Business of Fright: Haunted houses cash in on Halloween

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It's that time of the year again -- when people throughout the West aim to bring out their inner vampire, ghost, or goblin. Halloween season is big business in the United States. And who better to put a spell on us -- than CGTN's Jim Spellman.

In the woods outside Washington DC. There are ghouls on the loose! It's a massive Halloween attraction called Field of Screams- four trails of haunted houses. I decide to investigate.

The walls are shaking, there are shrieks and screams, some of them mine. The actors wear elaborate costumes and creepy make-up.

"A big part of this experience is you never know when the next scare is gonna happen."

It's spooky, but its also a lot of fun. Part of the booming business of Halloween.

MICHAEL LADO FIELD OF SCREAMS, MARYLAND "It's really become a phenomenon. And it's only getting bigger and bigger and bigger."

Michael Lado is artistic director of Field of Screams Maryland. He designs the sets and props creating the storylines that thousands will experience each weekend night in the month or so leading up to Halloween.

MICHAEL LADO FIELD OF SCREAMS, MARYLAND "They come for the excitement of the four attractions, getting to see something different, getting to be part of their own little horror movie."

It's a great selfie opportunity. There's also food and bonfires -- perfect for a pre-Halloween date night.

According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween is a nine billion dollar a year industry in the U.S.

With people spending money on costumes and candy, pumpkins and parties, one in five will visit a haunted house like this.

MICHAEL LADO FIELD OF SCREAMS, MARYLAND "Halloween has become its own little economy."

The attractions are spine tingling, but there are as many laughs as screams.

"It was pretty good. You know terrified. Thought we were going to die at one point and suffocate, but we made it out ha ha."

"Compared to the fear we all experience in everyday life, it's good to come here and have some scares you could laugh at sometimes."

But just when you think it's safe.

MICHAEL LADO FIELD OF SCREAMS, MARYLAND "You see someone coming off the trails running for their lives. I take pride in that. The actors have done that to them. The actors have utilized the spaces you created, the props and left an impression or set the mood and tone. It's really exciting."

Jim Spellman, CGTN, Olney, Maryland.