my family would put a few decorations in our windows (they were reusable each year), I would wear a costume, and I would go Trick or Treating. Once I reached 10 years old a costume was no longer cool. Teenagers, College students, and my parents did not wear costumes nor attend Halloween parties. Fast Forward to 2021….I am now the parent and I wear costumes and attend multiple Halloween parties (although I am in the industry, the parties I attend are unrelated). My college age children all wear costumes and attend Halloween parties. The decorations are no longer limited to a few in the window for most…..the entire home inside and out is decorated in a Halloween theme. It is no longer a one day celebration, it is a season that starts on October 1st, and ends on November 1st. As Halloween has grown in the USA, it has done the same worldwide. We had sold merchandise to other companies in Australia for several decades, but our costumes had little success until Costumebox.com.au introduced our product line in 2008. Every year since we have witnessed every Halloween category grow in Australia (Costumes, decorations, makeup, accessories, and even Pumpkin carving). The internet has been the driving force in making the world smaller. One example is the release of films. In the past, films would be released in one country, while it may take weeks or months to be released in other markets. Recently Netflix released Squid Games in 90 countries at the same moment. The world is now on the same clock for entertainment and celebrations.

I know that you do get involved in product development, can you tell me a bit about how that process happens? Where do ideas come from and how do they come to life?

Phil - From the outside looking in one would think ideas are the most challenging step for product development. The fact is Ideas are a constant….they come from designers, customers, friends, pop culture, world events, trends, licenses we procure, etc… The biggest challenge in the process is the most precious commodity….”time”. We just don’t have enough time to process and develop every idea….we need to be selective on where we spend our very valuable time. Once we have defined the product we wish to develop, the project is given to a designer. They will create a tech-pack that defines the design, fabrics, sizing, and materials. The tech-pack will be given to 1 or more factories to quote and sample. Once the samples and prices are received we will review, revise, and decide the final product. We develop more than 350 items per year, innovation and newness is the life blood to our existence.

The late Wes Craven, the famous horror director famously chose Fun Worlds "Ghost Face" mask for his movie "Scream" and the mask is now an iconic symbol of Halloween the world over. Can you tell me how that came about?

Phil - During the production of Scream, Wes Craven came across our Ghost Face® mask. The film production department tried to develop a similar mask for the film, but none to the satisfaction of Wes. Eventually they decided to approach Fun-World to ask for them to use it in the film. An agreement was arranged, and the rest is history with the newest film in the Scream Franchise being released in January 2022. Sales continue to be strong and each film that follows proves to further bolster its presence with the next generation. Ghost Face® is now known as the icon of Halloween.

Image source: Bloody Disguisting

Are there any particular Halloween Decor Products that you were involved in the design of that you are proud of?

Phil - My categories of responsibility include Boy’s and Men’s costumes, Masks, Décor, and Pumpkin carving. Internally we refer to the products we are responsible for as our children. As a result we are proud of all our children ….recently the Climbing Dead and the Swinging Dead stand out and are popular and impactful!

What are the trends you are seeing this year, and can you tell us what you might be planning for 2022? How is post Covid life in the USA leading into Halloween

Phil - At one time “world pandemic” seemed like a far-off unlikely event….and if it happened, life as we know it would no longer exist. The fact is we are living through a pandemic at this moment and the big surprise to me is that the world is looking for comfort and celebration as a release. Sales on Halloween merchandise is stronger than ever. Outside decorations are an easy vehicle for people to celebrate Halloween at a distance. Halloween is here to stay!

What is the top-selling Halloween decor product and costume in Fun-Worlds history?

Phil - The Ghost Face® costumes (Boys. Teen, and Men) have sold more units than any other costume we offer.

Super Strrretch™ Spider Web is by far the top spelling décor item. It is the only product in the market that offers the coverage and effectiveness. There are many other spider webs on the market, none come close to Super Strrretch™. We have sold over 100 million packages over the years.