Turning Rain Into a Marketing Opportunity
At Fear Factory, one of our ongoing operational challenges is weather—specifically rain. Historically, rainy nights brought a noticeable dip in attendance, despite the consistent quality of our show. Rather than let the forecast dictate our turnout, we saw an opportunity to rewrite the narrative.
Working closely with our creative marketing partner, FearWorm, we developed a brand-new, rain-exclusive character: Lady Portland. Inspired by the site’s real history—the original Portland Cement Factory—Lady Portland emerges only when the skies open up. Mysterious, regal, and ghostly, she brings an eerie elegance that is entirely unique to rainy nights.
This weather-dependent character created an entirely new layer of FOMO: fans began watching the forecast, hoping for a chance to encounter Lady Portland in person. From teaser content to live interactions on-site, she not only kept us on-brand but deepened the storytelling of our haunted attraction—turning rainy nights into can’t-miss events.
Key Takeaways
Increased social buzz and engagement around rainy weekends.
Created exclusive photo ops and lore for guests lucky enough to visit during a storm.
Reinforced our commitment to immersive storytelling while solving a real business problem.
Lady Portland is a perfect example of how character creation, historical nods, and strategic marketing can turn a challenge into a fan-favorite moment.