Exploring DreamWorks Halloween Magic and LA’s Best Haunted Spots
The past 24 hours have been nonstop, and while I’m absolutely exhausted, it’s been worth every moment. After a full day on Wednesday, I was up early on Thursday to join my AJS networking group. It’s a grounding way to start the day – hearing everyone’s stories and seeing how they’re working toward their career goals. It never fails to give me that extra boost to make the most of my own journey.
But Thursday had more than just a morning meeting in store. After checking in with the group, I geared up to head over to DreamWorks Animation Studio for their Halloween party. And when DreamWorks throws a party, they go all out. As soon as I arrived around 1:30 p.m., the place was buzzing with energy, with music, games, food stands, and even rides. There was a Halloween costume catwalk and, to set the spooky scene, they’d turned the central fountain blood red!
I was there to meet up with my friend and former boss, Ernest, who had already arrived and was waiting by the fountain. Seeing him again brought me back to our days working together at Nickelodeon. Ernest was the CG Supervisor at Nick Digital, where we handled everything from compositing and 3D animation to corrections for some of Nickelodeon’s most beloved shows – SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, El Tigre, Fairly Odd Parents, and more. As a Post CG Production Assistant, I helped manage director notes, attended editing reviews, and dove headfirst into FileMaker Pro to build a custom application that streamlined our department’s workflow. It was my first taste of creating a tool that directly improved efficiency, and Ernest was there every step of the way, offering support, encouragement, and plenty of creative freedom. His expertise in After Effects was like watching a master at work – I learned so much from him in those two years.
After reminiscing, Ernest introduced me to a few colleagues from the Visual Effects team, and we hit the game booths together. I didn’t manage to win, but it was a blast competing! When we’d worked up an appetite, we made our way to the DreamWorks cafeteria. I’d heard great things about their food, and they didn’t disappoint – they had a “make your own sandwich” bar, hot entrees, a fresh salad bar, and every drink you could think of, from chocolate milk to freshly brewed iced tea. We grabbed our plates and found a seat in the courtyard, catching up on work, life, and the latest at DreamWorks.
After lunch, Ernest took me on a tour around the DreamWorks campus. I’d heard about its beauty, but seeing it in person is something else. The Spanish villa-inspired architecture, surrounded by fountains, trees, and babbling brooks, felt like a hidden paradise in the middle of Glendale. It’s a place that’s not only easy on the eyes but truly designed for collaboration and inspiration. After a good tour and a lot of laughs, we said our goodbyes, and I made my way to Sherman Oaks for the next meetup on my busy schedule.
Catching Up with Shondalia Over Shaved Ice
Next, I headed to meet up with Shondalia, an old friend from my Nickelodeon days. Back then, she was a Production Coordinator on several shows, but today, she’s a successful voice actor and comedian – a celebrity in her own right. I remember the days when she was recording on a $100 microphone with a makeshift soundproof setup; now she has a full studio at home. She’s come a long way, and I couldn’t be prouder.
We met up over shaved ice, which was a nostalgic throwback for us both. Shondalia is one of those people who radiates joy and keeps you laughing from the moment you sit down until you say goodbye. We chatted about life, work, and family, catching up on all that’s changed and all that hasn’t. Spending time with Shondalia always reminds me of the power of persistence and passion in carving out a successful career in the entertainment world. Her laughter is contagious, and it felt good to reconnect with someone who’s stayed true to themselves through all the ups and downs.
The Haunted Caravan: LA Halloween at Its Finest
After parting with Shondalia, I headed back to Dave and Jason’s place for one of my favorite LA traditions – the Haunted Caravan! Every Halloween, Dave organizes a tour of the best-decorated houses in the city, and this year’s lineup didn’t disappoint. We piled into a few cars, and Dave had a carefully mapped-out route of each stop. Our first stop? A Jurassic Park-themed house, complete with projected visuals, intricate props, and tons of detail. It was like stepping straight into the movie, with dinosaur roars echoing around us. Only in LA would you find a Halloween setup so elaborate and immersive.
From there, we toured a variety of houses, each with its own unique twist on Halloween, ranging from adorable to truly spooky. I’ve got to say, the creativity and dedication people put into their decorations here is on another level. By the time we made it through the last house, I was officially exhausted – but in the best possible way.
Hitting the Road to Utah
Friday morning came too soon, and I woke up to join my AJS group one last time from LA. After the main meeting, I had one-on-one sessions with a few participants, chatting about everything from homeschooling to documentary filmmaking. These conversations are such a unique part of the AJS group, and it’s always inspiring to see the range of topics and talents that come together here.
After that, it was time to pack up. I said my goodbyes to Dave and Jason, loaded up the car, and set off for Cedar City, Utah. The drive was peaceful, and by the time I arrived in Cedar City last night, I was ready to crash. This morning, I’ll be back on the road, making my way to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It’s going to be a scenic drive, and I can’t wait to see what’s next on this adventure.
If you could pick one stop from my past 24 hours – the DreamWorks Halloween party, shaved ice with Shondalia, the Haunted Caravan, or the peaceful drive to Utah – which would you join me for? Let me know!
2 thoughts on “Exploring DreamWorks Halloween Magic and LA’s Best Haunted Spots”
The peaceful scenic drive to UT…along the virgin River … no visits in Bryce or Zion canyons ??? I’m visiting in UT right now. Sister waller
Oh my gosh – Bryce and Zion are some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen! I have to conserve my money this trip, so I’m staying as few nights in hotels as I can along the way. Once I get to the northeast, I’ll be staying with friends and family and I’ll be able to really explore that area 🙂 Have an awesome time in Utah, Sister Waller!!