Custom Madame Leota Gown materializes in photos and video

in Artwork, Disney, Haunted Attractions

Madame Leota

Inside the Magic, readers are sure to recognize this custom Madame Leota Gown which was created in honor of the Haunted Mansion’s 50th Anniversary. Now, just in time for Halloween, we’re thrilled to share the world premiere of an exciting video and photoshoot for which this ghostly garment was created.

Not only did filmmaker Raiya Corsiglia summon the costume spirits (aka Firefly Path) for this ghostly great treat, she also produced a chilling and ethereal photoshoot, and behind the scenes video too! For these paranormal powered productions Raiya portrays Madame Leota and her cosplay partner, Benjamin K. Wallace takes credit for the “Haunted Hatbox” (Hatbox Ghost).

Spirits have indeed received our sympathetic vibrations. They’ve assembled for a wickedly wonderful, yet haunting surprise. Step aside hitchhiking ghosts, the creepy-cool creative team at Corsiglia Films cleverly captured a pair of grim grinning ghosts. Inside the Magic has the thrill of exclusively debuting these hot and cold running chills just in time for a perfectly haunted Halloween!

“Benjamin (Wallace) and I both had wonderful childhood memories of Disneyland and the Haunted Mansion. As for myself, I was always fascinated by Madame Leota. Who was she? Who had she been before she lost her head? She appeared to be the heart of the Haunted Mansion and always has been for me.” Raiya Corsiglia

Madame Leota Gown close up

More than just a commissioned Madame Leota Gown

We already know that Raiya commissioned this enchanting Madame Leota costume from the terror-ifically talented team at Firefly Path. However, that cosplay creation was only the beginning. With plans for both a photoshoot and video production, much more was needed to complete both projects.

Leota’s locks, for example, took on a rather familiar, yet haunted, form. “I wanted the hair to pay homage to the Madame Leota in the Magic Kingdom so the front part of the style is a tribute to that.” -Raiya Corsiglia

A person wearing a purple dress

Madame Leota Gown - crystal2

Madame Leota Gown Throne close up

Paranormal props were also in demand for this grave undertaking. “Madame Leota needed her special props for the photoshoot/video as well, mainly her crystal ball (that ball was 10 pounds of solid crystal. Hard to wave around!) Also, her bell, tambourine, trumpet, throne and her raven (it’s hard to see him, but he’s there!) We even have the hat box from the “Hatbox Ghost” as a tribute to the Haunted Mansion. The hat box was made from scratch by Benjamin K. Wallace.” -Raiya Corsiglia

A woman wearing a costume

Madame Leota Gown - Throne

One prominent prop, however, has yet to materialize. An even more impressive throne is in the works, thanks to the supernatural skills of Benjamin K Wallace. Leota, the ghost host of this shoot, will soon receive a regal, hand-carved throne. This majestic mansion masterpiece offered the perfect perch for the cosplay collaboration. Such is the detail delivered, the work of art upstages the very chairs with the ballroom of the infamous haunted attraction.

Madame Leota photoshoot yields behind the scenes video

Raiya shed some insight on the amazing Haunted Mansion inspired imagery:

“It was my goal that the color palette of the photos would reflect the color palette of the Haunted Mansion. For this reason, the gown was designed with purples and blacks with the lighting design with blue and teal with added gold candlelight for the video.

My photographer was Elizabeth Elder. There is a dreamlike, fantastical beauty to her work that almost feels like paintings. I felt her style would lend itself well to the fantasy, spirit world I wanted to create.”

Dearly departing thoughts

Inside the Magic would like to thank the cast and crew of this eerie and exciting endeavor. Riaya and her talented team’s passion clearly shines in both the photoshoot and behind the scenes video. From costume concept to final cosplay pictures features, the project pays perfect tribute to Disney’s beloved haunted ride. Inside the Magic is delighted to bring this exclusive first look. However, the entire collection of spellbinding images materializes on the Corsiglia Films website very soon.

A person wearing a costume

Madame Leota Gown in fog

A person standing next to a forest

“We had a great time that day. It was a super small crew. Me, Ben, Elizabeth, Kelton, Landon and Alexandra playing with lights and a fog machine in our backyard in LA, eating poke bowls and ice cream. And me, feeling like it was Christmas, Easter and the Fourth of July all rolled into one because I finally got to see what I had always imagined Madame Leota to look like.” Raiya Corsiglia

Madame Leota

A person wearing a purple dress

A suitable epitaph

To give credit where credit is due – below is a full list of cast and crew responsible for this haunted haven of creepy-cool cosplay costume creativity:

VIDEO:

Director/Producer: Raiya Corsiglia

Co-Producer: Benjamin K. Wallace

Cinematographer|FX: Landon Donoho 

Editor: Raiya Corsiglia

Photographer: Elizabeth Elder 

Production Assist: Alexandra Prigge

Madame Leota Gown: Firefly Path

Makeup Design: KeltonFX

Wig Design: Jessica Mills 

Haunted Hatbox: Benjamin Wallace 

Madame Leota: Raiya Corsiglia

Creative Director: Raiya Corsiglia

Co-Producer: Benjamin K. Wallace

Photographer: Elizabeth Elder 

Production Assist: Alexandra Prigge

Madame Leota Gown: Firefly Path

Makeup Design: KeltonFX

Wig Design: Jessica Mills 

Haunted Hatbox: Benjamin Wallace 

Madame Leota: Raiya Corsiglia

Want to see more magic from Corsiglia Films? Check out their Disney princess-inspired Little Mermaid music video.

Source and images: Raiya Corsiglia

in Artwork, Disney, Haunted Attractions

Comments Off on Custom Madame Leota Gown materializes in photos and video