The year 2019 offered a variety of promotional items and digital resources for enthusiasts of the horror genre. These offers ranged from physical merchandise and collectibles to digital coloring pages and audiobook previews. Several brands and online platforms utilized freebies as a method of engagement, brand promotion, and community support. The available data highlights specific instances of Warner Bros. product giveaways, digital content from HorrorFam.com, and contest-based freebies within the Daz 3D community. Additionally, merchandise from Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights event provided collectible opportunities for attendees.
Warner Bros. Horror Product Promotions
Paladone, a design and manufacturer of licensed merchandise, secured the "Horror Product of the Year 2019" award at the Warner Bros. UK Partners event. This accolade recognized their range of horror products featuring characters and iconography from iconic horror movies such as IT, Gremlins, and Beetlejuice. While the specific mechanics of distributing free samples of these award-winning products are not detailed in the source material, the award highlights the availability of these licensed items in the market during 2019. The company noted that the range was developed by a team of designers who were fans of the horror genre, aiming to create "scariest, coolest and ‘most wanted’ horror gifts."
Digital Freebies and Community Resources
HorrorFam.com established itself as a primary source for 100% free digital content for the horror community. The platform explicitly states that all content on the page is free, with no obligation for users to provide payment, though they offer Patreon and PayPal links for voluntary support.
The Quarantine Cookbook and Audiobook Previews
During the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020 (referenced in the context of the site's offerings), HorrorFam.com released "The Quarantine Cookbook" to assist online users with cooking and feeding themselves without relying on takeout. Additionally, the site offered a horror-fantasy novel as a free audiobook preview, specifically providing the first four chapters for listeners to enjoy while sheltering in place.
Printable Coloring Pages
To help users relax and reduce stress, HorrorFam.com provided printable coloring pages featuring the site's mascots. These were distributed as full-page PDF files, allowing users to print and color the images in any manner they chose. The site encouraged users to subscribe to their newsletter to receive notifications regarding new freebies and updates.
Daz 3D Community Contest Freebies
In October 2022, the Daz 3D forums hosted a "Freebie Challenge" centered around the theme of "Horror Movies!" While this event occurred after 2019, it reflects the ongoing availability of free digital assets for 3D rendering within the horror genre. The challenge required participants to use a minimum of five freebies in their rendered images.
Eligibility and Rules
The rules for the Daz 3D contest allowed for specific types of freebies to be counted toward the challenge requirements. A "freebie" was defined as an item offered for free for the entire month, with an exception made for Daz Bi-Weekly Freebies. These bi-weekly freebies were allowed throughout the month they were free and the month following their release, effectively allowing a two-month window of eligibility. If a freebie was broken down into multiple downloads or parts, it counted as a single freebie.
Allowed Assets
Participants were permitted to use base figures, including Gen 2, 3, 4, and Genesis 1, 2, 3, as well as general morph packs like Morphs++. These base assets did not count toward the limit of purchased items or the minimum count of freebies. The contest allowed the use of all DAZ 3D programs, including Bryce, Carrara, Daz Studio, Hexagon, and Poser.
Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise and Collectibles
Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights in 2019 offered guests various opportunities to commemorate their experience through merchandise and themed food items. While these were primarily retail purchases rather than free samples, the event featured exclusive collectibles and collaborations that were highly sought after by horror fans.
Exclusive Collaborations and Collectibles
Acclaimed graffiti artist Tristan Eaton and apparel brand The Hundreds collaborated to create exclusive "Universal Monsters" themed merchandise. This collection included skateboards, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and tote bags. Additionally, "retro chic" items were available, such as VHS tapes containing themed socks, "Ghostbusters" Slimer replicas, "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" cotton candy props, and "Creepshow" masks.
Themed Food Items
For culinary enthusiasts, the event featured unique food items inspired by the horror themes. Specifically, a "Killer Klowns from Outer Space"-inspired Kotton Kandy Cocoon Doughnut was available. This item was described as a yeast-raised, raspberry-filled doughnut topped with pink vanilla frosting, encased in pink cotton candy, and garnished with a swirly straw.
Horror Gift Guides and Retail Trends
Various publications in 2019, including Syfy and Fun.com, released gift guides catering to horror fans. These guides highlighted the demand for horror-related products beyond movies, including clothing, figures, and pop culture memorabilia.
Clothing and Apparel
Gift guides featured horror-themed apparel, such as custom knit sweaters replicating the design worn by Danny Torrance in The Shining, and T-shirts celebrating directors like Ari Aster and films such as Midsommar. These items were often sourced from platforms like Etsy, indicating a strong market for independent and custom horror merchandise.
Action Figures and Pop Culture Collectibles
Fun.com highlighted a range of horror action figures and pop culture gifts, including Funko POP! figures for Stranger Things (such as the Demogorgon and Bruce) and Godzilla collectibles like the 2019 Hyper Solid Series Burning Godzilla. These items were positioned as ideal gifts for horror-loving friends and family, catering to both adult collectors and fans of specific franchises.